Festival in Nepal

Festivals are an essential part of Nepalese life that garners tremendous local participation. It offers visitors a valuable opportunity not only for having fun but gaining insight into various aspects of Nepalese culture.The religious festivals follow the lunar calendar, while national festivals have fixed dates. Wherever or whenever you arrive in Nepal, you can be pretty sure of being at the right time for one or more special events. Some of the major and interesting festivals are presented below.

Nayavarsha (April)

The Nepali calendar - Bikram Sambat Nepali Calendar, Nepali patro is approximately 56 years and 8½ months ahead of the Gregorian calendar. The Nepalese New Year falls in the middle of April.

Buddha Jayanti (April)

The belief and the practice of Buddhism in Nepal dates back to the time of Prince Siddharth Gautam, who was born in the southern Terai region of the country in about 543 BC.

Mani Rimdu

It is a carnival held in the month of July-August and it lasts for eight days. Dancing, singing, comedy and anything that causes mirth and laughter are its highlights. On this special

Gaijatra - Cow festival - (July-August)

It is a carnival held in the month of July-August and it lasts for eight days. Dancing, singing, comedy and anything that causes mirth and laughter are its highlights.

Krishnastami (July-August)

It marks the birthday of Lord Krishna. On this day, worshipers carry ornate, decorated statues and pictures of Lord Krishna through the streets, often with bands of musicians following

Indrajatra (August-September)

The festival of Indra, the God of rain, is observed with great enthusiasm in Kathmandu Valley. This colorful festival lasts for eight days to honour Lord Indra, King of heaven.

Dashain or Durga Puja (September-October)

The Dashain festival is the most important festival of the Nepalese. The entire country is in enthusiastic holiday mood at the time of this festival. The Nepalese cherish their Dashain

Tihar (Deepawali, October-November)

Known as the festival of Lights, Tihar is celebrated for five days. Houses are illuminated at night and special sweets of different varieties are prepared.  Hindu people worship goddess Laxmi,

Bibhaha Panchami (November-December)

This is a famous festival of Janakpur in the eastern Terai. The occasion commemorates the marriage of Sita to Ram, one of the most venerated Hindu divinities.

Lhosar Festival

The festival is most impressively observed by the Sherpa community. They organize folk sings and dances on this occasion. These dances can be seen in Khumbu,, Helambu and other

Maha Shivaratri (February-March)

Shivratri or the Night of Lord Shiva is observed in February-March. It is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. A great religious fair takes place in the Pashupatinath Temple and thousands

Ghodejatra (March-April)

Ghode Jatra, the Horse Racing Day falls on the month of mid March or early April. A grand horse parade takes place at Tundikhel, the central point of the city reputed to have been in the former days

Teej (August- September)

Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by women. Dancing, folk song and the red color of women’s wedding saris dominate the days of Teej. The days recall heavenly occasion when parvati, daughter of the Himalaya