Festivals in Nepal

Festivals in Nepal are an important part of Nepalese culture and religion. Celebrated throughout the year, they show harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism and bring people together through colorful rituals, music, dance, and devotion.

Major Buddhists Festivals in Nepal – Buddha Jayanti

• When: Baishakh Sukla Purnima (Full Moon—April/May)
• Duration: 1 day
• Significance: Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha
• Celebrated in: Lumbini (birthplace of Buddha), Kathmandu Valley, monasteries across Nepal
• Community: Buddhists and Hindus

Lhosar (Buddhist New Year)

• When: February/March
• Duration: 1 day
• Significance: Tibetan New Year celebrated with rituals, prayers, and cultural programs
• Celebrated in: Khumbu, Helambu, and northern Himalayan regions
• Community: Buddhists

Mani Rimdu

• When: Full moon of the 9th Tibetan month (October/November)
• Duration: 3 days
• Significance: Most important Sherpa festival featuring masked dances and prayers
• Celebrated in: Khumbu region, Tengboche Monastery
• Community: Sherpa Buddhists

Indra Jatra

• When: Bhadra (August/September)
• Duration: 1 day
• Significance: Worship of Indra, the god of rain and heaven
• Celebrated in: Kathmandu
• Community: Hindus and Buddhists

(Major Hindu Festivals in Nepal)

Dashain 

• When: Ashoj/Kartik (September–October)
• Duration: 15 days
• Significance: Celebrates the victory of good over evil; families receive tika and blessings from elders
• Celebrated in: All over Nepal
• Community: Hindus and Buddhists

Tihar (Festival of Lights)

• When: Kartik (October/November)
• Duration: 5 days
• Significance: Worship of Goddess Laxmi, lighting oil lamps, honoring animals, and celebrating sibling bonds
• Celebrated in: Throughout Nepal
• Community: Hindus and Buddhists

Teej 

• When: Bhadra (August/September)
• Duration: 1 night, 2 days
• Significance: Women’s fasting festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, marked by dancing and devotional songs
• Celebrated in: Throughout Nepal
• Community: Hindu women

Maha Shivaratri

• When: Falgun (February/March)
• Duration: 1 night
• Significance: Sacred night dedicated to Lord Shiva
• Celebrated in: Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, and across Nepal
• Community: Hindus

Fagu Purnima (Holi – Festival of Colors)

• When: Late February or early March
• Duration: 1–2 days
• Significance: Celebration of victory over evil and the arrival of spring with colors and joy
• Celebrated in: Kathmandu and nationwide
• Community: All communities

Ghode Jatra

• When: Chaitra (March/April)
• Duration: 1 day
• Significance: Traditional horse race and military demonstrations
• Celebrated in: Kathmandu
• Community: General public

Rato Machhindranath Jatra

• When: Begins on the full moon of Baishakh (April/May)
• Duration: Several days
• Significance: Worship of the rain god for good harvest
• Celebrated in: Patan and Kathmandu
• Community: Hindus and Buddhists

Gai Jatra

• When: Bhadra (August/September)
• Duration: 1 day
• Significance: Honors the deceased; families lead a symbolic cow procession to help souls reach the afterlife
• Celebrated in: Kathmandu Valley
• Community: Mainly Hindus

Festivals in Nepal reflect the country’s spiritual harmony, cultural diversity, and joyful traditions. Whether religious or cultural, these celebrations bring families and communities together and offer travelers a colorful insight into Nepalese life.