Nepal Festivals - Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Bisket Jatra and all Festivals in Nepal (2023)

  • Dashain, Nepal's biggest festival

    Dashain, similar to Chinese Spring Festival, is the biggest and longest annual festival in Nepal. Lasting for 15 days, it is held to celebrate the victory of the goddess Durgar over the evil. A large number of animals will be sacrificed during this auspicious festival. And people would go back home for family reunion. You'll see colorful kites flying in the blue sky and kids playing on the swings.

  • Tihar, the second biggest festival in Nepal

    Tihar, also known as Diwali or Deepawali after the third day of the celebration, is the most important festival in India and second only to Dasain in Nepal. Famous for the colorful festive lights, it falls between late October and early November, lasting for five days. During this festival, people will honor some animals, like crows, dogs, cows and bullocks. On the fourth day, all the houses are cleaned and decorated with candles, lamps and colorful lights to welcome Lakshimi, the goddess of wealth. Thus, It's also called as Festival of Lights.

  • Holi, the most popular festival in Nepal

    Holi, one of the most famous Nepalese festivals, is closely related to the Songkran Festival in Thailand and Myanmar. It falls on the full moon in the Nepali Fagu month. As the dry season comes to an end, the cooling water reminds us that the monsoon season is just around the corner. Fagu Purnima is also known as Festival of Colors, during which people make cheerful throws at each other by waters and paints. At this moment, foreign visitors would get special treatment. If you go out on this day, please leave the camera at home and put on old clothes.

  • Gai Jatra / Festival of cows

    (Video) Popular Festivals Of Nepal

    Gai Jatra, aslo called as the Cow Festival, starts on the day after the full moon in Nepali Saaun month and is held to commemorate the people who died in the last year. The Newars believe that the deceased will be guided by the cows to the Yama, the god of the underworld. So it would be much easier for them to complete the journey if they could catch the cowstail. On this day, the cows will be led through the wide streets and narrow lanes in Nepal, and small kids would dress up as cows. You must be amazed at the marvelous sights on the streets of Bhaktapur.

  • Teej / Nepal Women’s Festival

    Teej, also called as the Festival of Women, starts from the second to the fifth day after the new moon in Nepail Bhadra month and is particularly celebrated in Pashupatinath. During this three-day-long festival, you'll see Nepalese females dress in their beautiful red saris everywhere. The married women would pray Shiva for the healthy life of the families and the unmarried would hope to marry a good husband.

  • Indra Jatra / Kumari Jatra / Yenya Festival

    Indra Jatra, also known as Yenya, falls in Nepali Bhadra month and lasts for eight days. Following Gai Jatra, Indra Jatra festival is celebrated by Nepalese to pray to Indra and Dagini for a good harvest and commemorate the deceased in the past year. In fact, Yenya Festival consists of two parts, namely Indra Jatra and Kumari Jatra. The celebrations of Indra Jatra include the flagpole ceremony, blood sacrifice, displays of Bhairava's masks, etc. During Kumari Jatra, the living goddess will take the chariot to march through the streets of Kathmandu.

  • Nepal Festivals - Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Bisket Jatra and all Festivals in Nepal (7)

    Magh Sankranti

    As one of the few Nepalese festivals not timed with lunar calendar, the date of Magh Sankranti is determined by the north movement of winter sun. It usually occurs at the mid of January. On the new-moon day, Tribeni Mela will be held at various places, including Devghat of Terai, Ridi Bazaar and the confluence of Kali Gandaki and Ridi Khola, etc. At that time, tens of thousands of followers would bath in the holy Bagmati River.

    (Video) Ten famous festival of Nepal||नेपालका चाडपर्व|| Festival of nepal

  • Nepal Festivals - Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Bisket Jatra and all Festivals in Nepal (8)

    Saraswati Puja / Basanta Panchami

    People celebrate the coming of spring by worshiping Saraswati. Since Saraswati is the goddess of learning, this festival has special significance for the students. The most popular place for the locals to celebrate Basanta Panchami is Saravati Monastery in Swayambhunath. Of course, You can also attend this grand celebration in Kathmandu. Falling between Januanry and Feburary, it is regarded as a very auspicious time for marriages.

