8 Festivals in Nepal to Add to Your Bucket List
“Welcome to our blog of Nepal Holiday Organizer, where we will highlight 8 festivals in Nepal to add to your bucket list when visiting in Nepal.”
Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Nepal boasts a vibrant tapestry of cultural festivals that form the heartbeat of its society. These festivals, deeply rooted in ancient traditions and religious beliefs, hold immense significance in the lives of Nepali people.
Celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm, these occasions bring communities together, foster a sense of unity, and strengthen bonds between generations. Beyond their traditional importance, these festivals also play a crucial role in Nepal’s tourism industry, drawing travelers from around the world to partake in these colorful and joyous events.
Importance of Celebrating festivals in Nepal
The celebration of the “8 festivals in Nepal” is not merely a ritual but a way of preserving and cherishing the rich cultural heritage passed down through generations.
These Nepalese festivals symbolize the triumph of good over evil, the arrival of spring, the blessings of deities, and the harmonious coexistence of diverse communities. By participating in these festivals, Nepalese reaffirm their roots, values, and shared identity, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among its people.
If you’re an avid traveler seeking to immerse yourself in these Nepal’s cultural tapestry, here are eight festivals in Nepal that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
Dashain Festival
The celebration of the “8 festivals in Nepal” is not merely a ritual but a way of preserving and cherishing the rich cultural heritage passed down through generations.
These Nepalese festivals symbolize the triumph of good over evil, the arrival of spring, the blessings of deities, and the harmonious coexistence of diverse communities. By participating in these festivals, Nepalese reaffirm their roots, values, and shared identity, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among its people.
If you’re an avid traveler seeking to immerse yourself in these Nepal’s cultural tapestry, here are eight festivals that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
Celebration Date: Dashain, one of Nepal’s most significant festivals, is celebrated for 15 days during the bright lunar fortnight of Ashwin (September-October).
Importance of Dashain festival:
Dashain holds immense cultural and religious significance for the Nepali people. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and it is dedicated to the Goddess Durga, who embodies divine power and protection. The festival also marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of autumn, a time of renewed energy and prosperity.
How Dashain is Celebrated:
Dashain’s festivities commence with Ghatasthapana, the day when people plant barley seeds in a sacred pot to symbolize the germination of life. Throughout the festival, colorful kites soar in the sky, representing the flight of demons defeated by the divine forces.
The seventh day of Dashain, known as Fulpati, witnesses a grand procession of flowers, leaves, and sacred items carried from Gorkha to Kathmandu. As the festival reaches its climax on the tenth day, which is Vijaya Dashami, elders apply tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion) on the foreheads of younger family members, imparting blessings of prosperity and good fortune.
How Tourists Can Enjoy Dashain festival?
For tourists visiting Nepal during Dashain, the festival offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s vibrant cultural heritage. Witnessing the elaborate rituals, festive processions, and spirited gatherings provides an authentic glimpse into Nepali traditions and values.
Joining Family Celebrations: Some travelers are fortunate to be invited to participate in Dashain celebrations with local families. Sharing in the feasts, rituals, and joyous moments creates a sense of kinship and fosters a deeper cultural understanding.
Exploring Temples and Shrines: Visiting temples and shrines during Dashain allows tourists to witness the devout offerings and prayers to Goddess Durga. The festive atmosphere and vibrant decorations enhance the spiritual experience.
Experiencing Tika and Blessings: Tourists can receive tika and blessings from Nepali hosts or at temples, immersing themselves in the warmth of Nepali hospitality and the symbolism of receiving divine blessings.
Enjoying Local Cuisine: Dashain is a time of indulgence, and tourists can savor delicious traditional dishes prepared during the festival, such as sel roti, goat meat specialties, and sweet treats like malpuas.
Observing Festive Processions: Watching the colorful processions during Dashain, whether in Kathmandu or smaller towns, allows tourists to witness the cultural pride and jubilation of the Nepali people.
Tihar Festival
Celebration Date: Tihar, also known as Deepawali or the Festival of Lights, is a five-day long celebration that takes place during the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November). It follows closely after Dashain and holds immense significance in Nepali culture. Basically, Tihar is considered as one of second major festivals in Nepal.
Importance of Tihar Festival:
Tihar is a joyous festival dedicated to various elements of nature and animals. Each day of Tihar is dedicated to a different entity, starting with crows, considered messengers of Yama, the God of Death. The second day honors dogs, known for their loyalty and companionship.
