Festivals & Celebrations of Nepal (नेपाली चाडपर्वहरू)
Nepal is renowned as the land of festivals where ancient traditions, diverse ethnic cultures, and astronomical calendar milestones blend together throughout the Bikram Sambat year.
Bada Dashain (Vijaya Dashami)
Nepal's biggest and most auspicious festive celebration, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Families reunite, receive red Tika and golden Jamara blessings from elders, fly colorful kites, and swing on traditional bamboo ping.
Tihar (Deepawali / Yamapanchak)
The five-day festival of lights honoring animals (crows, dogs, cows, bullocks) and celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters on Bhai Tika with colorful Rangoli and oil lamps (diyas).
Chhath Parva
An ancient Hindu Vedic festival dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, thanking them for sustaining life on Earth and requesting longevity and prosperity.
Haritalika Teej
A vibrant three-day festival celebrated by Hindu women across Nepal, dressed in radiant red sarees, singing folk songs, dancing joyously, and fasting for marital harmony and family well-being.
Maha Shivaratri
The Great Night of Shiva, one of Nepal's most revered spiritual events. Hundreds of thousands of sadhus, devotees, and pilgrims gather at the world-famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.
Fagu Purnima (Holi)
The joyous carnival of colors marking the arrival of spring, celebration of love, forgiveness, and new beginnings. Celebrated across the hilly region on Purnima day and Terai the following day.
Nepali New Year (Nawa Barsha)
Baisakh 1 marks the official start of the Bikram Sambat calendar year. Celebrated with nationwide public holidays, cultural picnics, and the famous Bisket Jatra in Bhaktapur.
Buddha Jayanti (Ubhauli / Baishakh Purnima)
Celebrates the birth, enlightenment (Nirvana), and passing (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha, the Light of Asia, born in Lumbini, Nepal.
Shree Krishna Janmashtami
The celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Huge processions and devotional singing occur around Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square.
Janai Purnima / Raksha Bandhan / Kwati Punhi
A sacred day where Brahmins and Chhetris renew their holy cord (Janai), sisters tie protective Rakhi on their brothers, and families relish wholesome nine-sprouted bean soup (Kwati).
Maghe Sankranti (Makar Sankranti)
The winter solstice festival marking the sun's northern transit (Uttarayan). Celebrated with holy river confluence dips (such as Devghat) and eating warming festive foods.