The number of festivals in Nepal also proves its religious diversity. A vast number of people in Nepal follow Hinduism. Other religions include Buddhism, Islam, Kirat Mundhum, Christianity, and Sikhism. All the religious groups have their festivals. So, Nepal celebrates more than 50 festivals annually. The national festivals have fixed dates, while the religious festivals in Nepal are set by astrologers following the lunar calendar.
Visiting Nepal during vibrant festivals is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture. Intertwined with religious beliefs and ancient customs, each festival, from Teej and Jatras to Dashain and Tihar, all have insight into Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you enjoy the spectacular masked dance or join the joyous revelry, this article will provide you with the best festivals to attend in Nepal.
10 Major Festivals In Nepal
When you travel to Nepal, you are most likely to observe one of those festivals, major or local, no matter what time of the year. Here is a list of 10 major festivals in Nepal that are widely celebrated and some important local festivals.
Dashain
Dashain, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is one of Nepal’s biggest and most popular festivals. It is celebrated for 15 days, with the most celebrated days being the first, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and fifteenth. People celebrate Dashain to honor Goddess Durga’s victory over the evil Mahisashur.
During this major festival in Nepal, all the relatives get together and receive blessings from their elders. Its celebration includes animal sacrifices and putting tika on the foreheads. Some major highlights of this longest festival include buying new clothes, kite flying, and village swings. It is also a festival of joyful moments with lots of happiness.
Tihar(Diwali)
This is the second major Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal. Mostly held in November, Tihar is the festival of lights and colorful decorations. People decorate their homes with intricate rangoli designs, oil lamps, and marigolds to celebrate this festival. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil.
It is celebrated for five days, with the first and second days dedicated to birds, cows, and dogs and the third and fourth days dedicated to the Goddess of wealth, Laxmi, and Govardhan puja. The most auspicious day is the fifth day, Bhai Tika. Today, we exchanged tika between brothers and sisters.
Holi
The people know this spring festival as a festival of color. Also known as Fagu Purnima, Holi marks the death of the devil, Holika. During this festival, people share a handful of colored powder and water. Following the day-one celebration, people celebrate Holi by playing with colors, singing, exchanging stories, dancing, and enjoying homemade sweets.
After the people of Kathmandu Valley celebrate Holi, the Terai region of Nepal celebrates it the next day. Nepal’s vibrant and unique Holi celebrations attract tourists from around the world. Festive tourism during Holi contributes to the economy and promotes cultural exchange.
Maha Shivaratri
Honoring Lord Shiva, Maha Shivaratri falls on the 14th of the dark fortnight in Falgun. This festival celebrates the marriage between Lord Shiva and Parvati and the night of Shiva’s Tandava dance. It is mainly celebrated at Pashupati Temple and other Shiva temples.
Devotees fast during the day and worship Lord Shiva at night. They perform various rituals, like Rudhra Abhiskek and milking over the Shiva Statue. This day serves as a time for self-discipline, inner reflection, and the pursuit of spiritual awakening to overcome ego and negative tendencies.
Maghe Sankranti
Celebrated on Magh 1st of every year, this festival marks the sun’s passage into the northern hemisphere. People hope this festival will end the cold season and bring warmer days. During the day, Hindus take an early morning bath and worship Lord Vishnu.
This festival includes special foods such as Til ko Laddu, Chakku, Murai Ko Laddu, sweet potato, molasses, yams, and many more. The Tharu community of Nepal celebrates this festival for a week as their new year. It is a deeply rooted festival that brings communities together and strengthens the cultural fabric of Nepal.
Teej
Teej is a festival dedicated to the goddess Parvati. Women in Nepal typically celebrate it for three days in the month of Bhadra, with the first day being Dar Khane Din. On the second day, married women fast for their husbands’ longevity, while unmarried girls pray for a loving husband.
On the last day, women worship several saints and perform a holy bath. It is fascinating to see women of all age groups, young and old, come together and dance for hours in the heat and rain without a drop of water or food for an entire day.
Ghode Jatra
Ghode Jatra is an iconic city festival celebrated in March by the Newari community of Kathmandu Valley for over five centuries. It is a unique and vibrant celebration. To celebrate this festival, they hold a horse race at Tundikhel.
Also, Ghode Jatra features various other cultural and traditional activities. People gather to enjoy picnics, watch the races, and participate in important events. The festival also holds religious significance, with certain rituals and ceremonies at various temples in Kathmandu.
Indra Jatra
Also celebrated in Kathmandu Valley, this is a long weekend festival dedicated to Lord Indra, the god of rain, and Kumari, the living goddess of Kathmandu. The major highlight of this festival is the Kumari Jatra, which involves a parade in the streets of Kathmandu.
During the festival, vibrant processions, traditional music and dance shows, and the hoisting of the lingo, a ceremonial pole, take place at Basantapur Durbar Square. Kathmandu Durbar Square becomes the focal point of these events, drawing both locals and visitors to experience the cultural displays and ceremonies.