The third day is devoted to cows, revered as symbols of prosperity and motherly care. On the fourth day, people pay homage to oxen and bulls, vital for agricultural work.
The fifth and final day is Bhai Tika, a day when siblings express love and appreciation for each other.
How Tihar is Celebrated:
The festival commences with Kaag (Crow) Tihar, where people offer delicious food to crows and express gratitude for their role as messengers. Kukur Tihar follows, where dogs, regarded as guardians and protectors, are adorned with marigold garlands and vermilion marks on their foreheads.
Gai Tihar is dedicated to cows, and they are venerated with tika, garlands, and offered special treats like fruits and sweets.
Goru Tihar, the fourth day, honors oxen and bulls, as they are significant partners in agricultural activities. They are beautifully decorated with colorful paints and floral garlands.
Bhai Tika, the final day, is the heart of Tihar, celebrating the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform aarti for their brothers and apply tika on their foreheads, praying for their long and prosperous lives. In return, brothers offer gifts and express their love and protection for their sisters.
How Tourists Can Enjoy Tihar Festival:
Tihar is an enchanting time for tourists to experience the harmony between humans and nature that is deeply rooted in Nepali culture. Here is how outsider can enjoy Tihar festival:
Observing Animal Blessings: Tourists can witness the heartwarming rituals of offering tika and garlands to dogs, cows, oxen, and bulls. This unique aspect of Tihar showcases the Nepali reverence for animals and their integral role in people’s lives.
Participating in Bhai Tika: Tourists can be part of the Bhai Tika celebrations by joining local families and witnessing the heartwarming exchanges of love and affection between siblings. They can also celebrate with newfound Nepali friends, becoming honorary members of their Tihar celebrations.
Enjoying the Decorations: The streets and homes are adorned with beautiful oil lamps, known as diyas, and intricate rangoli designs during Tihar. Tourists can stroll through the illuminated neighborhoods and enjoy the mesmerizing ambiance.
Tasting Tihar Delicacies: Tihar offers a delightful range of sweets and treats that tourists can savor. From sel roti to laddoos and various local sweets, the festival presents a delectable culinary experience.
Participating in Cultural Events: Many communities organize cultural programs during Tihar, showcasing traditional dances, music, and performances. Tourists can witness these vibrant displays of Nepali art and culture.
How Tourists Can Enjoy Tihar Festival:
Tihar is an enchanting time for tourists to experience the harmony between humans and nature that is deeply rooted in Nepali culture. Here is how outsider can enjoy Tihar festival:
Observing Animal Blessings: Tourists can witness the heartwarming rituals of offering tika and garlands to dogs, cows, oxen, and bulls. This unique aspect of Tihar showcases the Nepali reverence for animals and their integral role in people’s lives.
Participating in Bhai Tika: Tourists can be part of the Bhai Tika celebrations by joining local families and witnessing the heartwarming exchanges of love and affection between siblings. They can also celebrate with newfound Nepali friends, becoming honorary members of their Tihar celebrations.
Enjoying the Decorations: The streets and homes are adorned with beautiful oil lamps, known as diyas, and intricate rangoli designs during Tihar. Tourists can stroll through the illuminated neighborhoods and enjoy the mesmerizing ambiance.
Tasting Tihar Delicacies: Tihar offers a delightful range of sweets and treats that tourists can savor. From sel roti to laddoos and various local sweets, the festival presents a delectable culinary experience.
Participating in Cultural Events: Many communities organize cultural programs during Tihar, showcasing traditional dances, music, and performances. Tourists can witness these vibrant displays of Nepali art and culture.
Buddha Jayanti
Celebration Date: Buddha Jayanti, also known as Buddha Purnima or Vesak, is one of the most significant Buddhist festivals celebrated worldwide. It falls on the full moon day of the lunar month of Vesakha (April-May). This auspicious occasion marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha.
Importance of Buddha Jayanti:
Buddha Jayanti is a deeply revered festival for Buddhists as it commemorates the life and teachings of Lord Buddha, who is considered the enlightened one and the founder of Buddhism. Born as Prince Siddhartha in Lumbini, Nepal, he renounced his luxurious life to seek the truth and attain enlightenment.
Under the Bodhi tree, he achieved supreme enlightenment and became the Buddha, the awakened one. On this day, Buddhists worldwide come together to pay homage to his teachings of peace, compassion, and wisdom.
