Major Festivals of Nepal

Nepal is known for its distinct culture and multi-colored, bright festivals, in addition to the beauty of the Himalayas and plenty of natural resources. Despite its short size, the Himalayan nation is home to a diverse population of nationalities and races, each with its own beliefs and traditions.

Nepalese people have a wide range of ideas and cultures as a result of their numerous ethnic backgrounds.

The vibrant cultural diversity of Nepal may be used in the various festivals held around the country. Here are ten notable festivals in Nepal to allow a better idea of the country’s biodiversity.

Dashain and Tihar

Dashain and Tihar are Nepal’s two most important and so well festivals in Nepal. These two festivals is a Hindu myth festival of Goddess Durga’s victory over the monster Mahishasura. whereas Tihar is a Hindu mythology celebration of lamps and color dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the god of freedom and prosperity.

It lasts for 15 days and falls in Nepali Ashwin month (September to October on the Solar Calendar).

whereas Tihar is a Hindu mythology celebration of lamps and color dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the god of freedom and prosperity. Tihar, a five-day festival of lights, symbolizes Yama, the God of The dead, as Laxmi, the Goddess of Wisdom, is celebrated throughout the ceremonies. First Day as a Kaag Tihar, which is the day of a bird named Kaag. On this day, kaag is worshiped by offering food and prayers. On the fifth day, sisters spread tika on their brothers’ foreheads and grant blessings. Lamps, kerosene lamps, and electric lights are often used to brighten up homes throughout that festivity.

Tourists may study Nepal’s religious history and cultural traditions by engaging in different festivals including Dashain kite flying, Dashain cards, and so forth.

Janai Purnima or Rakshya Bandhan

Janai Purnima is one of the major festivals in Nepal. On this day, Hindu men replace their ‘Janai’ More, people visit different Shiva temples and worship. Apart from that, brother and sister gather together and tie a thread on their brother’s hand, and in return, brothers should give gifts and blessings to their sister. This symbolizes the love and respect between brothers and sisters.

Holi or Fagu Purnima

Fagu Purnima, commonly known as a color festival other popular festivals of Nepal. People play Holi, a festival of color, laughter, and enjoyment, to honor the event. Holi is a Hindu festival that lies in late February or early March. This festival has been increasingly prevalent among holidaymakers in past years.

Holi was largely celebrated in Nepal and India in recent decades. It has been famous in several southeast Asian countries in the latest years. It is one of Nepal’s national festivities. The rest of the country is allowed a public holiday to enjoy this wonderful event. In Nepal, the festival of colors is also a time to reconnect with relatives, family, friends, and loved ones. It’s also a festival to really have fun, laugh, laugh, and forget, and also to rebuild broken relations.

Dumji Festival

Dumji Festival is famous among the Sherpa community in the month of July. The Dumji Festival recognizes Guru Rinpoche’s birth on the lotus flowers and remembers it. Lama Sangwa Dorji created Khumbu’s first Buddhist temple, and he was the one who began the Dumji festival in Pangboche over 365 years ago to recognize Guru Rinpoche’s birth anniversary. The event acts as a religious and community service to bring the community along. On this occasion, Buddhist monks perform their cultural dance.

Teej

Teej is also one of the most popular festivals of Nepal which is celebrated by Nepalese women. On this day, Nepalese women wear red Sari, tika, Sindur, jewelry singing, and dancing all day. Traditionally, it has beliefs that if unmarried girl fasts for a whole day then she will get a good husband. Many women visit Pashupatinath Temple to offer their prayers. In the past, married women visit maternal homes and have a traditional meal in the middle of the night called ‘Daar’.

Buddha Jayanti

The Lord Buddha’s birthday, Buddha Jayanti, is remembered. As a prince of the Shakya dynasty, Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal, in 623 BC. Lumbini is obviously located in the Kapilvastu district. Nepal honors Buddha Jayanti as one of its major holidays since it is the birthplace of Buddha. It falls on the night of the full moon from either May or June. Mainly Buddhist people celebrate this festival by worshiping Buddha. People organize different cultural programs, all the gompas, stupas are decorated with flowers and posters of Budhha. On this day, the peace lover and Buddhist monks often visit ‘Lumbini’ which is the birthplace of Buddha. This is another important festival in Nepal.

Indra Jatra

Indra Jatra is one of the famous Newari festivals which is mostly celebrated in Kathmandu. It is a 7-8 days festival which lies in the month of September. It is celebrated to mark the era when Indra, the Hindu mythology King of Heaven, came to Earth. In furthermore, the chariot of the Living Goddess Kumari is displayed across Kathmandu’s roads. Many people gather at the road to see the epic dance of ‘Lakhe’ the entire day. Many people gather day by day to making the ‘Lakhe’.

Maha Shivaratri

Mahashivaratri, or Shiva’s Night, is one of Nepal’s greatest special days. As per Hindu belief, Lord Shiva is the greatest god. The stars are at an ideal spot on the day of Shiva Ratri, according to believers, which promotes spiritual energy.

On this day, Hindu Devotees visit the temple of Lord Shiva. Most people visit Pashupati Nath Temple which is mainly known as the protector of the entire Kathmandu Valley. Lots of Sadus visit Pashupati Nath Temple to perform Tandav Dance on this special day. Children block the way for vehicles to get some amount of money. At home, all the family members gather, ask for blessings from seniors, light bonfires, having delicious food.

Along with these festivals, Nepal has a diversity of national, social, and seasonal celebrations. Because there are so many of them, a festive experience may be had at any time of year. Mountain Treks Nepal can help you plan your journey to Nepal’s thrilling festivals. We can help narrow down the suitable festival and a significant cultural visit in Nepal, as per your requirements.

Tiji Festival

This would be a fantastic opportunity to relocate into this enigmatic spot if you are planning a Tiji Festival Trek. Lo-Manthang (Upper Mustang), which is closer to Jomsom valley, hosts this sacred, victorious celebration.

It was the mark of victory against evil, according to the meaning of this celebration, which is based on the oldest mythical concept.