Nepal, the land of mountains and mysticism, is deeply rooted in its vibrant culture and rich traditions. As the nation has never been colonized, thus the Nepalese festivals are triumphantly celebrated with religious connotations, ancient mythology, and epic literature. The festivals induce a sense of unity and community in the vividly diverse nation. Visiting Nepal during the festivals is an incredible chance to witness the local culture and immerse in the country’s vibrant spirit. Some of the Nepalese festivals are grand cultural spectacles attracting tourists from all over the world. Be it the national grandeur of the Dashain Festival or the spiritual ambiance of Buddha Jayanti, each festival offers a slice of the diverse cultural heritage of Nepal. Let the spirit of festivities engulf you as you make many memories during the astounding celebrations of festivals in Nepal.
A List of Top 10 Festivals Celebrated in Nepal
Nepal celebrates many regional, communal, and seasonal festivals all around the country. No matter what time of the year you plan to travel to Nepal, here is the list of 9 Nepalese festivals offering a fulfilling festive experience that will make you awestruck!
Dashain Festival: The Greatest Festival in Nepal
Dashain, Nepal’s greatest and longest festival, celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over evil Mahishasura following Hindu mythology. The festival is celebrated during the bright lunar fortnight, with the main day occurring on Vijaya Dashami. Despite the religion, all the Nepalese people celebrate the vibrant festival for 15 days by rejoicing with family, indulging in delicious Nepali feasts, flying kites, and playing other traditional games. The festival concludes with Tika(a red vermillion powder), Jamara(a sacred yellow rice sprout), and blessings from the elders for good fortune.
- When: October
- Duration: 15 days
- Significance: Victory of Good over Evil
Read More: Top Things To Do In Nepal
Tihar: The Festival of Lights
Tihar (Deepawali) is a vibrant celebration of lights dedicated to the Goddess of Wealth, Laxmi. People adorn their homes with lit oil lamps, colorful lights, intricate rangoli designs, and marigold garlands. It is a five-day celebration after two weeks of the Dashain festival. Traditionally, the Nepalese people worship dogs, crows, cows, and oxen. The last day honors familial bonds celebrating – Bhaitika, the kinship of brothers and sisters.
- When: October or November (the month of Kartik)
- Duration: 5 days
- Significance: Honors animals (crows, dogs, cows, bull) and celebrates human relationships (Bhaitika)
Suggested Read: How To Reach Nepal
Buddha Jayanti: Birth Anniversary of Buddha
Buddha Jayanti is celebrated to honor the life of Lord Buddha. Gautam Buddha was born in 623 BC in Lumbini, Nepal. Being the birthplace of Buddha, Nepal celebrates Buddha Jayanti as one of the major festivals in the nation. The Buddhist pilgrims and people who seek enlightenment all around the globe, pay their visit to the sacred land of Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the festival, people of Nepal, irrespective of their religion, visit other sacred sites like Swayambhunath and Boudhanath to chant and offer prayers to the divine entity of enlightenment, Lord Buddha.
- When: Full moon night in May or June
- Duration: 1 day
- Significance: Marks the birth, enlightenment, and death (parinirvana) of Lord Gautam Buddha
- Travel Tip: Lumbini has many marvelous monasteries and temples to visit. Plan accordingly!
Check out the Nepal Travel Package to explore Lumbini.
Gai Jatra: The Festival of Cows
Gai Jatra, which translates as the carnival of cows, is one the most cherished festivals of Nepal. The celebration is held to honor the departed souls of loved ones. For the street procession, people dress like cows, dance, and sing. To reduce the grief and ease the pain of losing a loved one, Gai Jatra is held.
Accompany the locals as they participate in the lively processions, displaying their colorful costumes and masks, and a fun sense of humor to light up the nation’s spirit in happiness. The festival is mainly celebrated among the Newar community. Nonetheless, it is popularly enjoyed throughout the nation.
- When: August or September (month of Bhadra)
- Duration: 1 day
- Significance: In remembrance of deceased family members and honors cows.
Maghe Sankranti: The Festival of Harvest.
Maghe Sankranti on the first day of the Nepalese month, Magh. The festival marks the end of the cold season, expecting warmer days, and celebrating good health and fortune. Devotees take baths in sacred rivers in the morning and savor festive delicacies such as sesame seed dishes, and sweets with ghee, yams, and sweet potatoes.
- When: Mid-January
- Duration: 1 day
- Significance: Marks the end of winter solstice, the flourishing start of the harvest season
Extended Read: Best Time to Visit Nepal
Fagun Purnima: The Festival of Colors
Fagun Purnima, popularly known as Holi, is celebrated all over the country with great excitement. The lively and joyful festival celebrates the arrival of Spring. As per Hindu mythology, a young boy Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Bishnu had a demonic father (King Mahisasur). The father ordered his sister Holika, who was blessed with fire immunity, to kill his son. Later, Holika sat on fire holding Praladh in her lap, but the fire engulfed Holika, hence the name Holi; and Praladh lived through it. Therefore, the festival embarks on the victory of good over bad.
You can celebrate the festival with locals as they playfully apply colored powders on each other, dance to the lively music, and savor traditional sweets, such as ‘Gujiyas’, and other delicacies. Holi has gained popularity worldwide, mainly among the youth.