How Buddha Jayanti is celebrated:
The celebration of Buddha Jayanti is marked by various spiritual activities that reflect the essence of Lord Buddha’s teachings. Here are the process of how Buddha Jayanti is celebrated in Nepal.
Visiting Temples: Devotees visit Buddhist temples and monasteries to offer prayers, light candles, and make offerings of flowers and incense. The serene ambiance of these sacred places enhances the spiritual experience.
Bodhi Tree Worship: Buddhists visit the revered Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, believed to be the descendant of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. They meditate, chant sutras, and perform circumambulation around the tree as a gesture of respect.
Paying Homage: Devotees engage in acts of kindness, charity, and generosity as a way of expressing their gratitude and reverence towards Buddha’s teachings of compassion and selflessness.
Buddha Jayanti Processions: Colorful processions are held in various Buddhist communities, with participants carrying Holy Scriptures, Buddhist flags, and images of Lord Buddha. Chanting of sutras and devotional songs fill the air during these processions.
Teachings and Sermons: Monks and scholars deliver teachings and sermons on the life and teachings of Buddha, emphasizing the significance of his noble path towards enlightenment.
Maha Shivaratri
Celebration Date: Maha Shivaratri, meaning “Great Night of Shiva,” is a revered Hindu festival observed on the 14th night of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun (February-March) according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
Importance of Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri holds profound significance in Hinduism as a day dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in the Hindu pantheon. Shiva is revered as the destroyer and transformer, symbolizing the cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution.
This auspicious day is celebrated to honor Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, known as the “Tandav,” which represents the rhythmic balance between creation and destruction.
How Maha Shivaratri is Celebrated:
Maha Shivaratri is observed with deep devotion and a range of religious and cultural practices that highlight the essence of Lord Shiva. Here are some ways to celebrate Maha Shivaratri:
Fasting and Vigil: Devotees observe a day-long fast (without eating or drinking) and stay awake throughout the night, engaging in prayers, meditation, and chanting of sacred mantras in honor of Lord Shiva.
Visiting Temples: Pilgrims flock to Shiva temples, with the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal being a prominent site of celebration. Elaborate rituals, including abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity’s idol) with holy water, milk, and other offerings, take place.
Chanting of Mantras: The repetition of “Om Namah Shivaya,” a powerful mantra that invokes the blessings of Lord Shiva, reverberates in temples and homes, creating an atmosphere of spiritual energy.
Worship of Shiva Linga: The iconic representation of Lord Shiva, the Shiva Linga, is adorned with flowers, bilva leaves, and other sacred offerings. Devotees perform parikrama (circumambulation) around the linga, seeking blessings.
Nightlong Vigil: As night falls, devotees engage in bhajans (devotional songs), dance, and meditation, embracing the symbolism of staying awake to remain vigilant in the pursuit of spiritual awakening.
Offering of Bhang: Some devotees consume bhang (weed), a preparation made from cannabis, as a part of the celebration. It is believed to be an offering to Lord Shiva and an aid in meditation.
How Tourists Can Enjoy Maha Shivaratri:
For tourists visiting Nepal during Maha Shivaratri, the celebration offers a unique opportunity to witness the fervor and devotion of Hindu devotees.
Temple Visits: Tourists can explore revered temples like Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, where they can observe the elaborate rituals and ceremonies dedicated to Lord Shiva. The vibrant atmosphere, with the sound of bells and chanting, creates a memorable experience.
Participating in Rituals: With the guidance of locals, tourists can engage in offering prayers, lighting diyas (oil lamps), and witnessing the abhishekam ceremony, gaining insights into the sacred practices.
Cultural Exchange: Interacting with devotees and learning about the spiritual significance of Maha Shivaratri can foster cultural exchange and deepen understanding of Hindu beliefs.
Night Vigil: Embracing the tradition of staying awake throughout the night allows tourists to immerse themselves in the devotion and spiritual energy of the occasion.
Photography and Documentation: Capturing the vibrant colors, rituals, and expressions of devotion during Maha Shivaratri can result in compelling photographs and documentation of this unique cultural experience.
Bisket Jatra
Bisket Jatra, also known as Biska Jatra, is one of the most
captivating and culturally rich festivals celebrated in the ancient city of
Bhaktapur, Nepal.
