Baisakh- (April - May)
Nawabarsha (New Year's Day)
The Nepalese follow their own calendar system (Lunar Calendar) known as the Bikram Era or Bikram Sambat. Nawabarsha is celebrated on the first day of the first month of the new year and is observed as an official holiday.
In Bhaktapur, fifteen kilometres from Kathmandu, the New Year celebrations take on added importance at Bisket Jatra. Images of the god Bhairav and his female counterpart Bhadrakali are enshrined in two large chariots and pulled through crowds of cheering onlookers. When the chariot reaches a sloping open square, there is a tug-of-war between the inhabitants of the upper and lower parts of the town. Winners are considered to be blessed with good fortune for the coming year. The festival concludes with several days of dancing and worship. Thimi, another ancient town of the Valley, also celebrates the New Year with special festivities.
Rato Machchhendranath Jatra
This festival takes place in Patan. During the celebrations, the towering chariot of Lord Machchhendranath is pulled by ropes through the city's narrow streets, followed by a large crowd of worshippers in front of the Rath (chariot). A small crowd of musicians and soldiers adds even more excitement to the occasion.
Over several weeks, the chariot is slowly hauled to Jawalakhel where thousands of devotees burn oil lamps and keep an all-night vigil. During this chariot festival the Bhoto or Sacred waistcoat, itself the subject of many legends, is displayed from the chariot. A final ritual is then conducted to mark Lord Machchhendranath's yearly return to his home in the nearby village of Bungmati.
Jestha (May- June)
Jestha is the second month of the Nepali calendar. While it does not have any specific Hindu festivals, it holds significant cultural importance due to Buddha Jayanti, which falls within this month. Buddha Jayanti celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death anniversary of Lord Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. For Buddhists in Nepal, it is a deeply spiritual day, marking a time of reflection, prayer, and reverence.
Buddha, as a historical figure, is also regarded as a National Hero (Rashtriya Bibhuti) in Nepal for his profound contributions to humanity. On Buddha Jayanti, the Nepali government declares a national holiday, and people from all communities, including Hindus, join in the celebrations. The day is marked with processions, prayers, and cultural programs. Despite being a Buddhist celebration, the spirit of the occasion transcends religious boundaries, as it unites the diverse population of Nepal in honouring a figure of immense historical and spiritual significance.
Asar- (June- July)
the Asar month holds special significance, particularly for farmers and agricultural communities. The 15th of Asar (which falls in June or July) is celebrated as Asar 15 or Ropai (Rice Planting) Day, marking the beginning of the monsoon season when the first rains arrive. It is considered the most important time for sowing rice, which is a staple crop for Nepali farmers. On this day, farmers across the country participate in planting rice seedlings in their fields, and there is a strong cultural celebration surrounding the event. People celebrate with enthusiasm, performing traditional dances like the Ropai Dance, where farmers, along with their families, gather in the fields and sing folk songs while planting rice. This day is an expression of gratitude to nature and prayers for a good harvest, ensuring food security for the coming year.
In addition to Asar 15, the month of Asar is also home to the celebration of Guru Purnima, a day dedicated to honouring gurus or teachers. Although Guru Purnima is observed across many parts of the Hindu world, it has special cultural significance in Nepal as well. On this day, students and disciples honour their spiritual teachers, educators, and mentors, offering them respect and gratitude for their guidance. In Nepal, it is also a day to remember Lord Vyasa, the sage who is revered for his contributions to the Vedic scriptures and the Mahabharata. Guru Purnima is marked by prayers, processions, and teachings that inspire learning, personal growth, and spiritual development, making it an important occasion in the religious and educational life of the Nepali people.
Sravan - (July- August)
Janai Purnima and Raksha Bandhan
Janai Purnima and Raksha Bandhan are two vibrant festivals that celebrate bonds of love and protection. Celebrated on the full moon day of the Shrawan month, Janai Purnima is a significant occasion for Hindus, where men change their sacred thread (janai) and perform prayers for purification.
At the same time, Raksha Bandhan is a heartfelt tradition that strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters, with sisters tying a protective rakhi (sacred thread) around their brothers' wrists, wishing them safety and success. Both festivals are filled with rituals, prayers, and an overwhelming sense of love and devotion, bringing families together to celebrate these beautiful ties.
