A festival tour in Nepal is one of the most suitable ways to understand the significant occasions celebrated by various ethnic groups in Nepal. The festival tour in Nepal is celebrated year-round by many religious groups.
Being a country of such rich and illustrative cultures and traditions, it is not surprising that Nepal has more festivals than there are days in a calendar year. There is at least one festival or procession taking place in some corner of the country every day. They say the best way to get under the skin of a place is to celebrate its festival. That is especially true in the case of Nepal, where every festival is celebrated with such zeal, enthusiasm, and authenticity that it will leave an imprint on your mind forever. Well, luckily, since the country celebrates festivals throughout the year, it is not hard to schedule your visit around these celebrations. Be it celebrating the month-long festivals of Dashain and Tihar, saturating in colours the colourful festival of Holi, getting high during the festival of Shivaratri, or being a part of medieval chariot processions in Kathmandu valley, a Nepalese festival tour in Nepal guarantees you the best and most unique experiences during your tour in Nepal. Other than that, you can also be part of festivals that are exclusive and specifically celebrated in selected regions of Nepal, like the Tiji festival in Mustang, Ram Nawami in Janakpur, and so on.
Hence, when you are travelling in Nepal, observing the festival tour of Kathmandu is the perfect way to understand the various ethnic groups of Nepal and their cultural aspects. Still, more festivals have existed for a long time; now they are a part of the festival of Nepal. Hindu devotees still follow ancient traditions to pay great homage to the Hindu Gods and Goddesses; similarly, Buddhists are trying to preserve their traditions and ways of celebrating festivals in Nepal. There are more festival tours in Nepal. For example, travellers on a tour in Nepal through August/September have a good chance of seeing and experiencing Nepal’s most famous women's festival, “Teej,” also known as Haritalika, which is popular across all religions in Nepal.
Trip Highlights:
- Explore the most popular festival tours in Nepal.
- Wonderful experiences of festival tours in Nepal.
- Rich Cultural and religious festivals of Nepal.
Festival in Nepal
- Nepal, despite its small size, has more than 60 ethnic tribal groups and 70 native languages, with Hinduism as the main religion, followed by Buddhism. Nepal is the only country where these two religions blend in perfect harmony.
- With its diverse ethnic tribes, ancient cultures, and customs, Nepal is one of the world's most culturally diverse countries, hosting a wide range of festivals.
- The land and mid hills, which are mostly inhabited by Hindus, have their own traditions and culture, with many festivals throughout the year. In the mid-hills and above 2,000 meters, the Buddhist religion dominates, where festivals are celebrated with much pomp and joy in different parts of the high Himalaya region.
- Team Himalaya offers a Festival Tour where you can observe and take part, depending on the season and type of festival you are interested in.
- Nepal is rich in ancient culture, traditions, and customs across various communities and religions, making the country and its people lively, enjoyable, and interesting. The old saying is that festivals never end in Nepal.
- Every week or month, some religious rites and celebrations take place, whether small or big.
Here’s our list of festivals in Nepal:
For exact dates, please contact us, as much of the festival in Nepal takes place as per the Hindu / Buddhist Lunar calendar, with auspicious time and date for the events
- Please be informed that we run treks to observe the Saga Dawa festival in Tibet, the Mani Rimdu festival in the Everest region of Nepal, and the Tiji festival.
- Mid-January - Tol or Tamu Lhosar:
Celebrated by the Gurung tribe, it is the same as the Tibetan New Year; however, due to the habitat and climatic conditions, this festival is observed around mid-January according to the Buddhist Lunar calendar.
Mid-January ( as per the Luna Calendar) - Maghe Sankranti:
During the harvest festival, people bathe in rivers, ponds, and lakes to worship the Sun God, especially along holy rivers. Dipping in the Rivers or lakes purifies the self and bestows "punya". Special puja is offered as a thanksgiving for a good harvest. According to folklore, girls who take the holy dip get good and loyal husbands, and boys get beautiful brides.
Jan 29 – Martyrs Day:
An Anniversary, in honour and respect of the martyrs and late heroes who died and suffered for the nation and the Nepalese people.
Mid Feb - Sonam Lhosar:
A New Year in the Tamang community is the same as other Tibetan New Years; however, due to habitation and climatic conditions, this festival is around mid-February, as per the Luna calendar, the new year with the animal symbol year 2015 (Sheep Year).
Feb 18 – National Democracy Day:
A day to mark democracy after the overthrow of the aristocrat Rana's rule and regime, when the Shah kings took back the power from Rana after they had ruled the country for more than 100 years.
At present, Nepal is a Republic.
