When it comes to culture, few countries celebrate life with the same passion and frequency as Nepal. With over 125 ethnic groups and multiple religions coexisting harmoniously, the Festivals of Nepal calendar is brimming with spiritual, cultural, and seasonal festivals year-round. Every month offers a reason to gather, worship, dance, eat, and connect.
In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through major festivals of Nepal, explaining their significance, the best times to visit, and how travelers can respectfully join in the joy.
Table of Contents
🗓️ Month-by-Month Festivals of Nepal Calendar
January – Maghe Sankranti
- What It Is: A winter solstice festival celebrating longer days.
- Celebrated By: Hindus, especially in the Tharu and Newar communities.
- Where to Go: Chitwan and Kathmandu Valley
- Experience: Traditional foods like ghee, yam, sesame treats; oil massages; river bathing rituals.
February/March – Holi (Festival of Colors)
- What It Is: A celebration of love, spring, and the victory of good over evil.
- Celebrated By: Hindus across Nepal
- Where to Go: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Terai Region (Janakpur is wild!)
- Experience: Dancing, singing, and throwing colored powder in the streets.
- Traveler Tip: Wear white and protect your camera!
March/April – Ghode Jatra
- What It Is: The “Festival of Horses,” held to ward off evil spirits.
- Celebrated By: Predominantly in Kathmandu
- Where to Go: Tundikhel Grounds, Kathmandu
- Experience: Military horse parades, traditional Newar feasts
April – Nepali New Year (Bisket Jatra)
- What It Is: Celebrates the start of the Nepali calendar (Bikram Sambat)
- Where to Go: Bhaktapur
- Experience: Chariot pulling, tug-of-war, and chaotic celebrations with religious undertones.
- Highlight: The huge wooden chariots of Bhairab and Bhadrakali being pulled by rival city teams.
May – Buddha Jayanti
- What It Is: Marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha
- Celebrated By: Buddhists (especially Newar, Tamang, Sherpa communities)
- Where to Go: Lumbini, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath
- Experience: Peaceful processions, butter lamp lighting, chants and prayers
August – Gai Jatra (Cow Festival)
- What It Is: A satirical festival that honors deceased family members through humor and procession.
- Where to Go: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur
- Experience: Families lead a cow or child dressed as a cow through the streets.
- Highlight: Mock parades and political satire
August/September – Krishna Janmashtami
- What It Is: Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna
- Where to Go: Patan, Kathmandu, Pashupatinath
- Experience: All-night temple vigils, kirtan (devotional songs), butter offerings
September/October – Indra Jatra
- What It Is: Kathmandu’s biggest festival dedicated to Indra, god of rain
- Where to Go: Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Experience: Mask dances, chariot processions, and the rare public appearance of the Kumari (living goddess)
- Traveler Tip: Arrive early to secure a spot near the Kumari’s chariot route
October – Dashain (Vijaya Dashami)
- What It Is: Nepal’s largest Hindu festival, celebrating Durga’s victory over evil
- Duration: 15 days
- Where to Go: Nationwide
- Experience: Tika blessings from elders, animal sacrifices, swings (ping), kite flying
- Highlight: 10th day (Vijaya Dashami) for red tika and jamara rituals
November – Tihar (Festival of Lights)
- What It Is: Nepal’s second biggest festival, celebrated over 5 days honoring crows, dogs, cows, brothers, and Lakshmi
- Where to Go: Kathmandu, Pokhara, and across Nepal
- Experience: Rangoli art, singing deusi-bhailo, lighting oil lamps
- Highlight: Bhai Tika – sisters bless their brothers with a multi-colored tika
November/December – Yomari Punhi
- What It Is: A Newar festival celebrating the harvest
- Where to Go: Kathmandu Valley (especially Patan and Bhaktapur)
- Experience: Eating yomari (sweet steamed dumpling), worship of Annapurna, the goddess of grains
🎉 Why Nepal is a Festival Lover’s Dream
- Multi-ethnic, multi-faith: There’s always something happening
- Locals love to involve visitors — your presence is welcomed, not just tolerated
- Great photos, authentic interaction: From traditional dress to community feasts
🧭 Tips for Travelers
- Festival Dates Change: Follow the lunar calendar – check updated calendars every year
- Book Early: Hotels get packed during Dashain, Tihar, and Holi
- Dress Modestly: You’re joining locals in spiritual or familial settings
- Respect Sacred Rituals: Ask before taking photos of people or altars
- Participate, Don’t Spectate: Dance, eat, greet, and smile
🏁 Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a trip to Nepal, time it with one of these dazzling festivals. It’s one thing to see the Himalayas, but another to feel the heart through traditions and festivals of Nepal .
Whether you’re getting drenched in Holi color fights or receiving a tika blessing during Dashain, Nepal’s festivals invite you to not just observe, but belong.