Ghantakarna
Taking place towards the end of the Nepalese month of Sravan, this festival celebrates the exorcism of a mythical demon Ghantakarna, who according to a legend, was greatly feared throughout the Kathmandu Valley. The festival is celebrated by acting out the legendary drama in the streets. Children of each Kathmandu neighbourhood collect money from passersby which is used to make an effigy of the demon god While this effigy remains in the centre of a rough tent-like structure erected from bamboo poles, one man impersonates Ghantakarna by smearing himself with white paint and roaming the local area collecting donations in a begging bowl. The group of children then returns to the effigy and takes it to the river for burning, thus marking the victory of the local inhabitants over the demon god.
Bhadra - (August - September)
Teej Festival
Teej is a vibrant and joyous festival celebrated by women in Nepal and India, honouring the goddess Parvati for marital happiness and family well-being. Held in the month of Bhadra, it brings together women of all ages who come together to fast, pray, and dance in colourful processions.
Wearing beautiful red or green attire, they celebrate with lively songs, laughter, and traditional rituals. Teej is not just a religious occasion, but a time for women to bond, express their wishes, and share in the festive spirit of togetherness and devotion.
Gai Jatra ( The Procession of the Cows)
According to traditions dating back since time immemorial, every family who has lost one relative during the past year must participate in a procession through the streets of Kathmandu leading a cow. If a cow is unavailable then a young boy dressed up as a cow is considered a fair substitute. The cow, revered as a holy animal by devout Hindus, is believed to assist the deceased relative's heavenward journey.
Later in the afternoon, nearly everyone takes part in another age-old tradition in which participants dress up and wear masks. Jokes, mockery, and humour of every kind become the order of the day until late evening.
Krishnashtami
Krishnashtami or the birthday of Lord Krishna, is celebrated in commemoration of the hero of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. On this day, worshippers carry ornate decorated statues and pictures of Lord Krishna through the streets, often with bands of musicians following or preceding the procession.
In Patan, thousands of devotees flock to the Krishna temple to worship and receive blessings.
Indra Jatra
This festival is celebrated by both Hindus and Buddhists with great enthusiasm. The festival continues for eight days with much rejoicing, dancing, and feasting On the first day, a long wooden pole is erected in front of the ancient Royal Palace at Hanuman Dhoka, in order to propitiate Indra- the god of rain.
Classical dancers also assemble at the spot wearing different kinds of masks and dancing around the courtyard of Hanuman Dhoka to celebrate Indra's visit. On the third day of the festival, the Living Goddess Kumari is taken out in a procession in a chariot. Chariots of Kumari Ganesh and Bhairav are taken around the city for three days. The King also pays homage to the Kumari during this time.
The festival's many interesting dances including the Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Dasha Avatar masked dances are staged in Kathmandu Durbar Square, near the Kumari temple, On the last evening of the festival, the long wooden pole erected on the first day is lowered with religious ceremonies and animal sacrifices.
Ashwin - (September - October) Dashain Festival
Dashain Festival is Nepal's most important and lavishly celebrated festival. The first day of the festival is known as Ghatasthapana- the placing of the sacred vessel. According to tradition, all devout Hindus should take an early morning bath in the holy river and return carrying some sand from the river bed.
At the time, a small clay pot was filled with water from the same time river and placed by the sand. Barley seeds are planted in this pot and nurtured for nine days. As with other Nepalese festivals, this ritual has a specific meaning. In this case, the river water represents the mother goddess Durga. who according to legend, crushed many powerful demon hordes in an epic battle, For the next nine days devotees went to different prescribed sites for early morning baths.
The next major event occurs on the seventh day of the festival when sacred flowers and leaves are brought from the old palace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah at Gorkha. When the flowers reach Kathmandu, there is a large procession to the Hanuman Dhoka gate where brass bands are waiting to celebrate the occasion. At the same time, guns and cannons are fired at the Undikhel parade ground.
The eighth day of the festival is known as Mahashtami and is marked by a fast by all orthodox Hindus. In the morning animals are sacrificed at temples dedicated to Goddess Durga On the ninth day, all temples dedicated to Durga are bathed in sacrificial blood. On this day, vehicles and other mechanical items are worshipped and given sacrifices to prevent accidents during the coming year. Similarly, all instruments, weapons, and implements of all professions are worshipped in the hope that Durga will bless their usefulness and accuracy. In the evening, there is an elaborate sacrifice at the Taleju temple near Hanuman Dhoka. The peak of Dashain celebrations is reached on the tenth day, known as Vijaya Dashami or the day of victory. On this day, all Hindus are supposed to visit their elder relatives. starting with their parents. The main purpose of this visit is to receive tika and the shoots of the barley known as Jamara.
