Major Festivals Which You Need To Know In Nepal
There are as many festivals in Nepal as there are days in a year. Blessed to be one of the most diverse countries in the world, almost every day Nepal and Nepalese are participating in some sort of festivals and celebrations.
Dashain
Dashain is Nepal’s most significant festival, celebrated with grandeur throughout the country. Known for symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, it honors the goddess Durga, who is revered for defeating the demon Mahishasura. Families come together to perform rituals and offer sacrifices of male goats, ducks, chickens, eggs, and coconuts to Durga. This fifteen-day celebration begins with Ghatasthapana, marking the planting of sacred barley seeds, which grow as an offering during the festival. The tenth day, Vijaya Dashami, is especially significant as it celebrates victory and the blessings of elders, with families receiving Tika—a mixture of rice, red vermillion, and yogurt.
One of the most cherished aspects of Dashain is its emphasis on family. Many Nepalis return to their hometowns or villages to celebrate with loved ones. For children, the festival is a time of joy, with large bamboo swings set up in fields and neighborhoods, and traditional kite-flying adding a playful spirit to the season. As the holiday proceeds, families feast together, enjoying a range of traditional dishes, including meat curries, sel roti, and other delicacies. Many believe these gatherings strengthen familial bonds and offer an opportunity for family members to seek forgiveness and express gratitude.
Dashain is also marked by public festivities, with numerous fairs, temple visits, and ritual ceremonies. Animal sacrifices, an ancient tradition in some families, are performed to honor Durga and seek her blessings for prosperity and protection. While some traditions are evolving, the core of Dashain remains deeply rooted in unity, respect for elders, and a reverence for Nepal’s cultural heritage. Across urban and rural landscapes alike, Dashain’s vibrant celebrations showcase the essence of Nepali identity and the enduring spirit of resilience and unity among Nepalis.
Tihar
Tihar, also known as the Festival of Lights, is Nepal’s second most significant festival, celebrated for five days right after Dashain. Each day is dedicated to honoring different animals and deities, reflecting the harmony between humans and nature in Nepali culture. The first day, known as Kaag Tihar, is dedicated to crows, believed to be the messengers of Yama, the god of death. People place food for crows on rooftops and window ledges, hoping to keep away bad omens. The second day honors dogs during Kukur Tihar, recognizing their loyalty and companionship, with flowers, tika, and special meals offered to them.
On the third day, Laxmi Puja, people worship the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, by cleaning and decorating their homes to invite prosperity. Houses are adorned with oil lamps, candles, and colorful rangoli designs at entrances to guide the goddess into their homes. The night is brightened with displays of lights and fireworks, making neighborhoods come alive with cheer. The fourth day is observed differently by different communities; while some honor oxen and perform Govardhan Puja, others celebrate the Newari festival of Mha Puja, focusing on self-purification and family unity.
Finally, Bhai Tika, the fifth and final day, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform a special ceremony for their brothers, applying tika and garlands, while brothers give gifts in return, wishing each other long life and protection. The deeply symbolic rituals of Tihar represent unity, prosperity, and the cultural connection between nature and humanity. Celebrated with dance, music, and lights, Tihar illuminates not only homes but also the spirit of kinship and joy across Nepal.
Chhath
Chhath is a unique and highly spiritual festival observed primarily in Nepal’s Terai region and by Nepalis of Maithili and Bhojpuri origins. This festival takes place on the sixth day following Tihar and is dedicated to worshiping the Sun god (Surya) for health, prosperity, and well-being. Unlike other festivals, Chhath is marked by strict fasting, abstinence, and purity rituals. Devotees, particularly women, fast for several days, often forgoing even water, and offer prayers at rivers and ponds, where they stand in water at sunrise and sunset to honor the Sun.
The festival involves several stages, including Nahai Khai, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya. Nahai Khai signifies purification, where devotees bathe in holy rivers and prepare traditional food offerings. The evening offerings, known as Sandhya Arghya, are made by standing in water with baskets of fruits, sweets, and seasonal produce to thank the setting Sun for life’s blessings. The festival concludes with Usha Arghya, where devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun, symbolizing gratitude for a new day filled with hope and renewal.
