Nepal, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is a land of immense cultural diversity and spiritual richness. Its festivals reflect a mosaic of ethnicities, religions, and regional traditions that have evolved over centuries. From nationwide Hindu celebrations to deeply spiritual Tibetan Buddhist rituals, and vibrant ethnic and caste-based observances, Nepal’s festivals embody the country’s harmonious coexistence of multiple cultures.
The festivals celebrated across Nepal and the Tibetan cultural sphere offer more than just moments of joy and reverence; they serve as a living history, connecting communities with their ancestral roots and the rhythms of nature. Many festivals align with lunar or solar calendars, marking significant seasonal transitions, agricultural cycles, or religious events. They bring people together in joyous gatherings, ritual performances, feasting, and prayer.
Hindu festivals like Dashain and Tihar are among the most widely celebrated, blending religious devotion with family reunions and cultural activities. Dashain, the longest festival, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, while Tihar, known as the festival of lights, honors animals, siblings, and the bonds of family. Similarly, Holi fills the streets with vibrant colors to welcome spring and renewal.
In the Tibetan Buddhist regions of Nepal, festivals such as Losar (Tibetan New Year), Mani Rimdu, and the sacred Tiji Festival highlight the spiritual devotion of Himalayan communities. These festivals often feature masked dances, ancient rituals, and communal feasts, strengthening the cultural fabric of groups like the Sherpa, Thakali, and Lo-pa people.
Ethnic communities such as the Newar, Gurung, Magar, Kirati, and Tharu celebrate their own unique festivals that reflect their history, beliefs, and lifestyles. From the masked dances and chariot processions of the Newar to the vibrant Sakela dance of the Kirati, these festivals preserve and showcase Nepal’s rich ethnic heritage.
Nepal’s festivals also encompass seasonal harvest celebrations, rituals honoring animals, and ceremonies designed to maintain harmony with nature and ancestral spirits. They serve as important social events that strengthen community bonds and provide continuity amid the fast-changing modern world.
Beyond the Hindu and Buddhist majority, Nepal is home to smaller communities practicing Christianity, Islam, Bon, and indigenous animist beliefs. Their festivals, including Christmas, Eid, and traditional indigenous rites, contribute to the vibrant cultural mosaic of the nation.
This compilation presents a detailed overview of the major and regional festivals of Nepal and the Tibetan cultural sphere, organized by date, duration, location, and cultural group. It aims to serve as a valuable resource for travelers, scholars, and anyone interested in the rich and diverse cultural heritage of this remarkable Himalayan nation.
| Festival | 2025 (AD) | 2026 (AD) |
|---|---|---|
| Maghe Sankranti | January 14, 2025 | January 14, 2026 |
| Sonam Lhosar | January 30, 2025 | February 18, 2026 |
| Gyalpo Losar | February 28, 2025 | February 18, 2026 |
| Maha Shivaratri | February 26, 2025 | February 15, 2026 |
| Holi (Hilly) | March 13, 2025 | March 3, 2026 |
| Holi (Terai) | March 14, 2025 | March 4, 2026 |
| Ghode Jatra | March 29, 2025 | March 18, 2026 |
| Ram Navami | April 6, 2025 | March 27, 2026 |
| Nepali New Year (Bisket Jatra) | April 14, 2025 | April 14, 2026 |
| Buddha Jayanti | May 12, 2025 | May 1, 2026 |
| Dashain (Ghatasthapana → Vijaya Dashami) | Sep 22 – Oct 2, 2025 | Oct 11 (Ghatasthapana) – Oct 21 (Vijaya Dashami), 2026 |
| Tihar (Kaag to Bhai Tika) | Oct 19 – Oct 23, 2025 | Nov 8 – Nov 11, 2026 |
| Chhath Parva | October 27, 2025 | November 15, 2026 |
| Janai Purnima / Raksha Bandhan | August 9, 2025 | August 28, 2026 |
| Gai Jatra | August 10, 2025 | August 29, 2026 |
| Teej (Haritalika Teej) | August 26, 2025 | September 14, 2026 |
| Indra Jatra (Yenya) | September 6, 2025 | September 25, 2026 |
| Yomari Punhi | December 4, 2025 | Udhauli Purnima (approx.) late 2026 |
| Tamu Lhosar | December 30, 2025 | December 30, 2026 |
| Christmas | December 25, 2025 | December 25, 2026 |
| Festival | 2025 (AD) | 2026 (AD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tiji Festival (Upper Mustang) | May 24–26, 2025 | May 13–15, 2026 |
| Ubhauli Parva (Sakela) | May 12, 2025 | To be announced (lunar-based) |
| Udhauli Parva (Sakela) | December 5, 2025 | December 24, 2026 |
| Lhabab Düchen | November 11, 2025 | November 1, 2026 |
| Saga Dawa (Saga Dawa Düchen) | June 11, 2025 | May 31, 2026 |
1. Dashain (Vijaya Dashami)
Dashain is the most significant and widely celebrated festival in Nepal, lasting 15 days typically in late September to early October. Rooted deeply in Hindu mythology, Dashain symbolizes the victory of good over evil, commemorating the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Throughout the festival, families reunite from far and wide to celebrate together with rituals that include receiving tika (a mixture of red vermilion, yogurt, and rice) and blessings from elders. It is also a time for animal sacrifices offered to deities in temples to invoke protection and prosperity. The festival is marked by the flying of kites, feasting, and visits to temples, making it both a spiritual and social highlight of the Nepali calendar. The long duration allows people to partake in various rituals and community events, reflecting Nepal’s strong family and religious values.