End of Feb or first week of March (as per Luna calendar), Shiva Ratri:
Lord Shiva's anniversary is one of Nepal's most popular festivals. During Maha Shivaratri, "Great Night", followers throughout the Indian sub-continent gather in the Pashupatinath temple to worship. colourful Sadhus, the wandering hermits and sages who imitate Shiva, rub ashes over their bodies, give lectures to disciples, meditate, or practice yoga. Devotees pray to Shiva's image inside the temple. Bonfires are lit, neighbours and friends share food, and devotees enjoy two days and a night of music, song, and dance throughout the Pashupatinath complex and in the streets.
Around mid-February (as per the Luna calendar) - Gyalbo Lhosar:
The New Year is celebrated among the Tibetan and Sherpa communities, as well as the Gurung and Tamang, with the same animal symbol: the sheep year in 2015 AD.
Mid or end of March - Holi (Fagu Purnima) - Festival of colours:
Holi marks the end of winter and rejoicing over the start of springtime. It is the best time and season to celebrate; People play with different colours.
April 14, Nepal New Year Day - 2072 Bikram Sambat
A Nepalese New Year's Day is observed wonderfully. One of the great Bisket Jatra events happens in Bhaktapur and is not to be missed.
Mid or end of April: Ram Navami.
Observed as a sacred day on which Lord Rama incarnated on this earth to do away with the evils. Devotees fast and worship Lord Rama.
Early or Mid-May- Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang-Mustang.
Tiji-The Chasing of the Demons, on this festival, the lamas perform a centuries-old ceremony to chase demons from Lo Manthang. Gripping human skull-tops laced with streamers, lamas chant prayers and perform almost 50 separate religious dances. They are interrupted now by masked demons who flail wooden swords at the frightened spectators.
May 25 (May differ from the Luna calendar): Buddha Jayanti (Lord Buddha's birth anniversary)
The ever-benevolent Buddha was born in Nepal, and the religion preached is the second most popular in the Kingdom. On a full-moon day, the Lord's birth, enlightenment, and salvation are celebrated throughout the valley. Swoyambhu and Bouddhanath Stupas are prepared for the upcoming festivities several days in advance. Monasteries are cleaned, statues are polished, bright prayer flags waft in the breeze, and monks prepare to dance. On the Jayanti day, people reach the stupas before dawn, go around them, and give offerings to the many Buddha images there.
On the final day, in a nearby field, courtiers fire ancient muskets as a high lama shoots an arrow at a red demon effigy laid on a ragged tiger skin. He tosses five more demons into the sand to signify the exorcising of the city.
Mid-May: Saga Dawa Festival at Tarboche at the base of Mt. Kailash:
Saga Dawa, the day of Buddha's enlightenment and nirvana, is a big festival at the monastery at Tarboche, the base of Mt. Kailash in Tibet, and is celebrated for four days. During this festival, you can see the vivid way Tibetan pilgrims who join from all over Tibet celebrate fire puja, Lama Dances, Sand Mandala puja, and finally the unrolling of the giant silk thangka. This is the oldest scroll painting in Tibet, dating back 1000 years and measuring approximately 40 x 60 m. Circumambulating Mt. Kailash during Saga Dawa, one gains merit 100,000 times due to the sacred month of Saga Dawa.
Mid or end August (as per Luna Calendar): Janai Purnima and Gai Jatra:
A most colourful religious procession of cows and people with peculiar heads dressed as figures of cows goes around the marketplace. Relatives of the deceased of that year sent religious groups to join the procession. The ‘Gai’ or cow is holy to Hindus. She represents Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, and guides the souls of the departed to the gates of the Netherworld. But Gaijatra is not a sombre occasion. Satire, jokes, fancy costumes, and colourful processions are the order of the day as people recall how an eighteenth-century king rallied his people to cheer his queen upon the death of their son. Those who have experienced the death of close ones during the past year share their sorrow and take comfort in the fact that the Gai (cow) has safely transported the departed souls on their afterlife journey.
Young men wearing women’s saris, children dressed up as cows, and whimsical characters of all sorts fill the streets.
End of August- Shree Krishna Janmashtami:
Hindus observe it by remaining awake the whole night, performing religious dances and singing in the praise of Lord Krishna.
Around September: Teej – festival for women:
Teej is the fasting festival of women in Nepal. Married women observe the Teej fast to honour Lord Shiva and for their husbands' long and healthy lives. Unmarried girls also observe a fast on this day for a good husband. Teej celebrations last for three pious days. Traditional dances and songs form an important feature of Teej celebrations. Red colour is considered auspicious for women observing the Teej fast, so most of them dress in red or bridal clothes.
September Mid - Indra Jatra:
A weeklong festival begins by hoisting Lord Indra’s flag (Indradhoj) at midnight, and the faces of Bhairawa deities are displayed in important public places.