Celebration Date:
Bisket Jatra is celebrated for eight nights and nine days,
usually falling in mid-April. This festival marks the Nepali New Year and
welcomes the arrival of spring with exuberant festivities.
Importance of Bisket Jatra:
Bisket Jatra is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of
Bhaktapur’s heritage and a display of the community’s unity. The festival is a
combination of rituals, vibrant processions, and traditional practices that pay
homage to ancient traditions and local deities.
The Festival’s Unique Features:
Lyo Sin Dyo: One
of the festival’s highlights is the erection of a tall, sky-high pole known as
“Lyo Sin Dyo.” This wooden
pole stands tall and unbending until it is intentionally brought down,
symbolizing a victorious fall. The process of lowering the pole is called
“Satruhanta Jatra,”
signifying the downfall of enemies.
Tug of War:
Bisket Jatra features an enthralling tug of war between different sections of
the city. The participants engage in a fierce contest to determine the direction
in which the ceremonial chariot will be pulled, adding an element of
competition and community bonding.
Sindoor Jatra:
Another captivating aspect is the Sindoor Jatra, where devotees gather to carry
chariots adorned with the idols of various gods and goddesses through the
streets. People joyfully smear each other with sindoor (vermillion powder)
while dancing to traditional tunes, marking the festive spirit.
Tongue-Piercing
Festival: During Bisket Jatra, a unique tradition unfolds where a local
resident pierces his tongue and roams the city with fiery torches. This daring
act is believed to bring blessings and protection to the city and its
inhabitants.
Tourist Engagement:
For tourists, Bisket Jatra offers an incredible opportunity to witness the blending of cultural heritage and festive enthusiasm.
Spectacular Processions: Tourists can join the colorful processions that wind through the narrow streets of Bhaktapur, capturing the lively spirit of the festival through their cameras and senses.
Traditional Music and Dance: Engaging with local dancers and musicians, tourists can participate in the traditional music and dance that accompany the festivities, adding to the celebration’s vibrancy.
Local Cuisine: Exploring the local culinary delights during Bisket Jatra allows tourists to indulge in traditional Newari dishes and experience the festive flavors of the region.
Cultural Immersion: Interacting with locals, understanding the rituals, and learning about the historical significance of the festival provides an enriching cultural immersion experience.
Photography Opportunities: Bisket Jatra’s colorful chariots, dynamic processions, and unique traditions offer ample opportunities for capturing stunning photographs that reflect the festival’s essence
Indra Jatra
Indra Jatra, a mesmerizing festival celebrated with grandeur in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal, is a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage and religious fervor.
Celebration Date:
Indra Jatra is an eight-day extravaganza that usually takes place in September, marking the commencement of the autumn festival season in the Kathmandu Valley. The festival begins with the installation of a ceremonial wooden pole in Basantapur Square, near the revered Hanuman Dhoka Palace.
Importance of Indra Jatra:
Indra Jatra is not only a celebration of ancient traditions but also a homage to Indra, the Hindu god of rain, and a dedication to the living goddess Kumari. The festival’s rituals and festivities reflect the community’s reverence for deities, historical figures, and their deep-rooted cultural heritage.
Festival Highlights:
Ceremonial Pole Installation: The festival commences with the raising of a sacred lingam (ceremonial pole) made of pine wood in Basantapur Square. This act signifies the festival’s inauguration and invites the gods to descend to the mortal realm.
Living Goddess Procession: Indra Jatra features a captivating procession of the Kumari, the Living Goddess of Kathmandu. Adorned in ornate attire, she is paraded through the main streets of the city, accompanied by traditional music and joyful celebrations.
Masked Dancers (Lakhay): Throughout the festival, the streets come alive with the performances of Lakhay dancers, wearing intricately crafted masks and costumes. These dancers entertain the crowds with their lively movements and vibrant masks, adding a surreal and festive atmosphere to the event.
Oil Wick Illumination: As dusk falls, oil wicks are lit around shrines and ancient palace buildings in Kathmandu Durbar Square. The soft glow of these lights creates a mystical ambiance and adds to the enchantment of the festival.
Tourist Engagement:
For tourists, Indra Jatra offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Kathmandu’s cultural heritage and witness the seamless blend of devotion and festivity.
Procession Spectacle: Tourists can witness the grand procession of the Kumari, capturing the ethereal beauty of the Living Goddess as she blesses the city with her presence.