2. Tihar (Deepawali)
Tihar, also known as the festival of lights, is celebrated over five days in October or November. Each day of Tihar honors different animals and relationships that are important in Nepali culture. The first day is dedicated to crows, considered messengers of death, the second day to dogs who are revered for their loyalty, the third day honors cows and oxen vital to agrarian life, and the fourth day is Bhai Tika, celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters through the application of colorful tika and garlands. The fifth day celebrates Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, and people decorate their homes with oil lamps (diyas) and colorful rangoli patterns to invite prosperity. The entire festival is a vibrant spectacle of lights, music, and community bonding, highlighting the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the divine.
3. Holi (Fagu Purnima)
Holi is a joyous festival marking the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated over two days in March, Holi is known for its exuberant use of colored powders and water, which people throw on one another in a spirited celebration of life, renewal, and unity. The festival has both religious and social significance: it commemorates the legend of Prahlad and Holika, emphasizing the power of devotion and the destruction of evil. In Nepal’s Terai region, Holi is especially vibrant with traditional songs, dances, and feasts, while in the hills it is celebrated with equal enthusiasm. The communal aspect of Holi breaks social barriers, allowing people of all ages and backgrounds to come together in festive harmony.
4. Nepali New Year (Bikram Sambat)
The Nepali New Year, celebrated on the first day of Baishakh (usually April 13 or 14), is a time of renewal and fresh beginnings for the entire nation. Marked by vibrant parades, fairs, and cultural performances, this day is an opportunity for families and communities to come together to celebrate hope and prosperity. Traditionally, people clean their homes, prepare special foods, and visit temples to seek blessings for the year ahead. The festival reflects Nepal’s blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultures, and it is also a time when government offices and schools reopen after the fiscal and academic year ends. For many, the New Year is a moment to set new goals and reaffirm cultural identity.
5. Buddha Jayanti
Buddha Jayanti commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death (Parinirvana) of Lord Buddha and is observed on the full moon day of Baishakh (April–May). It is a sacred day for Buddhist communities throughout Nepal, especially in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and in Kathmandu’s Buddhist shrines such as Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. Devotees participate in prayer ceremonies, butter lamp offerings, and processions. The festival emphasizes the teachings of compassion, peace, and mindfulness and invites people from all walks of life to reflect on the Buddha’s path to enlightenment. Cultural programs, meditation retreats, and lectures on Buddhist philosophy often accompany the religious observances, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike.
6. Maghe Sankranti
Maghe Sankranti, celebrated on January 14 every year, marks the sun’s transition into the northern hemisphere, signaling the end of winter and the start of longer days. It is observed widely across Nepal, with particular prominence in Tharu and Pahadi communities. The festival is deeply connected with agricultural cycles, symbolizing fertility and renewal. People prepare and consume traditional foods like sesame seeds, molasses, yam, and sweet potatoes, believed to bring health and prosperity. Ritual baths in holy rivers are common, as devotees seek purification and blessings. Maghe Sankranti also includes singing, dancing, and social gatherings, making it a vibrant communal event that honors both nature and cultural heritage.
7. Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri, celebrated in February or March, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important Hindu festivals in Nepal. Devotees fast and keep vigil throughout the night, particularly at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, where thousands of sadhus (holy men) and pilgrims gather. The festival symbolizes the overcoming of darkness and ignorance through devotion and meditation. Rituals include the offering of bilva leaves, chanting of Shiva mantras, and participation in ceremonial baths. Maha Shivaratri is a deeply spiritual experience, emphasizing austerity, self-discipline, and connection to the divine.
