List of festivals in Nepal

Nepal stands as a unique example of a secular and multicultural nation where diverse festivals are joyfully celebrated within communities. In Nepal, individuals of varying religious backgrounds coexist in the same neighborhoods and societies, fostering a spirit of unity as they come together to share in the celebrations of a multitude of festivals, thus sharing their joys, happiness, and sorrows as a harmonious whole.
Dashain (Nepali: दशैं; Daśãi, also Baḍādaśhãin बडादशैं or Bijayā Daśamī Nepali: बिजया दशमी) is the 15-day-long festival and holidays of Nepal. It is the longest and the most auspicious festival in the Nepalese annual calendar, celebrated by Nepalese Hindu people throughout the globe. It is not only the longest festival of the country, but also the one which is most anticipated. As one of the popular countries, Nepal has its Hindu festival as Dashain. The festival falls in September or October, starting from the shukla paksha (bright lunar fortnight) of the month of Ashvin and ending on purnima, the full moon. Among the 10 days for which it is celebrated, the most important days are the first, seventh, eighth, ninth and the tenth, but tenth day is very important
Throughout the country Shakti is worshiped in all her manifestations. This festival is also known for its emphasis on the family gatherings, as well as on a renewal of community ties. People return from all parts of the world, as well as different parts of the country, to celebrate together. All government offices, educational institutions and other private offices remain closed during the festival and holidays period.
Significance
Dashain symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
For followers of Shaktism, it represents the bare victory of the goddess, Shakti. In Hindu mythology, the demon Mahishasura had created terror in the devaloka (the world where gods live ) but Durga killed the demon. The first nine days of Dashain symbolizes the battle which took place between the different manifestations of Durga and Mahishasura. The tenth day is the day when Durga finally defeated him. For other Hindus, this festival symbolizes the victory of Rama over Ravana as recounted in the Ramayana.
In Nepal all Hindu ethnic groups celebrate this festival with their own variation. Among the Newars, it is known as Swanti. The festival is celebrated from Trayodashi of Kartik Krishna to Kartik Shukla Dwitiya every year. Tihar in general signifies the festival of lights, where diyas are lit both inside and outside the houses to make it illuminate at night. The five-day festival is considered to be of great importance as it shows reverence to not just the humans and the Gods, but also to the animals such as crow, cow and dog, who maintain an intense relationship with the humans. People make patterns on the floor of living rooms or courtyards using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals outside of their house, called "Rangoli" which is meant to be sacred welcoming areas for the Hindu deities.
During the celebrations gamblers are found in the streets and some gamblers are known to make extreme bets such as staking their properties and some times their own daughters and wives' jewelry.
Tihar (Nepali: तिहार; also known as Deepawali and Yamapanchak or Swanti (Newar: स्वन्ती:)), is a five-day Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal. Tihar is analogous to the Indian festival of Diwali, the festival of lights, but with some significant differences. Like with Diwali, Tihar is marked by lighting diyas inside and outside the home but unlike the Indian festival, the five days of Tihar include celebration and worship of the four creatures associated with the Hindu god of death Yama, with the final day reserved for people themselves. According to the Vikram Samvat calendar, the festival begins with Kaag (crow) Tihar on Trayodashi of Kartik Krishna Paksha (the 13th day of the waning moon) and ends with Bhai (brother) Tika on Dwitiya of Kartik Sukla Paksha every year. In the Gregorian calendar, the festival falls sometime between October and November every year. In the Year 2023 A.D(2080 B.S), Tihar Starts From 11 November or 25th Of Kartik and ends on 15 November or 29th of Kartik. It is celebrated over Yamaraj taking the time out of his job over ruling his world and meeting his own sister, Yamuna.
On the fifth day of Yamapanchak, as part of the Tihar Festival, men visit the house of their sister's, where sister put a tika or mark on his forehead and a garland around his neck. Sisters pray for long and prosperous life of their brothers. The men then touches the feet of their sisters and whereby grand meal (Sel roti, sweetmeats and other enjoyable things to eat) is served by sisters to brothers in their house . In return she receives a gift of money, clothes or ornaments etc.
