Festivals in Nepal You Must Experience

The most widely celebrated festival in Nepal, Dashain is of great Nepali significance. Celebrated as a means to cherish Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, Dashain attracts hundreds of Nepalese to worship the Goddess, conduct family gatherings, and enjoy individual and family feasts. Lasting for 15 days, Dashain also hosts events such as kite flying.

Dates: 3 October to 12 October 2024

Also known as the festival of lights, Tihar is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi. Tihar Festival, or Diwali in Nepal, is Nepal's 2nd most celebrated festival after Dashain (Dussehra). In this festival, people celebrate the Gods and the animals and birds that share a close relationship with them. Hosting fantastic celebrations with peak zeal, candles, and lanterns are lit up on the day of Tihar. Lasting for 5 days, the whole country lights up during this time. 

Dates: 1 November to 3 November 2024

Celebrated country-wide, Buddha Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Buddha. This festival witnessed intensely decorated temples like Monkey Temple and Boudhanath Temple with candles, lamps, and prayer flags. On this day, devotees chant Buddhist mantras and resist consuming alcohol.

Dates: 23 May 2024

Maha Shivaratri is a significant Nepali festival where numerous people gather at Shiva temples to worship the Shiva Linga. On the night of Maha Shivaratri, devotees offer their respect and devotion through fasting. Some of the common sightings during the festival are lamp-lit temples housing followers conducting aarti and making offerings at the Shiva temples.

Dates: 8 March 2024

Gai Jatra is a Nepal celebration dedicated to commemorating the death of loved ones. Various offerings, such as food, are distributed by the family of the deceased. During the Gai Jatra, Nepal witnesses people singing and dancing to turn their sorrow into joy. Young boys with mascara smeared faces and painted as cows move barefoot on the streets of Nepal to celebrate this festival. Also known as the Sa Paru, the Gai Jatra hosts find tons of Nepalese singing, dancing and laughing together on the streets. Celebrated by the Newar community on the outskirts of the Kathmandu region, the Gai Jatra is said to be one of the most unique festivals in the world.

Dates: 20 August 2024

Fagun Purnima, also commonly known as Holi, is one of Nepal's most lively and vibrant festivals. During the festival, people light a bonfire to celebrate the death of Holika, the demon. Fagun Purnima is celebrated with dry colors, water balloons, and water guns. Lassi mixed with bhang is a common practice as well.

Date: 25 March 2024

Celebrated at the beginning of Nepali Bisket month, Bisket Jatra marks the end of serpents. With an enormous rally and tug of war held during the festival, Bisket Jatra also has locals indulging in activities such as singing, dancing, playing with colours, and tongue piercing; a common event during the Bisket Jatra.

Date: 14th April every year

Indra Jatra is one of the most widely cherished festivals in Nepal. The significance of the festival lies in the hope for a good harvest. Raksi, the traditional Nepali liquor is widely consumed by the Nepalese who also indulge in masked dance performances.

Date: Starts from 17 September 2024

On the festival of Teej, women partake in a heavy breakfast, before beginning a full-day fast. The fast is held as a prayer for the husband’s and children’s good health, and for self-purification. Various sweets are relished once the fast is broken, along with songs and dances.

Date: 6 September 2024

One of the most popular festivals in Nepal, Losar is synonymous with the Tibetan New Year. Losar, a very lively festival, involves devotees from all over Nepal rejoicing through various dance forms, songs, and exchanging gifts. People also consume local Tibetan drinks, as a celebration of the new year.

Date: 10 February to 12 February 2024

Chhat is an ancient Hindu festival, celebrated by cherishing and thanking Surya (the sun) for helping us to sustain life on Earth. The sun is worshipped during Chhat by making offerings and by gathering at river banks. Chhat also includes fasting and holy bathing.

Date: 7 November to 10 November 2024

Marking the birthday of Goddess Saraswati, Basant Panchami is also believed to bring good fortune along with the season of spring. Flowers, sweets, candles, and the like are offered to the Goddess, hoping that this day would bring devotees a happy life. Popular belief also holds this day to be a good day to begin married life.

Date: 14 February 2024