  • Nepal Festivals - Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Bisket Jatra and all Festivals in Nepal (9)

    Tibetan New Year / Losar Festival

    Tibetan New Year (Losar Festival) starts on the new moon in February and ends at Magh or Falgun. It's warmly celebrated at Bodhnath Stupa, Swayambhunath Monkey Temple, Tibetan community in Jawlakhel as well as the Solu Khumbu region by Sherpa people. At that time, all the Tibetan communities are indulged in the festive atmosphere. People exchange greetings and gifts with each other. The colorful prayer flags are hung around the houses,temples, pagodas, etc. And Nepalese carry out the traditional masked dances.

  • Nepal Festivals - Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Bisket Jatra and all Festivals in Nepal (10)

    Maha Shivaratri

    The birthday of Shivaaratri takes place on the new moon in Nepali Falgun month. Various kinds of celebrations are held in all the Shiva temples, and the scene is especially spectacular at Pashupatinath Temple. You'll see thousands of ascetic monks gather here from every corner of Nepal and India. When the masses bath in the holy Bagmati River, you’ll marvel at those magnificent views.

  • Nepal Festivals - Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Bisket Jatra and all Festivals in Nepal (11)

    Chaitra Dasain

    (Video) Festivals of Nepal

    Chaitra Dasain, also known as small Dasain, is celebrated just six months before the Big Dasain. Both Dasain Festivals are held for the Goddess Durga. In the early morning, goats and buffaloes will be sacrificed in Kot Sq at Kathmandu. The worship of Chaitra Dasain also symbolizes the start of the one-month-long Seto Machhendranath.

  • Nepal Festivals - Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Bisket Jatra and all Festivals in Nepal (12)

    Bisket Jatra / Navavarsha / Nepali New Year

    Bisket Jatra, also famous as Nepal New Year Festival, starts at mid-April, the beginning of Nepali Baisket month. The Bisket Jatra chariot parade in Bhaktapur is the best event to celebrate this national holiday. It's also one of the most exciting annual celebrations in Nepal, attracting tourists from all over the world.

  • Nepal Festivals - Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Bisket Jatra and all Festivals in Nepal (13)

    Buddha Jayanti / Buddha's Birthday

    The birthday of the Buddha falls in Nepali Jeth month. On this day, Buddhists from the global swarm into Nepal and pay a visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. People also have spectacular celebrations at Monkey Temple, Bodhnath and Patan. And the precious Thangka will be exhibited on the southern wall of the courtyard in Swayambhunath. You can catch the golden chance to observe monks dancing for the Buddha's birth.

  • Nepal Festivals - Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Bisket Jatra and all Festivals in Nepal (14)

    Naga Panchami

    On the fifth day after the new moon in Nepali Saaun month, the whole country will hold celebration to honor Naga. It's believed that the Naga has magically taken control of the monsoon rains. During this festival, people will post the pictures of Naga on the door for the peace and luck, and prepare food for the snakes, including a bowl of rice.

    (Video) Festivals of Nepal

  • Nepal Festivals - Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Bisket Jatra and all Festivals in Nepal (15)

    Mani Rimdu

    Mani Rimdu, a popular dancing festival among Sherpa People, is held at Tengboche Temple in the Solu Khumbu region. Timed by Tibetan calendar, it takes place in October or November and lasts for three days. The festival features masked dances and traditional opera to celebrate the victory of Buddhism over Bon religion. Another Mani Rimdu Festival is celebrated six months later at Thame Temple. It's just one day's walk from Namche Bazaar.

  • Nepal Festivals - Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Bisket Jatra and all Festivals in Nepal (16)

    Pachali Bhairab

    Pachali Bhairab takes place on the fourth day of the brightest fortnight in September or early October. The bloodthirsty nature of Bhairab means that there will be a large-scale sacrifice at this festival.

  • Nepal Festivals - Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Bisket Jatra and all Festivals in Nepal (17)

    Sita Bibaha Panchami

    Sita Bibaha Panchami falls on the fifth day of the bright fortnight in November or December. Millions of pilgrims swarm from Nepal and India to Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita, to celebrate Sita’s marriage to Rama. The wedding will be shown again and you are likely to witness elephants carrying Rama’s portrait to Sita Temple.

  • FAQs

    How many festivals are celebrated in Nepal? ›

    There are more than 50 festivals celebrated in Nepal every year. While the national festivals have fixed dates, religious festivals in Nepal are set by astrologers following the lunar calendar.