In context of Nepal, Chhath (Nepali: छठ, छठी, छठ पर्व, छठ पुजा, डाला छठ, डाला पुजा, सुर्य षष्ठी) is a festival of the Terai region of Nepal celebrated by the Nepalese people of Tharus, indigenous Bhojpuriyas, Maithils and other Madhesi ethnic groups in all the major parts of Nepal including Kathmandu, the capital city of the country. In modern days, Chhath is even celebrated in hills by the Pahari people. The government of Nepal declares the Public holidays all over Nepal during the Chhath festivals. It is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya and Chhathi Maiya (ancient Vedic Goddess Usha). The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes.
The Sun, considered the god of energy and of the life-force, is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. The rituals of the festival are rigorous and are observed over a period of four days. They include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water (Vratta), standing in water for long periods of time, and offering prashad (prayer offerings) and arghya to the setting and rising sun.
Biska Jatra (Biska Jatra) is an annually celebrated festival of Bhaktapur celebrated in the new year of Bikram Sambat. Different idols of gods and goddesses are placed in their chariot called "kha" and are taken to different parts of Bhaktapur. It is the second biggest festival of the people of Bhaktapur after Dashain. It is celebrated for more than a week in Bhaktapur. Grand feasts are organized in different parts of Bhaktapur. Similarly, in Madhyapur Thimi (a part of Bhaktapur) people celebrate this festival by smearing colors in each others. Another part of Thimi named Bode celebrates this festival with tongue-piercing of the resident belonging to a Shrestha family. Biska Jatra is also celebrated in places like Dhulikhel, Khadpu, Sanga and Tokha.
Bajra Yogini was originally celebrated by Buddhists but is also celebrated by Hindus on the 3rd of Baisakh. Her temple, Kharg yogini, is found at Manichur mountain, near Sankhu. During the week-long festival, a fire is burned in the vicinity of the temple near an image of a human head. An image of the goddess is placed in a khat (a wooden shrine) and carried through the town by the men. The famous festival Bajrayogini Fair is celebrated in Full-Moon Day. Inside the temple, the god is of red color having three eyes.
The Siti Jatra takes place on the 21st of Jeth, on the banks of the Bisnumati, between Kathmandu and Swoyambhunath. The people feast and afterwards divide into two teams to contest a stone throwing competition. The match was once a serious affair and anybody who was knocked down or captured by the other party was sacrificed to the goddess Kankeshwari. In modern times, however. it is a light hearted affair, mostly among the children.
This festival refers to the celebration of the expulsion of a Rakshasa or demon from the country, held on the 14th of Sawan. The Newars make a straw figure which they beat and drag around the streets. The figures are burned at sunset. On the same day people also wear iron metal as a belief to keep themselves away from demons.
The festival is celebrated twice a year, on the 8th of Sawan and the 13th of Bhadon. The Banras, priests of the Newar Buddhists visit each house and receive a small offering of grain or rice to commemorate their ancestors who were not permitted to trade. The Newars decorate their shops and houses with pictures and flowers and the women sit with large baskets of rice and grain to dispense to the Banras. it is celebrated at late night.
The Janai Purnima also known as Rakshyabandhan festival takes place on the full moon day of Shrawan i.e. Shrawan Purnima every year. In the year of 2080, it falls on 14th of Bhadra. It is celebrated by Hindus and other Hindu related religions like Buddhist, Jain, belonging to aumkaar (ॐ कार) family. The Buddhist bath in sacred streams and visit their temples and the Brahman priests offer an ornamental thread to the wrists of their followers and in return receive gifts. Many pilgrims visit Gosainkunda and bath at the sacred lake. Mainly the people of Brahmin and chettri community change the sacred around their neck.
