Nepal, a country rich in cultural diversity and spirituality, celebrates a wide array of festivals throughout the year. With over 100 ethnic groups and various religions coexisting peacefully, festivals are an integral part of Nepalese life, bringing people together in celebration. These festivals not only reflect the vibrant traditions of the country but also provide a window into the cultural and religious practices that have been passed down through generations.
Nepal’s festivals are colorful, energetic, and filled with joy, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the country’s deeprooted culture and traditions firsthand. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best festivals in Nepal that you must witness at least once in your lifetime. Whether you are drawn by religious rituals, colorful processions, or vibrant street celebrations, Nepal’s festivals are sure to captivate your heart.
1.Dashain – The Grandest Festival in Nepal
Dashain is the largest and most widely celebrated festival in Nepal. Lasting for 15 days, Dashain marks the victory of good over evil and is observed by the Hindu population across the country. It usually falls in September or October and is a time for families to come together, worship the goddess Durga, and celebrate with feasts, rituals, and offerings.
The festival commemorates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness. During Dashain, homes are cleaned and decorated, family members receive blessings, and new clothes are worn. The most important days are the seventh day (Fulpati), the eighth day (Maha Ashtami), and the tenth day (Vijaya Dashami), when people receive tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion) on their foreheads from their elders as a blessing.
In addition to family gatherings, Dashain is a time of celebration throughout the country, with fairs, processions, and animal sacrifices being a common sight. For travelers, Dashain provides a unique insight into Nepalese family life and religious devotion.
Best time to experience: Late September to early October.
2.Tihar – The Festival of Lights
Tihar, also known as Deepawali or the Festival of Lights, is the second biggest festival in Nepal and is celebrated five days after Dashain. It usually falls in October or November and is a time to worship Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, as well as animals like crows, dogs, cows, and oxen, each of which holds special significance in Hindu mythology.
Each day of Tihar is dedicated to different rituals. The first day is for the worship of crows, the messengers of death, and the second day is for dogs, who are seen as protectors. On the third day, cows, symbols of wealth and prosperity, are worshiped, and in the evening, homes and temples are illuminated with oil lamps to welcome goddess Laxmi.
The fourth day varies according to different ethnic groups, but it often involves worshipping oxen or celebrating the Newari festival of Mha Puja, which focuses on selfpurification and body worship. The final day of Tihar is Bhai Tika, a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters, where sisters apply tika on their brothers’ foreheads and offer blessings for their longevity and wellbeing.
Tihar is one of the most beautiful festivals in Nepal, with streets, homes, and temples lit up with oil lamps and candles, creating a magical atmosphere. It’s a time of joy, sharing, and celebration, making it a mustsee for visitors.
Best time to experience: October to November.
3.Holi – The Festival of Colors
Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, is one of the most vibrant and funfilled festivals in Nepal. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially by the younger generation, and takes place in March. Holi marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil, and its celebration is characterized by people throwing colored powder and water at each other.
The festival begins the night before Holi with a bonfire known as Holika Dahan, which symbolizes the burning of the demoness Holika, a representation of evil. The next day, people gather in the streets to play with colors, splash water, and dance to the beat of traditional music. In Kathmandu, the Basantapur Durbar Square becomes the center of Holi festivities, with people from all over the city and tourists joining in the fun.
Holi is not only a festival of joy and celebration but also a time to forgive and forget past grievances and mend relationships. People of all ages and backgrounds come together to enjoy the festival, making it a truly inclusive and heartwarming event.
Best time to experience: March.
4.Teej – The Women’s Festival
Teej is a significant festival for women in Nepal, celebrated primarily by Hindu women. The festival usually falls in August or September and is dedicated to goddess Parvati and her union with Lord Shiva. During Teej, women fast, pray for the wellbeing of their husbands, and seek blessings for a happy and prosperous married life. Unmarried women also participate in the festival, praying for a good husband.