    How many jatras are celebrated in Nepal? ›

    "Jatra" in the Nepali language means "street festival", making the celebration a public and community affair.

    Which is the most popular festival in Nepal? ›

    Dashain. Dashain (Nepali: दशैं Daśãi, also Baḍādaśhãin बडादशैं or Bijayā Daśamī Nepali: बिजया दशमी) is the 15-day-long festival and holidays of Nepal. It is the longest and the most auspicious festival in the Nepalese annual calendar, celebrated by Nepalese Hindu people throughout the globe.

    What is the 10 festival of Nepal? ›

    Nepal Festivals & Calendar
    Nepal FestivalsSolar CalendarNepal Calendar
    Saraswati Puja / Basanta PanchamiJan. - Feb.Magh
    Tibetan New Year / Losar FestivalJan. - Feb.Magh
    Maha ShivaratriFeb. - Mar.Falgun
    Holi / Festival of Colors (Nepal popular festival)Feb. - Mar.Falgun
    13 more rows

    What are top 10 festivals? ›

    Top Festivals Around The World
    • Diwali, India. Celebrating Diwali in India. ...
    • Dia de los Muertos, Mexico. Mexico's Dia de los Muertos ('Day of the Dead') festival. ...
    • Songkran Festival, Thailand. ...
    • Semana Santa, Guatemala. ...
    • Obon Festival, Japan. ...
    • Hermanus Whale Festival, South Africa. ...
    • Tsechus, Bhutan. ...
    • Mardi Gras, New Orleans, USA.

    What are the 4 religious festivals? ›

    Major religious events
    • Christmas and Easter.
    • Diwali.
    • Hajj.
    • Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr.
    Mar 9, 2022

    What are 10 festivals called? ›

    Indian Festivals Calendar 2023
    MonthFestivalDay
    FebruaryMaha ShivratriSaturday
    MarchHoliWednesday
    MarchMewarWednesday
    AprilBaisakhiFriday
    20 more rows
    Oct 22, 2021

    What is Holi festival in Nepal? ›

    Holi is the festival of colors in Nepal celebrated in “Fagu Purnima”- the full moon day with great joy, especially in Terai. During this festival, people exchange different smear color powders with their friends and family members while exchanging greetings, harmony, happiness, and wishing them “Happy Holi”.

    Which is the longest festival in Nepal? ›

    Dashain, also known as Bijaya Dashami, is the grandest, longest and most auspicious festival in Nepal. It takes place in Nepali Ashiwin month (September to October in Solar Calendar) and lasts for 15 days.

    What is the 7 day of Dashain called? ›

    Phulpati (फूलपाती) is a major celebration occurring on the seventh day of Dashain.

    Which is the biggest Jatra? ›

    Ratha-Jatra, Puri, at Puri in the state of Odisha, is the largest and most visited Ratha Yatra in the world attracting a large crowd every year.

    What are the three major festivals? ›

    Diwali, Eid and Christmas are the major festivals celebrated in India.

    What are the five traditional festivals? ›

    Here are our top picks.
    • Traditional Festivals. ...
    • Homowo – May. ...
    • Aboakyir – May. ...
    • Bakatue – July. ...
    • Asafotufiam – August. ...
    • Oguaa Fetu Afahye – September. ...
    • Hogbetsotso – September. ...
    • Akwasidae – Once every six weeks.

    What are the five national festivals? ›

    There are other National Festivals that are celebrated in India as well. These include Maha Shivratri, Pongal, Onam, Baisakhi, Rakshabandhan, Gurpurab, Makar Sankranti.

    How many festivals are there in 12 months? ›

    12 Months, 13 Festivals!

    Which is the biggest Jatra in Nepal? ›

    Indra Jatra is the biggest religious street festivals in Kathmandu, Nepal. Indra Jatra is commonly known as Yenyā in Nepal Bhasa where Ye means "Kathmandu" and Ya means "celebration", together it means "Celebration inside Kathmandu". Indra Jatra and Kumari Jatra are the two main events of this festival.

    How many main festivals are there? ›

    There is no exact list of Indian festivals as over 50 festivals are celebrated in the country by the people of different cultures and religion. The Indian festivals form an integral part of the rich heritage of the country.