Nag Panchami takes place on the 5th of Shrawan to commemorate the battle between Nag and Garur. The stone image of Garur at Changu Narayan is said to perspire during the festival and priests are sent to wipe the perspiration off with a handkerchief. They later present it to the king and water is used to make it into a snake bite remedy, despite the fact that there are few snakes inhabiting Nepal. There is a belief that nag panchami is the day of welcoming the other festivals in the Nepal.
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on the 8th of Bhadon, in memory of Lord Krishna. Shops and houses are adorned in celebration.
Losar or Lochhar is the festival celebrated by Tamang, Gurung, Sherpa and other Himalayan communities of Nepal. Sonam Lhosar is celebrated by the Tamangs, Gyalpo Lhosar by the Sherpas and Tamu Lhosar is celebrated by the Gurungs.
Gai Jatra is a Newar festival held in the month of Bhadra. Newars who have lost loved ones during the year traditionally disguised themselves as cows and danced around the palace of the king. However, in modern times, the ceremony is performed only as a masked dance with the singing of songs. Gaijatra, the festival of cows, (gai means cow and jatra means festival in Nepali: गाईजात्रा, and Nepal Bhasa: सापारु) is celebrated in Nepal, mainly in Kathmandu valley by the Newars. It is also a grand festival in Jumla, celebrated by people of all caste . The festival commemorates the death of people during the year. During the festival, cows are marched in the streets and generally celebrated in the Nepalese month of Bhadra (August–September).
It falls on the 1st day of the dark fortnight of Gunla according to the lunar Nepal Era calendar. Peoples also distributes food to others. The festival of cows is one of the most popular festivals of Nepal. The whole complex of Gaijatra festival has its roots in the ancient ages when people feared and worshiped Yamaraj, the god of death. However, the ironic sessions synonymous with the Gaijatra festival entered the tradition in the medieval period of Nepal during the reign of the Malla Kings. Hence, the present form of Gaijatra is a happy blending of antiquity and the medieval era. According to the traditions since time immemorial, every family who has lost one relative during the past year must participate in a procession through the streets of Kathmandu leading a cow. If a cow is unavailable then a young boy dressed as a cow is considered a fair substitute.
In Hinduism, a cow is regarded as the most venerated among all the domestic animals. It is believed that the cow, revered as a holy animal by Hindus, will help the deceased relative's journey to heaven. According to the historical evidence, when King Pratap Malla lost his son, his wife, the queen, remained grief-stricken. The king was very sad to see the condition of his beloved queen. The king, in spite of several efforts, could not lessen the grief of his wife. He desperately wanted to see a little smile on the lips of his sweetheart, and so he announced that anyone who made the queen laugh would be rewarded adequately.
During the festival of Gaijatra, the cow procession was brought before the grief-stricken queen. Then the participants began ridiculing and be-fooling the important people of the society. Finally, when the social injustices and other evils were highlighted and attacked mercilessly, the queen could not help but smile. The queen laughed and the king instituted a tradition of including jokes, satire, mockery and lampoon into the Gaijatra celebration.
After the procession is over, in the afternoon, nearly everyone takes part in another age-old tradition in which the participants dress up and wear masks. The occasion is filled with songs and jokes. Mockery and humor of every kind become the order of the day until late evening. Hence, Gaijatra is a healthy festival which enables the people to accept the reality of death and to prepare themselves for life after death. According to Hinduism, "whatever a man does in his life is a preparation leading to a good life after death".
This festival takes place on the 2nd of Bhadra. Dancers once dressed up in tiger costumes but today it is merely a repetition of the Gai Jatra festival.
The Indra Jatra festival begins on the 26th of Bhadra and lasts for eight days. This festival is held in early to mid September and marks the end of the rainy season. On the first day a lofty wooden post is erected before the king's palace or at other Durbar sites and dancers from all across Nepal perform with masks. If an earthquake ever occurred on the opening day of the festival this was considered a bad omen and the festival would have to be restarted.