Teej is a vibrant celebration that begins with Dar Khane Din, the day when women gather to feast before starting their fast. The fasting day is marked by women visiting temples, particularly the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, where they offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. Dressed in bright red saris, women sing and dance in groups, celebrating womanhood and marital bliss.
The festival of Teej is also a time of reflection and renewal for women, and it holds special significance in Nepalese society. In addition to its religious importance, Teej has also become a platform for promoting women’s rights and empowerment.
Best time to experience: August to September.
5.Indra Jatra – A Festival of Gods and Kings
Indra Jatra is one of the oldest and most significant festivals in Kathmandu, celebrated to honor Indra, the god of rain and the king of heaven. This eightday festival is held in September and is marked by grand processions, masked dances, and the display of sacred statues and relics. Indra Jatra is particularly significant for the Newar community of Kathmandu and showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The festival begins with the raising of a ceremonial pole (Yosin or Linga) at Hanuman Dhoka, marking the start of the festivities. One of the key highlights of Indra Jatra is the Kumari Jatra, a procession where the living goddess Kumari is paraded around the city in a chariot. Thousands of people gather to witness this sacred event, which is believed to bring good fortune and protection to the city.
In addition to the Kumari Jatra, Indra Jatra features various traditional dances, including the Lakhey dance, where performers dressed as demons perform energetic dances to the sound of traditional music. The festival is a colorful and lively celebration that reflects the deep spiritual and cultural roots of the Kathmandu Valley.
Best time to experience: September.
6.Maghe Sankranti – A Celebration of the Sun’s Journey
Maghe Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a Hindu festival celebrated in midJanuary, marking the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar). The festival is observed across Nepal with various customs, rituals, and celebrations, all centered around the themes of good health, prosperity, and the end of the winter solstice.
During Maghe Sankranti, families gather to share special food items, such as sesame seed sweets (til ko laddu), molasses (chaku), yams, and ghee, which are believed to keep the body warm and healthy during the winter months. The festival also holds special significance for the Tharu and Magar communities, who celebrate it as a new year.
In the Terai region, people take holy dips in rivers and lakes to cleanse themselves of past sins and start the new year with a purified mind and body. The festival is an important occasion for family gatherings, religious rituals, and feasts, making it a warm and joyous celebration during the cold winter months.
Best time to experience: MidJanuary.
7.Buddha Jayanti – Celebrating the Birth of the Buddha
Buddha Jayanti is a significant festival for Buddhists in Nepal and around the world, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Siddhartha Gautama, who became known as Lord Buddha. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of May, also known as Baisakh Purnima, and is one of the most sacred days in the Buddhist calendar.
Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is the main center of Buddha Jayanti celebrations in Nepal. Pilgrims and tourists from all over the world visit the sacred site to pay homage to Lord Buddha. The day is marked by religious rituals, chanting of prayers, and offerings of flowers, incense, and butter lamps at Buddhist temples and monasteries.
In Kathmandu, the Swayambhunath and Boudhanath stupas are the focal points of Buddha Jayanti celebrations. Monks, devotees, and tourists gather to circumambulate the stupas, offer prayers, and participate in meditation sessions. The festival is a time of peace, reflection, and spiritual renewal for Buddhists and nonBuddhists alike.
Best time to experience: May.
8.Chhath – A Devotion to the Sun God
Chhath is one of the most important festivals for the people of the Terai region in southern Nepal, as well as for Hindus in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in India. Celebrated in late October or early November, Chhath is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and his wife Usha, and it involves rigorous fasting, prayer, and ritual bathing.
The festival lasts for four days and is marked by various rituals, including bathing in rivers or ponds, offering prayers to the rising and setting sun, and making offerings of fruits, sweets, and other items to the Sun God. On the final day of the festival, devotees gather along riverbanks to offer prayers during sunrise, creating a beautiful and serene scene as they offer their devotion to the sun.