Chhath is not only a display of devotion but also a time of community bonding, with large groups gathering at riverbanks, ponds, and lakes across the Terai region and in Kathmandu’s Rani Pokhari. The serene yet vibrant gatherings, illuminated by earthen lamps and the scent of incense, create an atmosphere of peace and unity. Beyond its religious significance, Chhath fosters a strong sense of environmental reverence, as devotees clean local water sources and surround them with offerings, showing respect for nature as a vital part of life.
Lhosar
Lhosar, celebrated by several ethnic groups in Nepal such as the Gurung, Tamang, and Sherpa communities, marks the start of the Tibetan New Year. It typically falls in late December, February, or March, depending on the calendar of each community. Lhosar is a time of vibrant festivities filled with cultural displays, traditional dances, and elaborate rituals. People clean and decorate their homes to welcome positive energies, and traditional prayer flags are hoisted to spread blessings of peace and compassion. Community gatherings, especially in places like Boudhanath in Kathmandu, bring people together to celebrate with friends and family.
Each ethnic group celebrates Lhosar with distinct customs, adding to the festival’s diversity. The Tamang and Gurung communities often organize local fairs and cultural programs where traditional music and dances, such as the Tamang Selo, are performed. Sherpas often gather at monasteries, offering prayers and participating in masked dances that represent gods and demons. Traditional foods, including khapse (a deep-fried pastry) and various meat dishes, are enjoyed, and people wear their cultural attire, adding to the festive ambiance.
Lhosar is also a time to honor ancestors and reflect on personal and communal aspirations for the new year. The festival highlights themes of peace, love, and gratitude, and is rooted in Buddhist teachings of compassion and wisdom. Many people visit Buddhist monasteries to make offerings and seek blessings for the coming year. With its lively mix of social and spiritual activities, Lhosar is a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage and new beginnings in Nepal.
Basanta Panchami
Basanta Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja, marks the arrival of spring and is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, and the arts. Falling in January or February, it is especially meaningful for students and educators, who worship Saraswati to seek her blessings for wisdom and creativity. Schools, colleges, and universities across Nepal organize special ceremonies where books, pens, and musical instruments are placed at the goddess’s feet as symbols of reverence and dedication to learning.
In Kathmandu, a significant celebration takes place at the Swayambhunath and Hanuman Dhoka areas, where devotees gather to offer prayers and receive blessings. Yellow is the festival’s symbolic color, representing prosperity and energy, and people often dress in yellow attire and prepare yellow-colored foods, such as saffron rice. Families visit Saraswati temples, particularly in Kathmandu Valley, and children are encouraged to read or write their first letters, as it’s believed that starting an education on this day brings good fortune.
Basanta Panchami also marks the traditional end of winter and the beginning of warmer days. In Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, the arrival of spring is celebrated with a special ceremony where government officials, musicians, and the public gather to welcome the season. With a blend of personal and community worship, Basanta Panchami unites people in honoring knowledge and renewal while ushering in the hope and vibrancy of spring.
Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri, or the “Great Night of Shiva,” is a revered festival for Hindus across Nepal, celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. Taking place in February or March, it draws thousands of devotees, especially to the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, where people gather to offer prayers, meditate, and fast. The festival begins with an early morning bath and fasting, followed by day-long worship and night vigils at Shiva temples. Bonfires are lit, and devotees chant “Om Namah Shivaya” in reverence to the god of destruction and transformation.
The festival also attracts thousands of Sadhus (holy ascetics) from across Nepal and India who gather at Pashupatinath. Known for their ascetic practices, these Sadhus are easily recognizable with their ash-covered bodies and matted hair, adding a mystical element to the celebrations. Some devotees consume bhang (a drink made with cannabis) or smoke marijuana, which is considered sacred to Shiva, to reach a state of spiritual ecstasy. The temple area comes alive with music, dances, and religious hymns, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere.
Maha Shivaratri also holds significance as a celebration of balance, with Shiva representing the ultimate equilibrium between destruction and creation. People of all ages and backgrounds visit Shiva temples across the country to pray for strength and spiritual growth. The festival’s emphasis on devotion, self-reflection, and community gathering underscores its deep cultural and spiritual importance, drawing people together in celebration of one of Hinduism’s most powerful deities.