On the third day, young virgins are brought before the king and worshiped and then carried through Kathmandu, mounted on oars. The highlight is parading the Kumari Devi (living god) through Kathmandu on a special chariot built just this purpose. The chariots are parked outside the Kumar Devi's house at the Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Mohani Nakha corresponds to Dashain and is one of the year's grandest celebrations for the Newars. The event involves family gatherings and outdoor functions, and lasts ten days.The Newar People plant Barley seedlings [Nal:Swa] on first day of dashain. The seedlings are workshipped and grown for the next seven days. On the day of asthami, the newar families get together and have newari grand feast including varieties of food which is called kuchhibhvaya.On the ninth day[Navami] there is tradition to slaughter animal's organ to the men of family following oldest to youngest. On the ninth day, is the main day where mohani sinha is prepared by burning lamp all night in a mud saucer[Pala]. On the tenth day it concludes dashain [Mohani Nakha] by receiving tika and the harvested barley seedlings[Naal:Swa] from elders with blessings and a piece of khokha, a read and white cloth around the neck.
This festival falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik or Mangsir (November/December) according to the lunar calendar, One of the most important rituals of Bala Chaturdashi is the Satbij Chharne (sowing of seven seeds). Devotees gather at the sacred Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu and other holy sites to participate in the ritual. They sow seeds of seven different grains (wheat, barley, sesame, rice, maize, millet, and black gram) along the temple premises and in the holy Bagmati River. This ritual is performed early in the morning, before sunrise. Devotees light oil lamps (Diyo) and carry them in processions around the temple. The lighting of lamps symbolizes the dispelling of darkness and ignorance and is believed to guide the souls of the deceased. Taking a holy dip in the sacred Bagmati River or other nearby rivers is considered an essential part of the festival. This act is believed to purify the soul and body, preparing the devotees for the rituals that follow. On the eve of Bala Chaturdashi, devotees stay awake the entire night, singing hymns, chanting prayers, and reciting scriptures. This night vigil, known as Jagaran, is held to purify the mind and body and to seek blessings for the deceased. Bala Chaturdashi is not only a time for individual reflection and rituals but also a time for community bonding. People come together, share food, and participate in the rituals collectively. It fosters a sense of unity and shared spiritual purpose among the participants.
On the first day of the month of Kartik, many women go to the temple of Pashupati. There they remain for an entire month, fasting and drinking only water. Some women have died during the fasting but the majority generally survive and on the last day of the month, known as the purnima, the night is spent rejoicing the success of the fasting by singing and dancing into the night.
The Ganesh Chauthi festival is held on the 4th of Magh, in honor of Lord Ganesh, the god of wisdom. The day is spent fasting and worshipping and in ended by feasting into the night.
Maghe sankranti is observed in the month of January on the first day of the month of Magh, bringing an end to the ill-omened month of Poush when all religious ceremonies are forbidden. On this day, the sun leaves its southernmost position and takes off for its northward journey, so Maghe Sankranti is similar to solstice festivals in many other traditions. People participate in holy bathing in this festival and auspicious foods like laddoo, ghee, sweet potatoes etc. are distributed. The mother of the house wishes good health to all family members.
According to Mahabharata, king Bhishma, who had the power to control his own death, happened to choose to die on the day of Maghe Sakranti. Therefore, it is believed that to die on this day might achieve Moksha, a release from the rebirth cycle.
Basanta Panchami: A Celebration of Knowledge and Spring in Nepal
This day is Basanta Panchami, or Saraswati Puja, a festival that marks the arrival of spring and celebrates the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati, in Nepal. It is a day of joy, devotion, and a fresh start, especially for students and those seeking knowledge. Saraswati Puja, also known as Basanta Panchami, is celebrated in Nepal on the fifth day of the bright half of the Nepali month of Magh. This usually falls in late January or early February according to the Gregorian calendar. The exact date varies each year based on the lunar calendar. In 2024, Saraswati Puja is celebrated on 13 February.
On the auspicious day of Basanta Panchami, the entire nation comes alive with festivities. The morning begins with devotees taking a ritual bath and donning yellow clothes, symbolizing the bright and blooming mustard flowers that herald spring. Temples and homes are adorned with marigold garlands, and the sweet fragrance of incense fills the air.