- Indra, King of heaven and controller of the rains, has once again blessed the Valley. As the end of the monsoon nears, farmers look forward to a rich harvest. Everyone is grateful to the diva for his help. For eight days, Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is the focus of a great celebration fit to “flatter the King of Heaven”. Indra’s dhwaj, or flag, is erected on the first day. It is said that many centuries ago, Indra’s mother needed specially-scented flowers but could not find them in heaven’s gardens. Indra discovered parijat flowers in the Kathmandu Valley and tried to steal them for his mother. He was caught and imprisoned by the Valley people. When Indra’s mother came searching for him, the people were appalled by what they had done. They released Indra and dedicated one of the most colourful festivals in Nepal to him to appease his anger. Masks and statues representing Vishnu, Bhairab, and Shiva are shown to the public, and the Goddess Kumari witnesses the special occasion from her chariot. Indra is thanked for the rains and assured once again that he is respected in the Kathmandu Valley.
Early or Mid-October: Dasain, the great and big Festival of Nepal.
Dasain is the longest and most favourite festival in Nepal. Everyone stays home with their families, and all offices and schools are closed. The skies of Kathmandu are filled with Kites, and the marketplaces are filled with farmers bringing their goats, buffaloes, ducks, and Chickens to sell. The animals are to be sacrificed on the night of ‘Kal Ratri’ to the goddess Durga to celebrate her victory over evil. On the day of Dasami, everyone puts on new clothes and goes to honour their family elders, where they receive a large red ‘Tika’ of vermilion paste on their foreheads. In the following days of Dasain, families and friends unite, feasts are consumed, the blessing is imparted, and gifts are exchanged. Nepal’s most beloved festival ends with the full moon.
October (1st or 2nd week) – Ghatasthapana linked with Dashain:
The beginning of the greatest festival, Dasain, lasts for nine days. Sowing of maize and barley is called Jamara in the local language.
October (mid or early) Phulpati linked with Dashian:
The real festival becomes visible. Brahmins go to the Gorkha Durbar, bring flowers, etc. from the shrine there, and place them in the Pooja room of Hanuman Dhoka. His Majesty and other members of the Royal family witness the Army parade and accept the Guard of honour.
October (as per the Luna calendar)- Durga Puja (Maha Astami)- mass animal sacrifice day:
Eight days of the festival are known as ‘Kalratri’. Animals (goats, buffaloes, ducks, and chickens) were sacrificed in the temples of Goddess Durga and also at home. The offering of sacrifices continues on the ninth day as well.
October (mid or end) - Mahanavami:
Preparation for the big and main next-day event.
October (mid or end) - Vijaya Dasami (Tika): The final and main Dashain event.
Elders and seniors in each Hindu household mark the foreheads of juniors with ‘Tika’, a red colour mixed with curd and uncooked rice.
Respected relatives are visited. Feasts are held, and Lots of festive activities.
November (as per the Luna calendar)- Tihar (festival of lights):
This is the second major Hindu festival in Nepal. It is also known as the festival of lights, a time of candlelight, tinsel decorations, and festive, coloured sweets. On different days, there are offerings and small celebrations for crows, dogs, cows, and oxen. On the night of Laxmi Puja, garlands are hung, and lamps are lit to invite Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, into the home and offices. Mha Puja, the New Year’s Day according to the Nepal Era, is a day of self when people offer themselves blessings to remain healthy and happy for the rest of the year. Bhai Tika, the last day of Tihar, is the day when sisters make offerings to their brothers. The ritual of breaking wall-nuts, putting on garlands of makhani flowers, and encircling brothers in rings of mustard oil protects them from Yama, lord of the Netherworld. On the first day of the festival, people worship ‘crows’ and on the second day, ‘dogs’ are worshipped in the morning and are given good food to eat.
November ( as per Luna Calendar) - Laxmi Puja:
Festival of Lights- Worship of the Goddess of Wealth is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur all over the Kingdom of Nepal.
Mid or end of November - Gai Puja (Gobardhan Puja):
Hindus worship cows and regard these animals as mothers.
November ( as per the Luna Calendar)- Bhai Tika: (Brothers and sisters Thanksgiving)
Last day of the ‘Tihar’, sisters mark their brothers’ foreheads with Tika, garland, and sweets, and pray for their long life and prosperity.
1st week of November – Chath Parva:
An ancient Hindu festival and the only Vedic festival dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya, also known as Surya Shashti. The Chhath puja is performed to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. The Sun, considered the god of energy and of the life force, is worshipped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity, and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and help ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders.
- The festival's rituals are rigorous and observed for four days. They include holy bathing, fasting, abstaining from drinking water (Vratta), standing in water for long periods, and offering to the setting and rising sun.
Nov mid (as per Tibetan lunar calendar) Mani Rimdu in Tengboche, Mani Rimdu in Chiwong Monastery - Everest region:
This is a Sherpa festival celebrated during the fall at Tengboche Monastery in the Everest region. For 5 days, Lamas and Sherpas gather for “the good of the world”. There are plays, masked dances, prayers, and feasts. Demons are quelled, and the pious are rewarded. The days are colorful and trips to the Everest region are very rewarding.