    What is the biggest cultural festival? ›

    The largest congregation of pilgrims on the planet, Kumbh Mela is a true delight for travellers who love to experience unique cultures and traditions. This massive religious festival of India is celebrated four times in the span of twelve years at four different sacred sites: Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik and Prayagraj.

    What are the 3 main Buddhist festivals? ›

    The dates of the holidays are based on the lunar calendar and often differ by country and tradition.
    • Dharma Day. Asalha Puja Day or Dharma Day is celebrated on the full moon in July. ...
    • Buddhist New Year. ...
    • Kathina. ...
    • Guan Yin Celebration. ...
    • Ullambana. ...
    • Wesak.

    What are the 3 pilgrimage festivals called? ›

    Sukkot , Pesach and Shavuot and are known as the three pilgrim festivals in Judaism. This is because, traditionally, Jews used to travel to the Temple in Jerusalem to celebrate them.

    What are the three 3 main festivals in Buddhism? ›

    Buddhist Celebrations
    • Magha Puja Day and Sangha Day. This celebration usually occurs on the day of full moon in March. ...
    • Buddhist New Year. For three days after the first full moon of April, Buddhists celebrate New Year's Day in certain countries. ...
    • Wesak. ...
    • Dharma Day. ...
    • Parinirvana Day. ...
    • Kathina.

    Do Nepali people celebrate Diwali? ›

    Tihar is the second-most important festival in Nepal after Dashain. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, akin to Diwali in India.
    ...
    Is Tihar and Diwali the Same?
    Festival AspectTiharDiwali
    Celebrated byNepali HindusIndian Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs
    5 more rows
    Jan 4, 2023

    What are the names of the festival? ›

    10 Famous Festivals of India
    • Diwali.
    • Navratri and Durga Pooja.
    • Dussehra.
    • Holi.
    • Krishna Janmashtami.
    • Onam.
    • Ganesh Chaturthi.
    • Eid-Ul-Fitr.

    Which day of Dashain is today? ›

    Dashain is a religious Hindu festival celebrated annually during the Hindu month of Kartik, between September and October in the Gregorian calendar. This year, it will begin on October 24.

    Why are festivals important in Nepal? ›

    Festivals, an important part of Nepalese culture

    It not only brings the people together, but also ensures that the people stay connected and that the centuries-old culture is passed on. The great thing about Nepal is that regardless of one's religion or cultural background, everyone celebrates.

    Is Holi a holiday in Nepal? ›

    In Nepal and India, the Holi festival is regarded as an official festival where all business is closed for a day and people come in the street, singing, and dancing, meeting friends and family members, and splashing colors.

    What is the difference between Dol Jatra and Holi? ›

    While Holi is based on the legend of Prahlad, an incarnation of Vishnu, in north India, Bengali Dol revolves around Krishna and Radha. Krishna too is an incarnation of Vishnu. Dol begins on the day after a full moon night in Phalgun, (a month in the Bengali calendar) in Vrindavan.

    Which is the first festival of Nepal? ›

    The first known music festival was the Pythian Games, a precursor of the Olympics, which was held from the late sixth century BC at the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi.

    What is Christmas called in Nepal? ›

    Christmas is यशु जयन्ती in Nepali.

    How many religions are there in Nepal? ›

    There are ten religions practiced in Nepal. They are Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Kirat, Christianity, Prakriti, Bon, Jainism, Bahai and Sikhism.

    What are the 10 days of Dashain? ›

    What is Dashain Festival?
    • Dashain is the celebration of the victory of good over evil beings. ...
    • 1st Day: Ghatasthapana.
    • 7th Day: Fulpaati.
    • 8th Day: Ashtami.
    • 9th Day: Navami.
    • 10th Day: Dashami.
    • 15th Day: Kojagrat Purnima.
    • Dashain Festival is celebrated by rejoicing among relatives.

    How many days is Dashain celebrated in Nepal? ›

    It is celebrated in the month of Ashwin or Kartik(nepalese Calendar) which usually falls around late september- early October. It is a full 15 days long festival. The first day called Ghatasthapana lies on the first waxing moon of the month and ends on the first full moon called Kojagrat Purnima.

    Who is the God of Dashain? ›

    Dashain honors the Goddess Durga, who was created out of the shakti or energy of all the gods, armed with weapons from each of them. Goddess Durga, symbolizing valor and prowess, is worshipped and offered sacrifices to ensure the devotees' progress and prosperity.

