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:
New Year 2081 (14 April 2024)
The Nepali New Year, also known as Nayasambhat or Nayabarsha, typically falls in April. It is a time of celebration as people welcome the upcoming year. Families often go on vacation and celebrate together.
Buddha Purnima 2081 (22 April 2024)
Buddha Purnima is a significant celebration for Buddhist people, marking the birthday of Lord Gautam Buddha. It is a holy day for both the Buddhist and Hindu communities in Nepal, with many visiting stupas to worship Lord Buddha.
Janai Purnima 2081 (12 August 2024)
Janai Purnima, also known as Rakshya Bandan, is a day when people tie threads around their wrists. Families come together to feast and perform rituals like changing the sacred thread (Janai) for Hindu men. It marks the beginning of the festival season in Nepal, with children tying rakhi threads on their brothers' wrists for protection.
Teej 2081 (26 August 2024)
Teej is a festival dedicated to music and women, combining three festivals primarily honoring Hindu deities like Parvati and Shiva. Women fast for the long life of their husbands, worship Lord Shiva, and engage in singing, dancing, and other festivities throughout the day.
Dashain 2081 (03 October 2024)
Dashain is the most significant festival for Hindus in Nepal, celebrated over 15 days. It is a time of swings, love, respect, happiness, and peace. During Dashain, elders apply tika and offer jamara to bless the younger ones. It is a time for receiving blessings and money, and worshiping Goddess Durga, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Hindus.
Tihar 2081 (21-25 October 2024)
Tihar is another major Hindu festival in Nepal, where various animals like dogs, crows, cows, and land are worshipped, along with brothers. Sisters put seven different colored tika on their brothers' foreheads and celebrate the bond between siblings. Houses are decorated with lights and rangoli patterns during this festive period.
Chhath 2081 (2-5-November 2024)
Chhath is a four-day Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Dev or the sun and Chhati Maiya (the goddess of Shasthi). It begins after the completion of Dashain and Tihar. We worship earth soil resources and a lot of earth resources. It is an ancient festival that has its roots in the past. This festival involves various rituals like holy bath and holy offering. Chhath carries great importance.
Tamu Loshar 2081 (30December 2024)
Tamu Loshar is the New Year for the Gurung community. It is celebrated by Gurung and Tamang as well. It involves various creatures like Garuda, serpent, horses, monkey, goat, etc. In this festival, the Gurung community gathers together, sings, dances, and has a feast with their family. Every Gurung is related to animals, so this festival also celebrates it with animals. It is one of the most memorable festivals.
Maha Shivratri 2081 (14March 2025)
It is a festival that represents Shiva. It is also known as The Great Night of Shiva. The devotees of Shiva worship him from morning to evening, mainly at night. Women also fast for the God Shiva. They visit the temple which is attached to Lord Shiva. Maha Shivratri reflects the attachment of Shiva and his devotees.
Fagu Purnima (Holi) 2081 (28March 2025)
Holi is the festival of color. People apply color to each other during this festival. It welcomes the spring season and bids farewell to the winter season. Everyone throws or smears color in a happy and cheerful way. They throw water balloons, plastic bags called Lola, water guns, and a lot of water. It marks the beginning. Holi is such a fun festival.
Nepali culture also has many other small and big festivals that are really important. Nepal is the country of festivals. Festivals bring closeness and happiness between each other.