Nepal Festival Calendar

Browse major Nepalese festivals, cultural events, public holidays, and their significance.

Client-side static reference.

Dashain (Vijaya Dashami)

दशैं (बडा दशैं)

National

The biggest and most auspicious 15-day festival celebrated by Nepalis worldwide, celebrating the victory of goddess Durga over demon Mahishasura. Families gather for Tika, Jamara, and blessings from elders.

BS Month: Ashoj / KartikSeason: Autumn

GhatasthapanaFulpatiMaha AshtamiMaha NavamiVijaya Dashami TikaKite flyingRote Ping (Bamboo swings)

Tihar (Deepawali)

तिहार (दीपावली)

National

The 5-day festival of lights celebrating nature, animals, and familial bonds, culminating in Bhai Tika celebrating the sacred bond between brothers and sisters.

BS Month: KartikSeason: Autumn

Kaag Tihar (Crows)Kukur Tihar (Dogs)Gai Tihar & Laxmi Puja (Cows & Wealth)Govardhan Puja & Mha PujaBhai TikaDeusi-Bhailo

Chhath Parva

छठ पर्व

Hindu

An ancient Hindu Vedic festival primarily celebrated in the Terai region and riverbanks of Kathmandu, dedicated to Surya (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya for vitality and prosperity.

BS Month: KartikSeason: Autumn

Fasting without water (Nirjala)Offering Arghya to setting and rising sunRiver bank worshipThekua sweet delicacy

Holi (Fagu Purnima)

होली (फागु पूर्णिमा)

National

The joyous festival of colors and love, marking the arrival of spring and victory of devotion (Prahlada) over evil (Holika). Celebrated with water balloons (Lola) and colorful powder (Abeer).

BS Month: FalgunSeason: Spring

Smearing colored powders (Abeer)Water playSinging folk songsFestive sweets & family visits

Haritalika Teej

हरितालिका तीज

Hindu

A three-day festival celebrated by Hindu women for marital bliss, good health, and family longevity. Women wear vibrant red sarees, dance to traditional Teej folk songs, and keep a strict fast.

BS Month: BhadraSeason: Monsoon

Dar Khane Din (Feast eve)Strict 24-hr fastingPashupatinath pilgrimageRishi Panchami cleansing

Maha Shivaratri

महाशिवरात्रि

Hindu

The Great Night of Lord Shiva. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, sadhus, and devotees from Nepal and India gather at the holy Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.

BS Month: FalgunSeason: Late Winter

All-night vigil (Jagaram)Bonfires (Dhuni)Pashupatinath Temple DarshanMeditation and Shiva prayers

Buddha Jayanti

बुद्ध जयन्ती

Buddhist

Commemoration of the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Gautama Buddha, born in Lumbini, Nepal. Grand prayers are held at Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Lumbini.

BS Month: BaisakhSeason: Spring

Processions in Lumbini and Kathmandu stupasLighting butter lampsPeace chants and meditationDisplay of holy relics

Lhosar (Tamu, Sonam, Gyalpo)

ल्होसार (तमु, सोनाम, ग्याल्बो)

Ethnic

The Tibetan and Himalayan New Year celebrated by Gurung (Tamu), Tamang (Sonam), and Sherpa/Tibetan (Gyalpo) communities with traditional dress, Selroti, Khapse, and folk dances.

BS Month: Poush / Magh / FalgunSeason: Winter

Community gatherings in TundikhelTraditional ethnic dressesSelroti & Khapse sweetsMonastery blessings

Maghe Sankranti (Makar Sankranti)

माघे संक्रान्ति

National

Marks the sun's transition into Capricorn (Makara) and the end of cold winter days. Also celebrated as Maghi, the grand new year of the Tharu community.

BS Month: Magh 1Season: Winter

Eating Til ko Laddu (Sesame)Chaku, Ghee & Tarul (Yam)Sacred river baths at Devghat/TrisuliTharu cultural dance

Indra Jatra (Yenya)

इन्द्रजात्रा (येँयाः)

Newari

One of Kathmandu's most vibrant street festivals honoring Lord Indra, God of rain. Features the chariot procession of the Living Goddess Kumari, Majipa Lakhey dance, and display of Sweta Bhairab.

BS Month: Bhadra / AshojSeason: Late Monsoon

Kumari Chariot processionLakhey & Pulukisi masked dancesSweta Bhairab distribution of liquorErecting the sacred Yosin pole

Nepali New Year (Baisakh 1)

नयाँ वर्ष (बैशाख १)

National

The official first day of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Celebrated nationwide with family picnics, greetings, and the famous Bisket Jatra in Bhaktapur.

BS Month: Baisakh 1Season: Spring

Bisket Jatra in BhaktapurTongue piercing festival in BodeFamily feasts & outingsNew Year greetings

Krishna Janmashtami

श्रीकृष्ण जन्माष्टमी

Hindu

Celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Huge celebrations take place at the historic stone Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square.

BS Month: BhadraSeason: Monsoon

Fast until midnightDevotional bhajansProcession and darshan at Patan Krishna MandirChildren dressed as Bal Krishna

How It Works

1Browse the festival catalog or search for a specific festival name.
2Filter by category (National, Hindu, Buddhist, Regional).
3Read historical and cultural descriptions of each celebration.

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Vijaya Dashami (Dashain)

Dashain

Frequently Asked Questions

How are festival dates determined?

Dates correspond to the lunar tithi system according to traditional Nepalese panchang (calendar).

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