HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS
Nepal is one of the countries with the most parties and festivals in the world. The open and cheerful character of its people, together with the fact that more than 35 different ethnic groups coexist in Nepal, is one of the factors that has favored the creation of celebrations that fill the streets with fun and joy. In Nepal it is said: “every building is a temple and every day a celebration”. Most of the festivals in Nepal usually last several days. Nepal as a primarily Hindu and Buddhist nation, most of its holidays and festivals are religious in origi. Nepalese festivals have their roots in Hinduism as more than 80% of the country's population practices Hinduism. The second most important religion in Nepal, Buddhism represents approximately 10% of the population, it has a lot of influence in the festivals of Nepal.

THE MAIN FESTIVALS

DASHAIN

This festival is considered the largest and most sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists, and is widely celebrated in Nepal and also in India. It takes place between the end of September and the middle of October, just after the end of the rainy season (monsoons) and lasts for 10 consecutive days. During the celebration the sacrifices of goats, buffalo and other animals that are offered in favor of their deities take place. The first celebration began in medieval times. According to the legend, it all started when Goddess Durga destroys the lord of evil, bringing prosperity and happiness to the world, hence “Kal Ratri” is highly regarded during Dashain. Feasting with families takes place over several days of celebration. The young members of the family have the blessings of the elders. Kites in the sky and Ferris wheels run during the Dashain.

TIHAR

One of the most vibrant celebrations that are celebrated in Nepal. The decoration is so magnificent that it keeps you looking and admiring for hours. The cities are illuminated with colored light bulbs, tinsel decoration and places are decorated with “Rangoli-Colors”. Banquet is the main aspect of this festival. Even gambling is allowed for 3 consecutive days.
It takes place during the month of October/November. The goddess of wealth "Laxmi" is mainly worshiped during Tihar. On the first day of the festival people worship “Crows”, the second is the “Dog” day. This celebration consists of a series of festivities; Laxmi Puja, Gobhardhan and Bhai Tika.

INDRA JATRA & KUMARI JATRA

Yenya is the biggest street festival in Nepal. This celebration consists of two festivals, Indra Jatra and Kumari Jatra. Held according to the lunar calendar, the day varies each year (September). Indra Jatra It is characterized by mask dances of deities and demons, screens of images and sacred decorations in honor of Indra, the king of Heaven. According to a popular legend, Indra was taken prisoner by the inhabitants of Kathmandu and later released upon realizing his supremacy.

TEEJ

Fasting days and the feast are widely celebrated in the month of August/September. Popularly known as Teej, it tends to last for a godly 3 days. Communion of Goddess Parvati and Shiva of the Hindu Trinity is marked.
Married women, for the love of their husband's life and health, fast all day for 3 days along with visiting temples for blessings.
It is widely celebrated by the organization of celebrations by and for women. They dress in red Sari, this color is considered auspicious. Even the Indian women celebrate this occasion homogeneously. The occasion starts from the moment they eat one last meal before starting the fast, popularly known as "Dar khane Din”.

THE OTHER FESTIVALS OF NEPAL
APRIL - MAY (BAISAKH)
Nawabarsa:
Bisket Jatra, Balkumari Jatra and Bode Jatra
(Celebrations linked to the
Nepalese New Year.)
Mata Tirtha Puja
(Mother's Day)
Rato Machhendranath
rath jatra
(Feast of the chariots in honor of the god Machhendra Red)
Buddha Jayanti Purnima
(Commemoration of the birth of Buddha)

MAY - JUNE (JESTH)
Mani Rimdu
(Buddhist Festival with Music and Mask Dance at Thame Monastery)
Sithi Nakha
(Anniversary and procession of the
warrior god Kumar)

JUNE - JULY (ASADH)
Dalai Lama's Jayanti
(Dalai Lama Anniversary Celebration)
Bhal Bal Astami
Tongue piercing party in Deopatan
and Festivals in Trisuli and Gola

JULY - AUGUST (SRAWAN)
Gunla
(Holy month for Buddhists)
Gantha Karna or Gathe Mangal
(Devil's Night or Children's Party)
nagapanchami
(Snake Day)
Janai Purnima and Rakshya Bandhan
Festival of the Sacred Thread
Gaijatra
(Carnival of the Cows)
Mataya
(Buddhist Festival of Lights)
gurupunhi
Teacher's Day, in honor of teachers

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER (BHADRA)
Yartung
(Festival with horse races
and traditional Tibetan dances)
Krishna Jayanthi
(Commemoration of the birth
of Krsna)
Gokarna Aunsi
(Father's day)
Teej Brata
(Women's Party)
Indra Jatra and Kumari Jatra
(Feast in honor of Indra and
to Kumari, the living goddess
panchadan
(Feast in honor of Panchadan, processions
festivals in Swayambunath)

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER (ASHWIN)
Dashain
(National Holiday in honor of Durga)
Pachali Bhairab Jatra
(Festival in honor of Bhairab, god of terror)

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER (KARTIK)
Tihar or Diwali
(Festival of Lights. Newar New Year Celebration)
Maha Laxmi Jatra
(Celebration in honor of the goddess of health and crops)
Mani Rimdu
(Buddhist-Lamaist Festival and Masquerade Ball at
Thyangboche Monastery)

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER (MANGSIR)
Nheganjatra
(Processions in Kirktipur)
Bala Chaturdasi
(Pilgrimages at Pashupatinath for the souls of the departed)
Biwahapanchami
(Holidays that remember the marriage of the goddess Sita with Rama)
Yomari Punhi
(Feast with offerings and children's songs through the streets)

DECEMBER - JANUARY (PAUSH)
Machhendranath Snan Hedge
(Ritual baths in honor of the god Machhendra Blanco)
The Thousand and One Lights
(Buddhist procession in Boudhanath)

JANUARY - FEBRUARY (MAGH)
Maghe Sankranti
(Celebration of the arrival of good weather, dedicated to Vishnu).
lhosar
(Tibetan New Year Celebration)
Basant Pachami and Saraswati Puja
(Spring Arrival Party and Party in honor
to the goddess of knowledge).

FEBRUARY - MARCH (FALGUN)
Maha Shiva Ratri
(Offerings and ritual baths at Pashupatinath and the temples consecrated to Shiva),
Holi or Fagu Purnima
(Colour Festival)

MARCH - APRIL (CHAITRA)
Gode Jatra
(Horse races and exhibitions of gymnastics and riding, in Tundhikhel).
Shree Ram Nawami
(Ram Chandra Commemoration Festival in Janakpur).
Pass Chare
(Newar festival, demon Garumpa is carried to Tundhinkhel in a procession held at midnight).

FULL MOON CELEBRATIONS
Illumination of the Boudhanath stupa

SPORADIC CELEBRATIONS AT BOUDHANATH
Parade of dancers with masks.

Newars celebrate the festival as Mohani, Tihar or Dipawali, Holi, Saraswati Puja, Rakshabandhan, Bhai Dooj, Janmashtami, Gai Jatra, Nag Panchami, Teej, Chhath, Kartik Poornima, Maghe Sankranti or Makar Sankranti Maha Shivratri and Chhechu are widely celebrated festivals important in Nepal. Lunar calendar Nepal Sambat New Year's Day occurs in November. Various festivals (Jatras) take place throughout the year and are declared public holidays in most districts

THE MAIN FESTIVALS

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