Masked Dancers: Engaging with the masked dancers and understanding the significance behind each mask allows tourists to appreciate the intricate artistry and cultural symbolism.
Candlelit Ambiance: The mesmerizing sight of oil wicks illuminating the historic sites in Kathmandu Durbar Square creates an unforgettable visual spectacle, providing ample photography opportunities.
Cultural Interaction: Engaging with locals and learning about the festival’s customs from the residents themselves fosters cultural understanding and enriching experiences.
Holi (Fagun Purnima)
Celebration Date:
Holi takes place on the night of Falgun Krishna Chaturdasi, followed by the celebration on the next day, Purnima (Full Moon). This two-day festival usually falls in March, embracing the onset of spring with its colorful festivities.
Importance of Fagun Purnima (Holi):
Holi holds multifaceted significance. It is an opportunity to revel in the beauty of spring and express gratitude for the harvests to come. The festival also commemorates the divine triumphs of goodness, depicted through the legends and tales associated with its celebration.
Festival Highlights:
Colors Galore: Holi is characterized by the play of colors, where friends, families, and even strangers gleefully apply vibrant powders to each other’s faces, creating an enchanting changing series of patterns or colors.
Bonfires and Holika Dahan: The eve of Holi witnesses the symbolic burning of Holika, a bonfire representing the victory of good over evil. People gather around the bonfires, sing, dance, and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.
Traditional Sweets: Delectable sweets, particularly those made with milk and sugar, are an integral part of Holi celebrations. Sharing these treats with loved ones signifies the exchange of goodwill and camaraderie.
Cultural Performances: In some regions, cultural performances such as folk dances and songs are organized, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the festival.
Tourist Engagement:
For tourists, Holi presents a remarkable opportunity to experience Nepal’s cultural vibrancy, engage with locals, and partake in the heartwarming festivities.
Colorful Revelry: Tourists can join in the spirited color play, breaking down barriers and sharing laughter with locals and fellow travelers alike.
Holika Dahan: Witnessing the bonfires and participating in the Holika Dahan ceremony offers insights into the symbolic aspects of the festival and a chance to connect with the local community.
Cultural Exchange: Engaging in Holi celebrations enables tourists to interact with Nepali traditions and customs, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Photography: The festival’s kaleidoscopic visuals, vibrant clothing, and joyful expressions provide an ideal setting for capturing memorable photographs
Mani Rimdu
Celebration Date:
The dates of Mani Rimdu vary each year based on the Tibetan lunar calendar, usually falling in autumn, around October or November. The festival lasts for several days and is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm.
Importance of Mani Rimdu:
Mani Rimdu is a Buddhist festival that holds deep significance for the Sherpa people. It is an occasion to celebrate spirituality, unity, and the teachings of Buddhism. The festival culminates in the sacred dance-drama of “Mani Rimdu,” which is a representation of the triumph of Buddhism over ancient Bon practices.
Festival Highlights:
Spiritual Observances: Mani Rimdu begins with several days of prayers, rituals, and spiritual observances led by the senior lama of the monastery. This includes prayers for peace, well-being, and the flourishing of Buddhist teachings.
Sacred Dance-Drama: The centerpiece of Mani Rimdu is the elaborate dance-drama performed by the monks of Tengboche Monastery. The dance depicts the victory of Buddhism over Bon practices and enacts various aspects of Buddhist teachings.
Masked Dancers: Monks don intricate masks representing deities, demons, and historical figures. The dancers’ intricate movements and costumes captivate spectators and convey deep spiritual messages.
Empowerment Ceremony: During the festival, the senior lama imparts blessings and empowerments to the gathered devotees, contributing to their spiritual growth and well-being.
Tourist Engagement:
Mani Rimdu offers travelers a rare opportunity to witness Himalayan spirituality in its most captivating form.
Cultural Immersion: Tourists can immerse themselves in the Sherpa culture, witness traditional ceremonies, and gain insights into the spiritual practices of the region.
Scenic Treks: Many treks in the Everest region are strategically planned to coincide with the Mani Rimdu festival. Travelers can combine the cultural experience with breathtaking mountain vistas.
Spectacular Dance-Drama: Observing the sacred dance-drama is a highlight of the festival. Tourists can marvel at the vibrant performances that narrate Buddhist stories.
Local Interaction: Interacting with the local Sherpa community during the festival offers a glimpse into their way of life, values, and deep-rooted spiritual beliefs.
