KATHMANDU: The seventh day of Bada Dashain, known as Fulpati, is being observed across Nepal today, with devotees performing religious rituals and bringing auspicious offerings into their homes as celebrations of the country’s biggest Hindu festival gather momentum.
Fulpati, which comprises sacred flowers, leaves, fruits and other auspicious items, is ceremonially placed in the Dashain Ghar, or designated worship room, as part of the traditional observances. The ritual symbolizes prosperity, well-being and the blessings of Goddess Durga.
In Kathmandu, Fulpati is traditionally brought from Jamal to Hanumandhoka Durbar in a ceremonial procession featuring Vedic rituals and military honours. The procession includes the Gurujyuko platoon of the Nepal Army, Nepal Police personnel, senior officials from the Armed Police Force and civil service, the Asha Gurja team, traditional panchebaja music, band performances and elaborately decorated kalsyoulis (auspicious vessels).
According to the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti (Nepal Calendar Determination Committee), there is no specific auspicious time, or muhurat, required to bring Fulpati into homes, allowing families to observe the ritual at a convenient time.
Although Bada Dashain begins with Ghatasthapana, the festival’s major celebrations traditionally gather momentum from Fulpati. The day marks an important phase of the festivities, with households preparing for worship, family reunions and the customary exchange of blessings.
As celebrations intensify, many people travel to their ancestral homes to celebrate with family members and receive blessings from elders and Goddess Durga Bhawani. Government offices and many private businesses also begin their festive closures around this period, enabling people to participate in religious ceremonies and family gatherings.
Bada Dashain is celebrated with prayers, offerings, family reunions and the tradition of receiving tika and jamara from elders on the festival’s main days. Fulpati holds particular cultural and religious significance as communities across the country come together to honour longstanding traditions and welcome prosperity and good fortune.
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