Bisket Jatra
Bisket Jatra is a traditional festival celebrated in Nepal. It takes place annually and is a vibrant and colorful event with great cultural significance for the Nepalese people. The celebrations typically include music, dancing, and traditional rituals to honor various gods and goddesses.
It lasts nine days and eight nights and is one of Nepal’s largest Jatras. The most eventful points of this festival are Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Taumadi Square, and Balkumari Thimi. During Bisket Jatra, devotees pull large chariots carrying idols through the streets, accompanied by singing and dancing.
Rato Machindranath Jatra
It is one of the most extraordinary religious events celebrated in Nepal. The Newar community of Kathmandu Valley celebrates this festival. It dedicates itself to the God of Rain, Machindranath. People believe it brings prosperity and good fortune. The festival’s highlight is the deity’s chariot procession through the streets of Lalitpur, where devotees gather to pull the chariot and seek blessings.
During the ceremony, performers showcase traditional dances, music, and rituals. The Rato Machindranath Jatra is a cultural spectacle that showcases Nepal’s rich heritage and traditions.
Importance of Festivals to Attend in Nepal
Festivals hold immense importance in Nepalese society. There are several different reasons and occasions why the festivals are so widely celebrated. As a country that believes in tradition and faith, people here have lived by different ancient and ritual stories since childhood. Festivals are not just religious or cultural events but a reflection of the country’s deep-rooted traditions and values. They bring people together for joy and celebration, fostering unity and belongingness. They also allow families to bond, participate in rituals, share meals, and exchange blessings.
Besides, you can also express thanks and seek blessings for the future. Festivals in Nepal show a rich cultural heritage and traditions, passing them down from generation to generation. Festivals play a vital role in preserving Nepal’s cultural identity. They also contribute to the local economy, attracting visitors from different places. Many visitors visit Nepal during festival seasons to witness and participate in the vibrant atmosphere.
Discuss about Nepal’s rich Cultural Heritage
Nepal’s cultural heritage is a beautiful blend of religion, architecture, and tradition. People from different backgrounds have their own languages and traditions. Nepal’s cultural legacy inspires visitors worldwide, from ancient temples and sacred sites to lively music and food.
As Nepal continues to love the modern world, its cultural heritage remains a source of strength and identity, enriching the lives of its people. Whether it’s big religious events or fun festivals, everything in Nepal shows how much people care about their land and each other.
Seven of Nepal’s top ten UNESCO World Heritage sites are inside the Kathmandu Valley, featuring temples, palaces, and other architecturally important monuments. Here is the list:
- Boudha Stupa
- Pashupati Temple
- Swayambhunath
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Patan Durbar Square
- Changunarayan Temple
Some Other Festivals Celebrated
Nepal celebrates various other festivals throughout the year, including the one mentioned above. Here is a list of festivals you can consider during your visit.
- Janai Purnima
- Saraswati Puja
- Lothar
- Id
- Krishna Janmashtami
- Chhath
- Mani Rimdu
- Chaurcha
- Gai Jatra
Practical tips for attending Festivals in Nepal
If you are planning to travel to Nepal during a festival, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:
- Always plan your trip to Nepal in advance, as festivals can be busy, and accommodations and flights may be difficult to find.
- Nepal follows the lunar climate, which means that dates can vary. Therefore, check the dates and locations based only on the lunar calendar.
- Festivals are a significant part of the country, so it is essential to respect them. Dress properly and follow local customs.
- Be prepared for large crowds and ensure your safety beforehand.
- Try traditional dishes and sweets. This is a great opportunity to explore local cuisine and savor Nepal’s unique flavors.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables in a secure place.
Impact of Festivals on Tourism in Nepal
Festivals are significant in Nepal’s culture and help attract many tourists. Events like Dashain and Tihar are famous festivals for their colorful celebrations and cultural importance. Tourists love seeing traditional rituals, music, and decorations during these festivals. They watch and join in, making their trip to Nepal more exciting and memorable.
Also, many festivals in Nepal happen during the best times for tourists, like autumn and spring. This means more people come to see the festivals, which helps local businesses. Places like Kathmandu and Pokhara get busier with tourists who want to enjoy sightseeing and cultural celebrations. So, festivals show Nepal’s culture and boost its tourism and local economies.
Conclusion
Nepal hosts many festivals throughout the year, with its diverse ethnic communities celebrating through gatherings with family, friends, and within their communities. These festivals time their events according to the lunar calendar, distinct from the solar and Gregorian calendars commonly used in Nepal.
Each event showcases unique traditions, from the lively Dashain and Tihar to the spiritual Buddha Jayanti and Maha Shivaratri. Join the festival, try local cuisine, and immerse yourself in Nepal’s rich culture. We suggest you plan your visit during these cultural and festival seasons to make your trip more memorable.