8. Janai Purnima (Raksha Bandhan)
Janai Purnima, also known as Raksha Bandhan, is celebrated on the full moon day of Shrawan (usually in August). It holds special significance for Hindu men who wear the sacred thread (janai) symbolizing purity and commitment to spiritual practices. Sisters tie protective threads (rakhi) around their brothers’ wrists, praying for their safety and well-being. The festival is observed nationwide with temple visits, family gatherings, and rituals. For many, it reaffirms family bonds, social responsibilities, and spiritual dedication. In Buddhist communities, it coincides with other rituals, showing Nepal’s cultural interweaving.
9. Teej
Teej is a vibrant festival primarily celebrated by Hindu women in Nepal during the months of August and September (Bhadra). It spans over three days and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Women fast for the health and longevity of their husbands, or for a good spouse if unmarried. The festival features singing traditional songs, performing energetic dances, and wearing bright red saris and jewelry. Temples dedicated to Shiva see a large influx of devotees, especially in the Kathmandu Valley. Teej is both a religious observance and a social event that empowers women by providing a space for communal bonding, cultural expression, and celebration of womanhood.
10. Chhath Parva
Chhath Parva is a unique four-day festival celebrated mainly in the Terai region by the Madhesi, Maithili, and Tharu communities during October or November (Kartik). The festival is devoted to the Sun God (Surya) and his wife Usha, expressing gratitude for sustaining life on earth. Devotees perform rigorous rituals including fasting, standing in rivers or ponds to make offerings during sunrise and sunset, and observing strict purity rules. The festival emphasizes nature worship and environmental harmony. Chhath fosters community cohesion through collective prayers, music, and vibrant celebrations along riverbanks, reinforcing cultural identity in the plains.
11. Losar (Tibetan New Year)
Losar is the Tibetan Buddhist New Year, celebrated for 3 to 15 days depending on the region, usually falling in February. It is one of the most important festivals for Tibetan and Himalayan communities like the Sherpa, Thakali, and people of Mustang. Losar marks the beginning of a new year with rituals aimed at cleansing negativity and inviting good fortune. The festivities include cleaning homes, offering prayers at monasteries, performing cham dances by monks wearing elaborate masks, and sharing feasts with family and neighbors. Losar not only reinforces Buddhist teachings but also strengthens the unique cultural heritage of Nepal’s Himalayan ethnic groups.
12. Yartung Festival
The Yartung Festival is celebrated over three days in August by the Thakali people of Upper Mustang, Manang, and Muktinath. This lively event coincides with the harvest season and showcases traditional sports such as horse racing, archery, and dart throwing, reflecting the community’s warrior heritage. Villagers and visitors gather in festive attire, enjoying cultural dances, music, and sumptuous feasts. The festival is also a time to honor ancestors and local deities through religious ceremonies. Yartung reinforces communal bonds and cultural pride, attracting tourists interested in experiencing Mustang’s rich traditions.
13. Mani Rimdu
Mani Rimdu is a sacred festival celebrated mainly in the Solukhumbu region, especially in the Tengboche monastery, lasting about three days during October or November. It is one of the most spectacular Buddhist festivals in Nepal, initiated by the famous saint and yogi, Guru Rinpoche. The festival features masked cham dances that depict the triumph of Buddhism over the forces of evil, symbolizing spiritual renewal and protection. Monks perform elaborate rituals, prayers, and blessing ceremonies that draw large numbers of devotees and tourists alike. Mani Rimdu is a vibrant expression of Sherpa culture and religious devotion, offering insight into Himalayan spirituality.
14. Saka Dawa
Saka Dawa, celebrated on the full moon of the fourth lunar month (usually May or June), holds profound significance in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar. It commemorates three pivotal events in the life of Lord Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and passing into Parinirvana. On this auspicious day, devotees engage in merit-making activities such as charity, prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage to sacred sites. In Nepal’s Tibetan Buddhist areas, butter lamps are lit in large numbers, and monks conduct special rituals and teachings. Saka Dawa encourages reflection on compassion and the impermanence of life, fostering spiritual growth among practitioners.
15. Ubhauli and Udhauli (Kirat Festivals)
The Kirati people, including the Limbu, Rai, and Sunuwar communities of eastern Nepal, celebrate the seasonal festivals of Ubhauli and Udhauli to mark the movement of crops and livestock between the hills and lowlands. Ubhauli, occurring in April or May, celebrates the planting season and is a time to seek blessings for a good harvest. Udhauli, in November, marks the return to the lowlands as winter approaches. Both festivals involve ritual dances known as Sakela, where participants form large circles, moving rhythmically to traditional drumbeats and chants. These celebrations emphasize the intimate relationship between humans and nature, showcasing the Kirati’s animist beliefs and agricultural lifestyle.