The centerpiece of the celebration is the worship of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, art, and wisdom. Students and scholars gather at Saraswati temples and educational institutions, carrying their books, pens, and musical instruments to seek the blessings of the goddess. It is believed that Saraswati bestows the gift of knowledge and wisdom on this day, making it particularly significant for students.
In schools and colleges, special ceremonies are held to honor Saraswati. Teachers and students come together to perform the puja (worship), which involves offering flowers, fruits, sweets, and a special yellow rice known as 'basanta rice' to the deity. The idol of Saraswati is placed on a decorated altar, and the air resonates with the melodious chant of the Saraswati Vandana:
या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना । या ब्रह्माच्युतशंकरप्रभृतिभिर्देवैः सदा वन्दिता सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती निःशेषजाड्यापहा ॥
Translation: "May Goddess Saraswati, who is fair as a jasmine flower, the moon, or snow, who is adorned in white garments and who holds the veena in her hand, who is seated on a white lotus, and who is always adored by Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and other gods, protect me and remove my ignorance completely."
Importance for Students For students, Basanta Panchami is more than just a festival; it is a day of renewal and hope. They believe that by seeking Saraswati's blessings, they will excel in their studies and artistic endeavors. Books and instruments are not touched before the puja, symbolizing the reverence for knowledge. This day also marks the beginning of a new educational journey for many, as young children are often initiated into learning with the ritual of 'Akshar Abhyas' (the first writing) on this auspicious occasion.
Basanta Panchami also signifies the arrival of spring, bringing with it a sense of rejuvenation and joy. The mustard fields turn yellow, and the chirping of birds adds to the festive spirit. In Kathmandu, the Basantapur Durbar Square has become a hub of cultural activities, with music, dance, and traditional performances celebrating the season. Basanta Panchami is a beautiful blend of cultural, religious, and seasonal celebrations in Nepal. It underscores the importance of knowledge, wisdom, and learning while welcoming the vibrancy and renewal of spring. For students, it is a day of deep significance, filled with rituals and prayers for academic success and personal growth. As the chants of Saraswati Vandana echo through the temples and homes, the entire nation comes together to honor the goddess of wisdom and the advent of a new season.
Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in Nepal. It marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. Holi is celebrated with immense enthusiasm, joy, and togetherness, and it brings people of all ages and backgrounds together in a splash of colors. Holi falls in the Nepali month of Falgun (फाल्गुन), which typically corresponds to February or March in the Gregorian calendar. The exact date of Holi is determined by the lunar calendar and varies each year, as it is celebrated on the full moon day of Falgun, known as Falgun Purnima. Holi's timing in the Nepali calendar aligns with the arrival of spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, making it one of the most significant and joyous festivals in Nepal.
History and Mythological Significance The origins of Holi are rooted in ancient Hindu traditions. It is believed to have been celebrated since time immemorial, with references in various ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Puranas and the Dasakumara Charita. The most popular mythological story associated with Holi is the tale of Prahlada and Holika.
Prahlada was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, but his father, the demon king Hiranyakashipu, was opposed to Vishnu and sought to kill Prahlada. Hiranyakashipu's sister, Holika, had a boon that made her immune to fire. She tried to kill Prahlada by taking him into a blazing fire, but instead, she was burnt to ashes while Prahlada emerged unscathed. This event symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is commemorated by the lighting of bonfires on the eve of Holi, known as Holika Dahan.
Celebration in Nepal In Nepal, Holi is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. The festival typically lasts for two days. The first day, known as Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan, involves lighting bonfires to signify the burning away of evil. The second day, known as Rangwali Holi, Dhuli, or Fagu Purnima, is the day when people play with colors. The Kathmandu Valley, especially Basantapur Durbar Square, Thamel, and Patan, is the epicenter of Holi celebrations in Nepal. The festivities here are grand, with locals and tourists alike coming together to celebrate. Other regions, such as Pokhara & Baglung, also see large gatherings and vibrant celebrations with national-level celebrity.