Chhath is a festival of purification, discipline, and gratitude, and it is celebrated with great devotion by the people of the Terai. Visitors to the region during Chhath can witness the vibrant rituals and experience the deep spiritual significance of the festival.
Best time to experience: Late October to early November.
9.Ghode Jatra – The Festival of Horses
Ghode Jatra, known as the Festival of Horses, is a unique festival celebrated in Kathmandu to ward off evil spirits and showcase the city’s military might. The festival is held in March or April and is primarily marked by a grand horse parade and various horseriding events in Tundikhel, a large open ground in the center of Kathmandu.
The origins of Ghode Jatra are rooted in a local legend that tells of a demon named Tundi, who was defeated by the people of Kathmandu. It is believed that the sound of galloping horses helps prevent the demon’s return, and thus the festival is celebrated with horse races and performances.
Ghode Jatra is not only a festival of myth and legend but also a showcase of the Nepalese army’s cavalry skills. The festival attracts thousands of spectators, including highranking officials, foreign dignitaries, and tourists. It is a lively and exciting event that reflects the deep cultural and historical connections of the Kathmandu Valley.
Best time to experience: March to April.
10.New Year (Nepalese New Year or Bisket Jatra) – Welcoming the New Year with Joy
Nepal follows its own calendar system, the Bikram Sambat, which is approximately 56.7 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. The Nepalese New Year, known as Bisket Jatra, usually falls in midApril and is celebrated with much enthusiasm, particularly in the ancient town of Bhaktapur.
Bisket Jatra is a time for celebrations, processions, and family gatherings. The main event in Bhaktapur involves the pulling of a massive wooden chariot carrying images of the gods Bhairab and Bhadrakali through the streets. The tugofwar that ensues between two groups of people symbolizes the power struggle between good and evil.
The festival is marked by traditional music, dances, and feasts, and it culminates with the raising of a ceremonial pole, which is believed to bring good fortune for the coming year. Bisket Jatra is a joyous occasion that brings the entire community together to celebrate the start of a new year.
Best time to experience: MidApril.
FAQs About Festivals in Nepal
1.How many festivals are celebrated in Nepal?
Nepal celebrates hundreds of festivals each year, as the country is home to many ethnic groups and religions, each with its own unique traditions and celebrations.
2.Are festivals in Nepal open to tourists?
Yes, most festivals in Nepal are open to tourists, and visitors are often encouraged to participate in the celebrations, though it’s important to respect local customs and traditions.
3.When is the best time to visit Nepal to experience festivals?
The best time to visit Nepal for festivals is during the fall (September to November), when major festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Indra Jatra take place.
4.What should I wear during festivals in Nepal?
It’s important to dress modestly and respect local customs, especially during religious festivals. Wearing traditional clothes or comfortable, culturally appropriate attire is always appreciated.
5.Can I take photos during festivals?
Yes, you can take photos during most festivals, but it’s essential to be respectful, especially during religious rituals. Always ask for permission before taking pictures of individuals.
6.Are there any festivals specifically for women in Nepal?
Yes, Teej is a festival primarily celebrated by women, during which they fast and pray for the wellbeing of their husbands or future husbands.
7.Do I need to buy tickets for festival events?
Most festival events are free and take place in public spaces, but for certain performances or special events, such as Ghode Jatra, you may need to purchase tickets.
8.How long do festivals in Nepal usually last?
The duration of festivals in Nepal varies; some last for a single day, while others, like Dashain, can last up to two weeks.
9.What are some of the main food items served during festivals?
Festival foods vary, but common items include sel roti (rice doughnuts), ghee, meat dishes (especially during Dashain), and traditional sweets made from rice, yogurt, and molasses.
10.Is it safe to travel in Nepal during festival times?
Yes, it is generally safe to travel during festivals, but it can be crowded in popular areas, especially in cities like Kathmandu. Make sure to book accommodations and transportation in advance during major festivals.