Holi
Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated with enthusiasm and joy in Nepal as a mark of the arrival of spring. Taking place in March, the festival lasts for two days, with the first day celebrated in the Terai and the second day in Kathmandu and other hill regions. Known for its playful atmosphere, Holi involves people smearing colored powders on one another and throwing colored water. Streets are filled with laughter, music, and the splash of vibrant hues as people from all walks of life join in the celebrations, symbolizing unity and the breaking of social boundaries.
During Holi, families and friends gather to enjoy festive foods and drinks, such as sel roti and a traditional drink called “bhang” (made from cannabis and milk). Younger participants often use water balloons and squirt guns, adding a sense of excitement and mischief to the day. The festival also includes cultural programs with traditional music, dance, and singing, especially in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, where public squares and community centers host organized events.
Holi carries a deeper spiritual meaning, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, renewal, and the end of winter’s harshness. The festival has roots in Hindu mythology, specifically the story of Prahlad and the demoness Holika, who was vanquished by divine protection. For many, it is a time to forgive, mend relationships, and start anew. Holi brings people together, embracing diversity and joy, and celebrating life with color and laughter.
Ghode Jatra
Ghode Jatra, or the Festival of Horses, is an exciting cultural event celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley, with its main festivities held at Tundikhel. This unique festival is associated with warding off the demonic spirit of Gurumapa, a mythological figure believed to reside beneath the valley. To keep this spirit from rising, the Nepal Army organizes a grand horse race and stunt performances, attracting a large audience. The galloping horses and military parades reflect a mix of ancient folklore and contemporary nationalism, creating a spectacle that captivates both locals and visitors.
Ghode Jatra is celebrated with the Nepal Army showcasing their skills in horse riding, parachuting, and other displays of strength and discipline. Dignitaries, including the President and Prime Minister, attend the event, underscoring its importance as a symbol of national pride. The fast-paced horse races and various stunts by military personnel add a dynamic energy, embodying the courage and strength valued by Nepalese culture.
The festival also involves ceremonial blessings, with priests performing rituals for the safety and prosperity of the Kathmandu Valley. The roots of Ghode Jatra blend elements of Newar folklore with Nepal’s military traditions, making it a unique festival that emphasizes protection and vigilance. The vibrant performances and military precision make Ghode Jatra a thrilling experience, celebrated with reverence and pride.
Nepali New Year (Bisket Jatra)
Nepali New Year, celebrated on the first day of the month of Baisakh, is marked by the Bisket Jatra in the ancient city of Bhaktapur. This major festival involves the dramatic pulling of massive wooden chariots carrying idols of gods Bhairab and Bhadrakali through narrow streets, symbolizing the end of one year and the start of another. The chariot procession, featuring a tug-of-war between residents of different parts of the town, adds a thrilling competitive element to the celebration.
Bisket Jatra extends over several days, with various rituals, dances, and feasts. One of the highlights is the erection of a large wooden pole, symbolizing strength and prosperity, amidst loud cheers and music. The festival also includes traditional Newar dances, including masked dances, which are performed to honor the deities and invite blessings for the coming year. The celebrations attract both locals and tourists, who witness the unique cultural heritage of the Newar community.
Beyond Bhaktapur, the Nepali New Year is celebrated with gatherings, feasts, and special events throughout the country. People visit temples, exchange greetings, and make resolutions for the new year. Bisket Jatra is a blend of spirituality, competition, and community spirit, making it one of Nepal’s most iconic festivals and an exuberant start to the new year.
Buddha Jayanti
Buddha Jayanti, celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha, falls on the full moon day of Baisakh, usually in May. The festival holds immense significance for both Buddhists and Hindus, who honor Buddha as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Celebrations are most vibrant at Lumbini, Buddha’s birthplace, where pilgrims from around the world gather to pay respects and participate in rituals. Temples and monasteries are decorated with lights and prayer flags, and devotees perform acts of kindness, symbolizing Buddha’s teachings of peace and compassion.
In Kathmandu, the Tibetan enclave of Boudhanath becomes a focal point for Buddha Jayanti celebrations. Monks perform prayers, and the air resonates with the chanting of mantras and the scent of incense. Devotees release birds as a symbol of freedom and pray for world peace. Pilgrims make offerings of flowers, candles, and butter lamps, illuminating temples and stupas in Buddha’s honor.
Buddha Jayanti is not only a religious celebration but also a time for reflection on Buddha’s teachings of non-violence, tolerance, and mindfulness. Many people use this occasion to engage in charitable acts, supporting orphanages, feeding the poor, and providing free medical services. This day unites people of different beliefs in a common celebration of peace, making Buddha Jayanti a meaningful festival that reflects Nepal’s respect for diversity and spirituality.
Rato Machchhendranath Jatra
Rato Machchhendranath Jatra is one of Nepal’s longest and most elaborate festivals, celebrated in the city of Patan and dedicated to the deity Machchhendranath, the Newar god of rain and harvest. This festival, which takes place in April or May, involves the construction of a massive, tall chariot that houses the statue of Machchhendranath. The chariot is then pulled through the streets of Patan by enthusiastic crowds in a procession that spans several weeks. This centuries-old ritual is believed to bring good rainfall for the upcoming monsoon season, essential for Nepal’s agricultural productivity.
The procession has a spiritual and community-focused dimension, as people gather in large numbers to honor Machchhendranath and seek his blessings for a prosperous harvest. Different stops are made at various localities, with locals offering puja (prayers) and worshipping the deity as the chariot passes. Traditional Newar music and dance performances accompany the procession, adding to the festive spirit and vibrancy of the celebration.
The journey of the chariot through Patan and into nearby Bungamati, where the statue will reside until the next year, strengthens community bonds. The festival not only celebrates an important agricultural cycle but also highlights the devotion and rich cultural heritage of the Newar people. For both locals and visitors, Rato Machchhendranath Jatra is a mesmerizing display of tradition, faith, and the communal spirit of Nepal.
Naag Panchami
Naag Panchami is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Naag, the serpent deity. Celebrated in July or August during the monsoon season, this festival is observed to seek protection from snakes and other dangers, as well as to ensure good rainfall for crops. Pictures of Naag are posted on doors of houses, and offerings of milk, rice, and flowers are made to snake idols and images as a gesture of respect. In some rural areas, real snakes are worshipped by villagers who believe this will bring blessings and prevent harm.
In Kathmandu Valley, the festival is celebrated with rituals at temples dedicated to Naag, such as Naag Pokhari and Taudaha Lake. Devotees offer prayers and perform rituals to honor the serpent god, thanking him for safeguarding water sources and ensuring the balance of nature. The belief that snakes protect water resources has deep cultural roots, and this festival is a time to reflect on the importance of natural elements in sustaining life.
Naag Panchami also serves as a reminder of Nepal’s connection to its natural environment, especially during the rainy season when water is essential for agriculture. By showing reverence to Naag, the people of Nepal express their respect for ecological balance and harmony. The festival is both a cultural and environmental celebration, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all life forms in the natural world.
Janai Purnima
Janai Purnima, also known as the Sacred Thread Festival, is an important Hindu festival observed by Brahmin and Chhetri men who wear the “janai,” a sacred thread symbolizing purity and commitment to religious principles. This festival takes place in August, on the full moon day of the month of Shrawan. On this day, Hindu men renew their sacred threads in a ritual that reaffirms their dedication to moral and spiritual duties. This act is a mark of cleansing, spiritual renewal, and a recommitment to the values of Hinduism.
In addition to the sacred thread ritual, people of all backgrounds visit holy sites and perform rituals for health, prosperity, and protection. One popular site is the sacred pond of Gosaikunda in the Langtang region, where thousands of pilgrims undertake a challenging journey to bathe in the glacial lake. Pilgrims believe that immersing themselves in the holy waters of Gosaikunda absolves them of sins and brings blessings for the future.
Janai Purnima is also marked by the tradition of tying rakshya bandhan threads around the wrists of family members and friends. These threads symbolize protection and are often exchanged between siblings. The festival is a celebration of faith, family, and cultural identity, underscoring the importance of values, spiritual growth, and kinship in Nepali society.
Gai Jatra
Gai Jatra, or the Festival of Cows, is celebrated by the Newar community in Kathmandu Valley as a way to honor and remember family members who passed away in the preceding year. Held in August, the festival combines religious rituals, humor, and social commentary to address themes of mortality and remembrance. Cows, which are sacred in Hinduism, are paraded through the streets, as they are believed to guide the souls of the deceased to the afterlife. In cases where families cannot afford a cow, young boys dressed as cows take their place in the procession.
Gai Jatra also has a playful, satirical side, with people dressing up in costumes, performing street skits, and making fun of political and social issues. This tradition of satire is said to have been introduced by King Pratap Malla to help his queen overcome grief, and it has since evolved into a light-hearted yet meaningful way to process loss and bring relief to bereaved families. The festival allows people to address social and political issues openly through satire and comedy, fostering a sense of community.
The combination of solemnity and humor makes Gai Jatra unique among Nepali festivals. It serves as a reminder of the cycle of life and death, encouraging people to celebrate life, remember loved ones, and confront societal issues in a communal setting. The festival’s blend of remembrance, laughter, and reflection provides a cultural space for collective healing and expression.
Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism, known for his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita. Celebrated in August or September, the festival includes fasting, devotional singing, and visiting Krishna temples. Krishna Janmashtami is particularly grand at the Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square, where devotees gather in large numbers to chant prayers, sing hymns, and offer flowers and sweets.
The festival often includes dramatic reenactments of scenes from Krishna’s life, depicting his childhood mischief, his role as a divine protector, and his wisdom as a guide in the epic Mahabharata. Devotees sing devotional songs called “bhajans” throughout the night to celebrate Krishna’s midnight birth, and some fast until dawn. Many devotees also decorate their homes and Krishna temples with lights, garlands, and idols, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Krishna Janmashtami celebrates love, devotion, and wisdom, qualities embodied by Krishna. Through prayers, stories, and festivities, devotees connect with his teachings on compassion and justice. This festival serves as a reminder of the values of dharma (righteousness) and bhakti (devotion) and brings people together in a joyous celebration of one of Hinduism’s most cherished deities.
Teej
Teej is a festival celebrated by Nepali women to pray for the long life of their husbands and a happy married life. Observed primarily by Hindu women in August or September, Teej is marked by fasting, singing, dancing, and dressing in red saris. Married and unmarried women gather in temples, particularly at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, to worship Lord Shiva and seek his blessings for marital bliss. The festival spans three days, each with its unique rituals and significance.
The first day, called “Dar Khane Din,” involves women feasting on a variety of delicious foods in preparation for the next day’s fast. On the second day, women observe a strict fast, abstaining from food and water, as a testament to their devotion and commitment to marital happiness. On the third day, women bathe in holy rivers, symbolizing purification, and perform rituals to honor the goddess Parvati, who represents loyalty and dedication in marriage.
Teej is also a time for women to come together in celebration, sharing stories, dancing, and singing traditional songs about their lives and relationships. Beyond religious devotion, Teej allows women to express their hopes, struggles, and aspirations, fostering a sense of sisterhood. It is both a cultural and spiritual festival that honors marriage, community, and the resilience of women.
Rishi Panchami
Rishi Panchami is celebrated by Hindu women immediately following Teej as a day of cleansing and penance. It is dedicated to the “Sapta Rishis” or Seven Great Sages, and women observe rituals to purify themselves from any sins they may have unintentionally committed, particularly those related to traditional religious customs. Women take ritual baths in sacred rivers or ponds, often early in the morning, and apply a paste of mud and sacred herbs to cleanse and purify their bodies.
Rishi Panchami is particularly significant for women, as it provides a space for them to observe spiritual rites, offering prayers and thanks to the sages. The day involves fasting and abstaining from certain foods, and women wear clean, simple clothing as a symbol of humility and respect. Many women also visit temples to offer prayers, fruit, and other symbolic items as homage to the Sapta Rishis.
The festival reflects themes of purification, respect for traditional values, and spiritual renewal. By honoring the sages, women seek blessings for a harmonious life and a fresh start. Rishi Panchami serves as a reminder of the importance of spirituality and discipline, connecting women to Nepal’s cultural roots and values.
