The beautiful nation of Nepal has a rich history of festivals that have been celebrated for generations. Festivals are an integral part of Nepal's identity. Some of the notable festivals include:
Saraswati Puja (Basant Panchami) – February 5, 2025
This day celebrates Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, learning, and arts. Students and scholars worship their books and tools, hoping for success in education and knowledge. Schools and temples are adorned with marigold flowers, and kites fill the skies to mark the advent of spring.
Maha Shivaratri – February 26, 2025
Devotees honor Lord Shiva by fasting, meditating, and visiting temples, especially the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. The festival is marked by chants of "Om Namah Shivaya," the lighting of sacred fires, and an otherworldly atmosphere as sadhus (Hindu ascetics) gather to celebrate.
Fagu Purnima (Holi) – March 14, 2025
Holi, the festival of colors, bids farewell to winter and welcomes spring with joy. People smear vibrant colors on each other and celebrate with water balloons and traditional songs. The cheerful exchanges of colors symbolize harmony and love among communities.
Ghode Jatra – March 24, 2025
Known as the "Horse Festival," this Kathmandu-centric event is held in Tundikhel. Riders showcase thrilling equestrian skills, and locals believe the festival helps ward off the Gurumapa demon. It’s a unique blend of military parades and cultural festivities.
Nepali New Year 2082 – April 14, 2025
The beginning of a new year in the Bikram Sambat calendar is celebrated with joy and family gatherings. Markets buzz with activity, homes are cleaned, and feasts are shared as people set goals for the year ahead.
Buddha Purnima – May 12, 2025
Marking the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Gautama Buddha, this day is sacred for both Buddhists and Hindus. Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, becomes the focal point for devotees and pilgrims.
Ropai Festival (Paddy Planting Day) – June 29, 2025
Celebrated during the monsoon season, this agricultural festival reflects Nepal's agrarian roots. Farmers and villagers plant rice seedlings in muddy fields with songs and dances, symbolizing hope for a prosperous harvest.
Gai Jatra – August 18, 2025
Gai Jatra, or the "Cow Festival," commemorates lost loved ones. Families parade decorated cows through towns to guide departed souls to heaven. The streets come alive with satirical performances and traditional dances, blending mourning with humor and community bonding.
Janai Purnima – August 19, 2025
Also known as Raksha Bandhan, this day is significant for renewing the sacred thread (Janai) worn by Hindu men. Sisters tie protective Rakhi threads on their brothers, and feasts of kwati (a sprouted bean soup) bring families together.
Krishna Janmashtami – August 26, 2025
Devotees celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna with fasting, midnight prayers, and reenactments of his life stories. Temples, especially the Krishna Mandir in Patan, are beautifully decorated and filled with devotional songs.
Teej – September 5, 2025
Dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, Teej is celebrated by women through fasting, prayers, and jubilant dancing. Streets and temples become vibrant with women in red attire singing and performing traditional songs.
Indra Jatra – September 21, 2025
Indra Jatra is a week-long festival in Kathmandu to honor Lord Indra, the god of rain. The Living Goddess, Kumari, is paraded in a chariot, accompanied by traditional dances like Lakhey and the erection of a tall wooden pole (lingo).
Dashain – September 22 to October 6, 2025
The biggest festival in Nepal, Dashain, celebrates the victory of good over evil. Families gather to receive blessings from elders, worship Goddess Durga, and enjoy feasts. Kite flying, swing rides, and jamara symbolize unity and joy.
Tihar – October 20 to October 24, 2025
This festival of lights and brother-sister bonds is a time of vibrant celebrations. Each day honors different animals and culminates in Bhai Tika, where sisters pray for their brothers' prosperity and longevity. Homes are adorned with oil lamps and colorful rangoli.
Chhath Puja – October 27, 2025
Dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, this festival involves offering prayers during sunrise and sunset. Devotees wade into rivers to express gratitude for life and natural resources, creating a serene yet grand atmosphere.
Yomari Punhi – December 7, 2025
Yomari Punhi celebrates the end of the rice harvest. The Newar community prepares yomari, a steamed dumpling filled with molasses and sesame seeds, symbolizing prosperity. Families gather to share this sweet treat and thank the gods for a good harvest.
Tamu Lhosar – December 30, 2025
The Gurung community’s New Year is celebrated with traditional songs, dances, and feasts. People wear their cultural attire and gather for communal celebrations, marking the beginning of another cycle of life and prosperity.
Nepal’s festivals, rich with diversity and cultural depth, span the calendar year, offering an unmatched glimpse into its vibrant heritage. Each festival serves as a thread, weaving together the colorful tapestry of Nepalese traditions and spirituality.
