Festivals and Holidays

Nepal is land of colorful festivals and these are celebrated with intensity, especially by the less well- off masses. Dates are generally determined by the calendar so it will fall on a different day each year. The following will be of particular interest to visitors.

Dashain (Bijaya Dashami):- This is the biggest and most widely celebrated national Hindu festival in Nepal, usually falling in early October. It begins with Ghatsthapana. Of the 15th Days of celebrations, the 8th, 9th and 10th are the most eventful and auspicious days. The main deity worshipped during Dashain is Goddess Durga. On the 9th day, thousands of devotees visit important Durga temples to worship her. The tenth day is climax day. People visit to seniors for Tika (blessings).

Tihar (Deepavali/Diwali):- This is another Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal and as well as India. This is the festival of lights which falls late October or early November. The celebrations continue for five days. It is an annual festival celebrated in the bright blue days of autumn. The festivals and Holidays begin with the worship of crows, followed by the worshiping of dogs on the 2nd day. On the 3rd day, Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, is worshipped. On the 5th day, one's own soul is worshipped. Sisters also worship their brothers on this day. This is called Bhai Tika, and is a great day and the grand finale to Tihar.

Mani Rimdu:- It is one of the most fascinating High Himalayan Buddhist festivals observed every year, usually in November. Tengboche, the world's highest monastery located in Solu Khumbu district of Nepal, is the focal point for the celebration of this festival. The main attraction of this festival is the various masked dances of religious significance.

Lhochhar:- It is one of the greatest festivals of significant importance to the Tamang, Sherpas/Tibetan and Gurungs. It is celebrated every year around mid February to April. This festivals are celebrated three times in year, the meaning of lhochhar is New Year. Sherpas/Tibetans are celebrate their Gyalpo Lhoxhhar, Tamang Communities are celebrates their Sonam Lhochhar & Gurungs Communities are celebrates their Tamu Lhochhar their own New Year. The focus of this festivals centers its celebration of the New Year. Many fascinating rituals and celebrations may be observed in Boudhanath, Soyambhunath and others places where public can visit easily.

Buddha Jayanti:- Buddha Jayanti is the day of lord Buddha’s Birth. Every year Celebrates the birthday of Lord Buddha in the first week of May. Especially this celebration is celebrated at all the buddish stupas in Nepal.

Shiva Ratri:- Shivaratri or the night of Lord Shiva, is observed in March. It is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. A great religious fair takes places in the Pashupatinath Temple and thousands of people from all over Nepal and India visit the temple.

Other festivals such as New Year's Day, Matatirtha Aaunsi, Rath Yatra, Ghanta Kharna, Guru Poornima, Naga Panchami, Janai Purnia, Gaijatra, Krishna Asthami, Indra Jatra, Constitution Day, Ghode Jatra, Prithivi Jayanti, National Democracy Day etc.