    Where is the biggest Holi festival? ›

    Outside of India, Leicester has the largest Holi celebrations in the world. Holi is celebrated at different parks across the city each year. Everyone in the city comes together to watch the lighting of the Holika bonfire on the eve of the festival.

    Which is biggest jatara in Asia? ›

    Sammakka Sarakka Jatara held by forest dwelling Koya tribe of Telangana and surrounding States, is the biggest Tribal festival in Asia which is attended by two crore people on an average. The event is held biennially ( once in two years ) to honour the twin goddesses Sammakka and her daughter Sarakka.

    Which is the best Holi? ›

    Lathmar Holi is one of the most sought-after celebrations of Holi in India. Barsana, an hour's drive from Mathura, is said to be Radha's hometown, and it is believed that she and the other gopis playfully fought off Krishna and his friends when they visited from Nandgaon to play Holi.

    What are the four 4 festivals in Asia? ›

    Extraordinary festivals in Asia every traveller must go to
    • Holi. One of the most popular festivals in Asia is Holi. ...
    • Loi Krathong. ...
    • Dragon Boat Festival. ...
    • Diwali. ...
    • Songkran. ...
    • Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival. ...
    • Gion Matsuri. ...
    • Chinese New Year.

    What is the most religious festival? ›

    The Kumbh Mela is one of the world's most important religious festivals because of the holy dip. It's an important place, date and experience in Hindu mythology.

    How many festivals are there in a year? ›

    It is said that there are over a thousand festivals in India throughout the year. Every festival in India is welcomed with big celebrations and sometimes a unison of cultures. The next festival celebrated nationally with much fervor is Holi on March 8th, 2023.

    What are the 4 cultural festivals observed by the Hindus? ›

    Eight Hindu Festivals and Celebrations
    • Diwali. ...
    • Ugadi. ...
    • Maha Shivaratri. ...
    • Makar Sankranti. ...
    • Onam. ...
    • Krishna Janmashtami. ...
    • Rama Navami. ...
    • Ganesh Chaturthi.
    Jun 9, 2021

    What is traditional festival? ›

    The traditional festival is a grand occasion where we learn about the history of our people and get in-depth knowledge and understanding of the cultural heritage of the Asantes. It makes us proud of our ethnic and place identity.

    What is traditional religious festival? ›

    A religious festival is a time of special importance marked by adherents to that religion. Religious festivals are commonly celebrated on recurring cycles in a calendar year or lunar calendar. The science of religious rites and festivals is known as heortology.

    How many religious festivals are there? ›

    11 Religious Festivals of India 2023 | Indian Celebrations.

    What are the main Hindu festivals? ›

    Of the many Hindu festivals celebrated worldwide, there are two important ones. These festivals are Diwali , the festival of lights, and Holi , the festival of colours.

    Is Holi a national holiday? ›

    Countrywide holidays for national events are applicable on official national celebrations like Independence Day, Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti.
    ...
    List of national public holidays in 2022.
    DateDayHoliday Description
    26 JanuaryWednesdayRepublic Day
    1 MarchTuesdayMaha Shivratri
    18 MarchFridayHoli
    22 more rows
    Apr 25, 2022

    How many festivals do we celebrate? ›

    There is no exact list of Indian festivals as over 50 festivals are celebrated in the country by the people of different cultures and religion. The Indian festivals form an integral part of the rich heritage of the country.

    How many days celebrate Nepal? ›

    Among the fifteen days on which it is celebrated, the most important days are the first, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, and fifteenth. Dashain is the main festival of Hindus in Nepal.

    How many national festivals we celebrate? ›

    India, being a culturally diverse society, celebrates many holidays and festivals, but there are only three national festivals: Republic Day (26 January), Independence Day (15 August), and Gandhi Jayanti (2 October).

    How many days is a Nepali wedding? ›

    A traditional wedding in Nepal is famous for its richness and vibrancy. Right from the bright red or green wedding attires to lavish Nepali cuisine, they have it all to mark wedding as a majestic and memorable day. They generally last for 2-3 days.

    What is Diwali called in Nepal? ›

    Tihar is the second-most important festival in Nepal after Dashain. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, akin to Diwali in India.

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