Holi has a significant impact on tourism in Nepal. The colorful and joyous celebrations attract tourists from all over the world, eager to experience this unique festival. Special events, musical performances, and cultural shows are organized to cater to tourists, boosting the local economy and promoting cultural exchange. Holi continues to be an important cultural and social festival in Nepal. It promotes unity and friendship as people come together to celebrate, breaking social barriers of caste, creed, and age. It also serves as an occasion for families to reunite and celebrate together.
Recent Incidents While Holi is generally a time of joy and festivity, there have been some unfortunate incidents in recent years. Accidents and Injuries: There have been reports of accidents due to people driving recklessly during the celebrations. In 2023, there were several minor accidents reported in Kathmandu due to drunk driving and unruly behavior during Holi. Water Balloon Injuries: In some instances, the throwing of water balloons and use of harmful chemicals in colors have led to injuries and skin reactions. Authorities have been advising the public to use organic and safe colors. Large gatherings sometimes lead to stampedes and crowd control issues. In 2022, a minor stampede occurred in Basantapur Durbar Square, causing injuries to a few participants.
Holi is a vibrant and joyous festival that holds great cultural and social significance in Nepal. While it brings people together in a spirit of celebration and unity, it is essential to be mindful of safety and responsible behavior to ensure that the festival remains a joyful and memorable experience for all. The influx of tourists during Holi also highlights the festival's role in promoting Nepal's rich cultural heritage on the global stage.
The bathing festival where Newars bathe in the Bagmati River. during Magh. On the last day of the month, bathers are carried in a procession in ornamented dolis, lying on their backs with lighted lamps (known as chirags) on their chests, arms and legs. Other bathers bear earthen water pots on their heads, perforated with straws, through which water seeps down to sprinkle passers by. Traditionally the bathers wear green spectacles to protect their eyes from the sparks of the lamps they are in contact with.
During Pahan Charhe which is one of the festivals in Kathmandu, Luku Māhādev (meaning Mahadev enshrined in the ground) is worshipped and portable shrines containing images of mother goddesses are paraded through the streets.
Traditionally on the 15th of Chait, all horses and ponies belonging to government servants were assembled at the grand parade ground and entered into a race in front of the king and top officials who are stationed around a central monument. The monument bore Sir Jung Bahadur's statue. After the event, gambling is allowed for two days and nights and the festival ends with an illumination of the monument. In 1875, Bahadur's statue and four dragon monuments were moved into a newly built temple in his honor, hence the location of the festival moved.
Jana Bāhā Dyah Jātrā is the chariot procession of Jana Baha Dyah, the Bodhisattva of compassion, which is held annually in Kathmandu. During the festival, the image of Jana Bāhā Dyah is removed from his temple at Jana Baha and installed in a car built in the shape of a tower on wheels. The chariot is drawn through the center of Kathmandu for three days.
An image of Bunga Dyah (Rato Machhendranath) is placed on a tall chariot which is pulled in stages through the streets of Patan for a month in the longest chariot procession held in the country.
Christmas is celebrated by the Christian community in Nepal.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by the Muslim community in Nepal.
Chhechu is a ceremony of the Tamang communities that takes place to the northwest of the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal over the course of ten days. It contains sportive plays (tsema), exorcisms, and rituals. There are eleven tsema performed, and three exorcisms.
Yomari Punhi is a Newari festival marking the end of the rice harvest. It takes place in November/December during the full moon day of Thinlā (थिंला), the second month in the lunar Nepal Era calendar. On this day yomari is made with the rice flour and some stuffing inside which is steamed later. It is celebrated in the name of goddess Annapurna.The fillings inside this dish is mainly condensed milk called "khuwa" and molasses "chaku". According to the myth, a couple suchandra and krita played with flour that gave shape to yomari fortunately all the villagers loved the taste and God Kuber disguised as passer by was also offered the dish which he liked a lot and the couple was blessed richness. The celebration holds special date for newar communities.
Some festivals may be practiced within ethnic groups in Nepal. Here are notable Limbu festivals: