Nepal is genuinely the Land of Festivals, with over 50 major festivals and more than 100 regional festivals celebrated throughout the year. The nation encompasses a beautiful mix of Hindu, Buddhist, and indigenous communities; cultural diversity means that each religion has its own unique festivals and customs surrounding them. These festivals not only consist of rituals but include gatherings of people experiencing joy and harmony as part of their shared dates.
The festivals reflect the people's deep spiritual connection and colorful unity among different ethnic groups. Because of this diversity, Nepal also enjoys one of the highest numbers of public holidays across the world; most of which are rooted in these festivals. From Dashain, the largest festival in the country symbolizing good over evil to Tihar, another festival of light and the oblique Holi, each festival has its own cultural interest. Everything in the same manner, Buddha Jayanti stands forth as another important Buddhist festival marking the birth of our Lord Buddha.
If you have been asking yourself what the main festival of Nepal is or want to know what the festivals of Nepal are most popular, this blog covers all things you need to know. Here, we have provided a list of the top 10 major festivals in Nepal, as well as some detail about their history and customs, and how you can experience them when you visit.
Dashain and Tihar
- Biggest festival of Nepal
Nepal is famous for its colorful festivals, and Dashain and Tihar are the two biggest festivals in the country. Dashain, or Vijaya Dashami, is a Hindu festival celebrating the Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura, which represents the victory of good over evil. It is typically celebrated in September or October, and lasts for 15 days. The first day of the Dashain festival is called Ghatasthapana, when barley seeds are sown to grow into jamara, which is barley grass used during the rituals of Dashain. There are several key days to note throughout the festival, including Fulpati, Maha Ashtami, and Dashami. On Dashami, elders of the family worship the young family members by placing tika on their foreheads and offering blessings. Dashain is a time to come together as a family, perform rituals, and celebrate cultural practices and traditions throughout the country of Nepal.
After Dashain, Tihar, also known as the Festival of Lights, is held for five days in October or November. Each day is dedicated to an entity or relationship; Day 1 honors crows, Day 2 honors dogs, Day 3 honors cows and Goddess Laxmi, Day 4 oxen, and Day 5 honors siblings (Bhai Tika). To celebrate, homes are decorated with lamps, or candles, and the floor with rangoli text. People pray, eat together, and give gifts, which represent wealth, respect, and family connections.
Sister worshiping her brother during Bhai Tika (Tihar festival), applying tika and blessing with flowers
Dashain and Tihar, collectively, provide a distinct perspective into the Nepalese culture, traditions, and values of family. If you are trekking in Nepal between October to November, you will also be able to witness these two special occasions while experiencing colorful rituals, beautifully decorated homes, foods, and the happy nature of the Nepalese people.
Buddha Jayanti
- Birthday of Lord Buddha
Buddha Jayanti is a significant Buddhist festival in Nepal that marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Gautam Buddha. It is celebrated by Buddhists all over the country, but particularly in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, as well as in monasteries and stupas across Nepal.
Buddha Jayanti is observed in April or May, on the full moon day of the lunar month of Vaisakha. On this day, devotees spend their day at monasteries and stupas praying, lighting butter lamps, and releasing birds which represent peace and compassion. Pilgrimage typically involves going to Lumbini to pay homage to Buddha, while monasteries are decorated and teachings of Buddha are shared with the surrounding community.
The festival focuses on themes of peace, compassion, and spiritual awakening, allowing individuals to reflect on the lessons of Lord Buddha and inspire them to live morally and in harmony with their community. If you travel to Nepal in April or May, you can enjoy this Buddhist festival of Nepal, with vibrant rituals, prayers, and culturally rich ceremonies, especially in places such as Lumbini, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath which are all the UNESCO heritage sites of Nepal.
Holi / Fagu Purnima
- Festival of colours
Holi is one of the most popular festivals in Nepal that is celebrated with splashes of colors, music, and happiness. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Holi animatedly across Nepal with special celebration in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and in the Terai region, is one of the most colorful and fun festivals in Nepal.
Holi occurs in late February or March, on the full moon of Falgun month. On the day of Holi, people come together in public places, the streets, and courtyard, to throw colored powders and water at each other, sing, dance, and eat festival food. The fun of Holi is supplemented with religious rituals, the bonfire that occurs on the eve of Holi celebrating Holika Dahan, and propitious celebration of the burning of evil.
People celebrating Holi festival, covered in colorful powder, smiling and enjoying the festivities.
Holi has importance not only as a celebration of happiness, unity and the victory of good over evil, but also for the opportunity for families and friends to come together, pardon old grievances and further enhance their association. So many visitors have enjoyed celebrating Holi in Nepal by getting involved in powder fights that cover everyone in color, by experiencing traditional dancing and eating the yummy sweets made specifically for Holi, that it is such a wonderful cultural experience.
Experiencing a festival in Nepal is like a cultural trip, as you will enjoy the rich traditions, ceremonies, and celebrations of the country. Whether it is Holi, Dashain, or Tihar, you can combine festivals with your treks and tours to enjoy the beauty of nature and the culture of the country all together. Make your journey memorable by using the festival calendar to plan your trip. Contact us to create your own travel experience of adventure and culture.
Teej
- The festival designated for women
Teej is a significant festival in Nepal, mostly celebrated by women. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and her union with Lord Shiva and is a day for praying for the health and longevity of husbands and happiness in the marriage. Teej is particularly observed in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the rural hills, where women participate in the practices and festivities.
Teej falls in August or September, on the third day of the waxing lunar fortnight of the month of Bhadra. On Teej, women wear red sarees or traditional clothing, wear bangles and mehendi (henna), and fast without food or water all day. Women gather in groups to sing, dance, and pray, and visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva (like Pashupatinath Temple).Teej highlights women's devotion, strength, and connections with each other.
Shiva Ratri
- Night of Lord Shiva
Shiva Ratri, or Mahashivaratri, is a significant Hindu festival of Nepal celebrating one of the main gods, Lord Shiva. The festival is celebrated with great devotion across the country, but especially at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, where thousands of pilgrims and visitors attend each year.
Shiva Ratri typically occurs in February or March on the 14th night of the dark lunar fortnight of the month of Magh, and followers of the temple usually fast, chant prayers, and stay awake all night in honor of Lord Shiva. Special rituals are performed in the temples with bilva leaves, flowers, and milk. In large numbers, sadhus (holy men) attend Pashupatinath to perform their spiritual dances and rituals, to add to the festival's vibrant cultural scene.
Shivaratri celebration at Pashupatinath temple with large crowds along the riverbanks at evening.
The festival itself represents spiritual energy, devotion, and victory of light over darkness. Hundreds of visitors to Nepal have watched, and been amazed witnessing the celebration of Shiva Ratri, with night-long praying services, temple rituals, and the lively spiritual atmosphere, which makes visiting this festival a cultural experience.
Maghe Sankrati
- Harvest and Sun Festival
Maghe Sankranti is a festival celebrated in Nepal that marks the winter solstice, when the sun begins to journey northward (Uttarayana), an indication that the coldest days are behind us and longer, warmer days are ahead. It is celebrated by populations throughout the Terai, hilly, and some Himalayan parts of Nepal, and is associated with agriculture, health practices, and spiritual observances.
Maghe Sankranti is predominantly celebrated on the first day of the month of Magh on the Nepali calendar (roughly mid-January). The festival has religious, cultural, and agricultural significance. From a religious view, it is said that taking a holy bath in rivers and performing prayers on this day brings prosperity and washes away sins. Culturally, Maghe Sankranti is a time for families to gather and make food that is seasonal, such as til (sesame seeds), ghee, molasses, sweet potatoes, yam, and radish, assumed to provide the human body nourishment, keep it warm during the cold weather, and provide health benefits. Agriculturally, it signifies the end of the harvest season and a preparation period for the next crop cycle.
Maghe Sankranti also has historical and regional significance. In some communities, such as the Tharu people of Terai, Maghe Sankranti is celebrated as the New Year (for some communities), which brings fairs, cultural performance, and community gatherings or gathering of friends and relatives.
Indra Jatra
- Festival of God Indra/ Rain god
Indra Jatra is an important festival of Nepal, which is celebrated mainly by the Newar people of the Kathmandu Valley. The festival is dedicated to Lord Indra, the Hindu deity, god of rain and heaven, and announces the onset of autumn festival season. Indra Jatra includes religious rituals, cultural performances, and public celebrations while showcasing the festival culture of the Kathmandu Valley.
Indra Jatra is typically held in September and takes place in the week of the full moon of the lunar month Bhadra. The festival lasts eight days, but the main events occur in and around Kathmandu Durbar Square. A key event of Indra Jatra is the procession of the living goddess, or Kumari, who parades around the city on a chariot. Other notable activities include Lakhey dances, which are masked dances performed to chase away evil spirits, and the erection of large wooden poles called Yosin in public squares as part of traditional rituals.
Kumari goddess procession during Indra Jatra festival with the living goddess in traditional red attire.
Indra Jatra is also linked to agricultural and community aspects of life as the festival historically sought the blessings of Indra for quality rains and a successful harvest. The festival is recognized not only for its religious significance but also for the vibrant Newar culture of music and prominent artistic and creative expressions presented to the festival to be engaging and fun for the Nepalese people and the observers studying Nepalese festivals.
Janai Purnima
- Sacred Thread Festival / Rakshya Bandhan
Janai Purnima is a major Hindu celebration in Nepal; it is referred to as the Sacred Thread Festival to signify its intended purpose. This festival is centered around Hindu men who are the primary celebrants. On this day, celebrating men often renew their janai, a sacred thread that is worn across the shoulder, as a sign of purity and spiritual commitment. In addition, Janai Purnima coincides with an observed day for Rakshya Bandhan; this is a holiday where sisters tie protective threads on their brothers' wrists. It is common for the sisters to be married, and such act strengthens the family bond amongst siblings.
Janai Purnima typically falls in late July, early August, on a full moon, the month of Shrawan. On the day of Janai Purnima, men visit temples dedicated to Shiva, rivers, or other holy sites to change their janai while praying and performing rituals genuinely intended to bring peace and protection following their renewal of janai. Families also prepare food associated with the festival, such as kwati, sprouted lentils. The preparation and ingestion of this food over the following days after Janai Purnima is also believed to symbolize health and prosperity.
Sacred thread tied on hand during Janai Purnima festival with decorative ornaments
Finally, Janai Purnima is culturally important, reminding the community of familial relationships, spiritual discipline, relationship with each other, and social obligation. Janai Purnima is a festival observed throughout temples and sacred rivers in Nepal, and two prominent celebration locations include Kumbheshwar in Lalitpur or Gosaikunda in Rasuwa.
Shree Krishna Janmastami
- Birthday of Lord Krishna
Shree Krishna Janmashtami is a significant Hindu holiday in Nepal that marks the birth of lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of lord Vishnu. This holiday is celebrated throughout the nation with great piety, especially in areas with a high population of Hindus including Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and other towns in the Kathmandu Valley.
Janmashtami falls in either August or September, on or about the eighth day of the dark lunar fortnight of the month of Bhadra. Devotees are observed fasting, singing bhajans (devotional hymns), and visiting Krishna temples. One of the most important rituals is the Dahi Handi ceremony, where a pot of yogurt or butter is suspended at an elevated height with groups of people forming a human pyramid to smash the pot, re-enacting playful childhood stories about Krishna’s antics. Homes and temples are decorated and prayers are rendered both day and night.
Crowds celebrating Krishna Janmashtami at Patan temple with devotees gathered in the courtyard.
Gai Jatra
- Festival of Remembrance
Gai Jatra is a distinctive Hindu festival of Nepal mainly celebrated by the Newars of the Kathmandu Valley. Referred to as the Festival of Cows, Gai Jatra is aimed at remembering and honoring family members who died in the past year. This festival is a mix of religious rituals and humor, along with cultural performances that help everyone deal with grief and celebrate life.
Gai Jatra usually takes place in August or September on the full moon day of Bhadra. Families that have lost loved ones carry out the processions through the streets, with participants often dressed as cows, which is consistent with the belief that cows help the deceased soul reach paradise. In addition to regular participants, people attracted to the noise, laughter, and excitement might also join in. People perform satire dances, humorous dances, compete in humorous plays, and see cultural performances to more light-heartedly shift from grief and bring the community together.
People celebrating Gai Jatra festival with performers wearing traditional masks and costumes.
Although these well-known festivals are celebrated throughout Nepal, you will have opportunities to participate in exciting local festivals during your treks in the Himalayas. These local festivals are unique experiences for participants, and some of the best include the Mani Rimdu Festival in the Everest region (October or November), the Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang (in May), and the Dumji Festival in Namche Bazaar (in June). If you would like to plan your trek in accordance with one of these local festivals, please get in touch with us and we will be happy to help plan and customize your trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the major festival of Nepal?
Dashain is the major festival of Nepal, which is celebrated by Hindus throughout the nation to represent the victory of virtue over evil. Dashain is Nepal's largest and longest festival, observed for approximately 15 days.
How many different festivals are there in Nepal?
Every year, more than 50 significant national celebrations and over 100 local or regional celebrations are observed in Nepal, which reflects the complex ethnic and religious communities across the nation.
What are some of the most popular festivals in Nepal?
Some of the most famous festivals in Nepal include Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Buddha Jayanti, Indra Jatra, Maghe Sankranti, Teej, and Lhosar.
What is the largest festival in Nepal?
The biggest or largest festival in Nepal is called Dashain which unites families to receive blessings, eat feasts and celebrate over two weeks.
Which are the major Buddhist festivals in Nepal?
The primary Buddhist festivals are Buddha Jayanti, Lhosar (the New Year of the Tamang, Sherpa, and Gurung ethnicities), and Mani Rimdu, which is celebrated in monasteries in the Everest region.
Why does Nepal have so many holidays?
Nepal has one of the highest number of holidays out of all the countries in the world because of its religious and cultural diversity, with a number of variations on holidays throughout the year.
Can tourists experience festivals while visiting Nepal?
Yes, travelers are welcome to participate or just witness most of the holidays. And if their journey is aligned with major holidays like Holi, Tihar, or Indra Jatra, it will definitely be a more cultural experience.
When is the best time to experience festivals in Nepal?
The best time of year to experience major holidays in Nepal is from September until November, as this is when Dashain, Tihar, and many other important holidays will be occurring.
Conclusion
The various festivals of Nepal represent the ancient culture, traditions, and strong unification of various communities in Nepal. From Dashain to Tihar, Holi, and Buddha Jayanti, each festival carries its own specific meaning and form of observance.
Nepal observes 50 plus globally celebrated majors festivals, as well as more than 100 local festivals, every year. Nepal is certainly the Land of Festivals. Festivals unite people, color the atmosphere and provide the traveller with the opportunity for an up-close experience with Nepalese culture.
Visiting cities or trekking in the Himalayas, attending one of the festivals can enhance and color your trip to Nepal. If you would like to experience some of the most popular festivals in Nepal, you can plan your trip around the festival dates, or contact us and we can help customize your travel plans for both the culture and adventure.
.webp)
.webp)
-2.webp)