- When: March
- Duration: 1 day
- Significance: Celebrates the arrival of Spring
- Travel Tip: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square to see the festivities on the move.
Read More: Best Places To Visit In Nepal
Indra Jatra
Indra Jatra is one of the most fun-filled and revered festivals for the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley. This Nepalese festival signifies the end of the monsoon season and pays homage to Indra, the deity of rain and king of heaven. It marks a week-long of colorful processions, traditional music, and dance performances.
The major event of Indra Jatra is the Kumari Jatra, where the chariot of the living goddess Kumari is pulled through the streets of Kathmandu in its full glory. If you’re traveling to Nepal during this festival, you should not miss it at any cost!
- When: September
- Duration: 8 days
- Significance: Honors Lord Indra, the god of rain
Teej: The Women’s Festival
Teej is another major festival in Nepal, celebrated by Hindu women all over Nepal. All the women are dressed in vibrant red sarees adorned with tika (red powder) and bangles. The married women come together to sing, dance, offer prayers, and seek blessings from Lord Shiva for their husband’s longevity and happy marital life.
Traditionally, married women visit their maternal homes and feast on customary meals called Dar. Following Dar, women fast for 24 hours without food and drinks. Many women visit Pashupatinath Temple on Teej to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Parvati.
- When: August or September
- Duration: 3 days
- Significance: Celebrates womanhood, marital bliss, and family harmony.
Mahashivaratri: The Great Night of Shiva
Maha Shivaratri, translating to the night of Shiva is one of the major festivals of Nepal mainly for Hindu devotees. Lord Shiva is considered as the supreme entity according to the Hindu mythology. On this day, pilgrims from Nepal and India pay a visit to one of the holiest Shiva Temples, Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.
The devotees fast, chant and perform prayers throughout the night along with traditional music and dances. It is believed that stars on the grand night are perfectly aligned to raise the spiritual energy. Perfect for meditators, cultural enthusiasts, and Hindu devouts to visit.
- When: February or March (14th day of the dark fortnight of Hindu Falgun month)
- Duration: 1 day
- Significance: Praying for light and enlightenment from within
Nepal is a tapestry of rich culture and tradition. The festivals of Nepal bring a sense of community and unity to Nepalese people. From offering prayers in the pilgrimage to immersing in the vibrant Jatras at The Durbar Square, the Nepalese festivals offer a great opportunity for travelers to experience the local culture, traditional rituals, and Nepali hospitality.
Usually, the dates of a festival are mostly derived from Nepal’s Lunar calendar, and it is subject to change concerning the Solar calendar followed worldwide. Here is a list of festivals celebrated in Nepal along with their respective months.
Nepal Festivals Calendar
| Nepal Festival | Solar Calendar | Nepal Calendar | Dates for the Year 2025 |
| Maghe Sankranti | Jan – Feb | Magh | 14 Jan |
| Tibetan New Year/Losar | Jan – Feb | Magh | 28 Feb – 2 Mar |
| Maha Shivaratri | Feb – Mar | Falgun | 26 Feb |
| Fagun Purnima/Holi | Feb – Mar | Falgun | 25 March |
| Bisket Jatra/Nepali New Year | Apr – May | Baisakh | 13 April |
| Buddha Jayanti | May – Jun | Jeth | 12 May |
| Gai Jatra | Aug – Sept | Bhadra | 10 Aug |
| Teej | Aug – Sep | Bhadra | 26 Aug |
| Indra Jatra | Aug – Sep | Bhadra | 06 Sept |
| Dashain/ Bijaya Dashami | Sep – Oct | Ashoj/Ashwin | 22 Sept – 1 Oct |
| Tihar | Oct – Nov | Kartik | 18 Oct – 23 Oct |
| Mani Rimdu | Oct – Nov | Kartik | 12 Nov – 14 Nov |
FAQ
What are the popular festivals and events in Nepal?
Nepal hosts vibrant festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Gai Jatra, and Buddha Jayanti. For Indian travelers, Holi, Makar Sankranti, and Janai Purnima may feel familiar yet different in traditions here. Adventure seekers enjoy Indra Jatra and Mani RImdu, blending culture and excitement. These festivals bring Nepal’s traditions to life, making your Nepal trip unforgettable.
What is the most unique festival celebrated in Nepal?
The Kukur Tihar, or Festival of Dogs, is truly special! It is a part of Tihar, where Nepalese people honor dogs with garlands, tika, and their favorite treats, recognizing them as protectors. Many travelers find this unique and heartwarming – a beautiful way to witness Nepal’s deep connection with animals.
Why is the Tihar Festival important in Nepal?
Tihar, also called the Festival of Lights, celebrates relationships with family, animals, and nature. For Indian travelers, it is a blend of Diwali and Bhai Dooj, but with a Nepalese twist.
How does Nepal celebrate its national festivals?
National festivals around Nepal like Dashain or Indra Jatra involve grand celebrations, colorful parades, traditional dances, and temple rituals. You will find the food offerings as prasad with a Nepalese touch. Travelers can experience Nepal’s history and diverse spirituality in the festival gatherings.
Plan your Trip to Nepal around the dates of the festival and make it a memorable one!