16. Ghatu Nach (Gurung Festival)
Ghatu Nach is a traditional ritual dance performed by young girls from the Gurung community during the spring months of April and May. This ancient dance is deeply spiritual and involves girls entering a trance-like state to reenact mythological tales, particularly stories of love and war from Gurung folklore. Ghatu Nach is usually performed in community gatherings and festivals, serving as a cultural conduit for passing down Gurung history, values, and identity. The dance is accompanied by traditional instruments and is considered a sacred event, reflecting the Gurung’s rich oral and performance heritage.
17. Tamu Lhosar
Tamu Lhosar is the New Year festival of the Gurung community, celebrated annually on December 30th (Poush 15). Marking the start of a new year in the Gurung lunar calendar, it is a vibrant cultural event that combines spiritual rituals with joyous celebrations. The festival involves traditional music, dance, and the wearing of colorful ethnic attire, symbolizing renewal and gratitude for the past year. Families gather to feast on special dishes prepared with local ingredients, and community members visit monasteries and temples to seek blessings. Tamu Lhosar also serves as an occasion to preserve Gurung identity, language, and customs amid modern changes.
18. Maghi (Tharu New Year)
Maghi is the New Year celebration of the Tharu people, predominantly in the western Terai region of Nepal. Falling around January 14-15, this festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. Over three days, the Tharu community engages in lively dances, songs, and rituals that honor ancestors and nature spirits. Traditional foods are prepared and shared, and animal sacrifices are sometimes performed to seek protection and prosperity. Maghi also acts as a social gathering where community bonds are strengthened through cultural performances and mutual respect for heritage.
19. Yenya (Indra Jatra)
Yenya, also known as Indra Jatra, is an eight-day festival celebrated primarily in the Kathmandu Valley by the Newar community. Occurring in September, this festival honors Indra, the god of rain and king of heaven, to ensure a bountiful harvest. The celebrations feature chariot processions carrying sacred images of gods and goddesses, masked dances, and the worship of the living goddess Kumari. Streets come alive with traditional music, theatrical performances, and vibrant costumes. Indra Jatra blends religious devotion with cultural spectacle, reflecting the rich Newar heritage and their deep connection to nature and spirituality.
20. Gai Jatra (Cow Festival)
Gai Jatra is a unique and poignant festival held in August, mainly in Kathmandu Valley’s Newar communities, to honor loved ones who have passed away in the preceding year. Families dress their children in cow costumes and participate in lively processions through the streets. The cow, considered sacred, is believed to help souls reach heaven. The festival blends mourning with humor, as satire and comedic performances lighten the somber mood, providing relief and social commentary. Gai Jatra fosters communal healing and remembrance, preserving traditional practices of respect for ancestors.
21. Tiji Festival
The Tiji Festival is a vibrant three-day religious festival celebrated in May in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang. It commemorates the victory of good over evil through ritual dances performed by monks in colorful costumes and masks. The festival includes spiritual ceremonies seeking to maintain cosmic harmony and bring peace and prosperity to the community. Besides religious rites, Tiji features local music, feasting, and social gatherings that reinforce community identity and preserve Mustang’s unique Tibetan Buddhist culture. This festival attracts visitors eager to witness its spectacular rituals set against the dramatic Himalayan landscape.
22. Mataya
Mataya is a one-day festival celebrated in Patan (Lalitpur) by the Newar Buddhist community, occurring in August after the Gai Jatra festival. Known as the “Festival of Butter Lamps,” Mataya honors the Buddhist deity Maitreya and celebrates Buddha’s victory over Mara (evil). Devotees participate in a grand procession, carrying butter lamps through the streets to illuminate the night, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. The festival combines religious fervor with social unity and artistic expression, reflecting the deep-rooted Buddhist heritage of the Newar people.
23. Biska Jatra
Biska Jatra is a dynamic Newar festival celebrated in Bhaktapur around April, coinciding with the Nepali New Year. Lasting eight to nine days, it is famous for its chariot processions, where large wooden chariots carrying the statues of deities are pulled through the city streets. The festival also features tongue piercing rituals, symbolizing courage and devotion, and traditional tug-of-war competitions between neighborhoods. Biska Jatra embodies themes of renewal, community rivalry, and cooperation, making it one of Nepal’s most colorful and thrilling cultural celebrations.
24. Siruwa Parwa
Siruwa Parwa is a traditional New Year festival celebrated by the Maithili, Tharu, and Rajbanshi communities in the eastern Terai region of Nepal, usually in April. It is a lively event marked by music, dance, and water games that symbolize cleansing and rejuvenation. Participants offer prayers and sacrifices to local deities and spirits to ensure a prosperous year ahead. The festival fosters social harmony and showcases the rich cultural diversity of Nepal’s southern plains, highlighting indigenous customs alongside broader Hindu traditions.