Tika is a red dot or smear placed on the visitor's forehead by a senior relative. Also used in other festivals and daily worship the tika consists of vermilion powder, rice, and curd. AS all visits cannot be completed in one day they continue until the end of the festival.
Kartik - (October - November) Tihar Festival
After Dashain, The Tihar is Nepal's second most important festival. The first day of the festival is the crow's day. In the early morning, worships bathe either in the Bagmati or some other river. After this, the devotees light a small lamp made of cotton wool and mustard oil and place it in a leaf pot. Then the first portion of the family meal is offered to the crows.
The second day is known as the dog's day, On this occasion dogs are given a red tika on their foreheads and garlanded with flowers. They are then worshipped and offered large plates of food, including many delicacies,
The next day is the cow's day and these animals are worshipped similarly. This day is also Laxmi Puja or the worshipping of the goddess Laxmi. Towards evening. small candles or wick lamps are lighted and placed outside the main door and along window sills. This becomes a very beautiful spectacle as whole cities, towns, and villages are filled with little lights.
The fourth day of Tihar is known as Mhapuja and is the new year's day according to the Nepal Era. On this day, Newars worship the divinity that exists in oneself to wish good fortune and harmony throughout the coming year.
Brother's Day or Bhai Tika is the fifth and last day of Tihar. On this day, every sister worships her brothers by placing a multicoloured tika on their foreheads and offering her blessings. The brother then in turn give tika to their sisters, after which gifts are exchanged. As with many other festivals, Tihar ends with a grand feast with all family members present.
Mangsir-(November- December)
Mangsir, the eighth month in the Nepali calendar, holds its own significance, even though it does not feature any major Hindu festival. Despite the lack of grand celebrations typically associated with other months, Mangsir is widely regarded as a special time for weddings. In Nepali culture, particularly among Hindus, Mangsir is considered an auspicious month for marriage, and it is a time when many people choose to get married. This is due to the belief that this month, with its favourable energy, marks the beginning of a prosperous and blissful new phase in life.
The tradition of holding weddings in Mangsir is deeply ingrained in the cultural practices of Hindu families in Nepal. During this time, numerous "Bihe ko Lagan" (wedding ceremonies) take place, as it is believed to bring blessings and harmony to the newlywed couple. The month is often packed with wedding preparations and ceremonies, with couples tying the knot in elaborate celebrations.
Marriage, for Hindus, is not just a union of two individuals but a sacred rite marking the start of a new chapter in life. It is celebrated with great joy, bringing together close relatives, friends, and extended family members. The wedding functions are vibrant with traditional rituals, music, dancing, and feasts. These gatherings serve as a time for family members to come together and celebrate love, commitment, and the sanctity of marriage.
Despite lacking major Hindu festivals, Mangsir holds its own charm through its significance as a time for marriage. For many, it is a month that brings about a new beginning, one filled with hope, blessings, and the joy of familial bonds.
Poush- (December- January)- The ill-omened month of poush when all religious ceremonies are forbidden.
In Nepal, the month of Poush (December-January) has spiritual and historical significance. It is linked to the lunar calendar and is believed to be an inauspicious period for certain religious ceremonies. Historically, this time coincides with the coldest season, making it harder to perform rituals and offerings and leading to less favourable conditions for travel and gathering.
Spiritually, some Hindu communities observe this time as a period of austerity, marking the cooling of the earth and a time for introspection and spiritual preparation. In some traditions, this month is also associated with the mourning of deities or ancestors, and rituals such as weddings, housewarmings, and other auspicious events are avoided to prevent bad luck or misfortune.
Marg - (January- February) Bala Chaturdashi
The festival of Bala Chaturdashi at Pashupatinath temple celebrates an apocryphal legend from a long time ago. On the eve of the festival, thousands of people from Kathmandu and its surroundings proceed to Pashupatinath to keep an all-night vigil. Small wick lamps are lit after which the worshippers spend the night chanting hymns and dancing. At dawn, everyone makes their way to the holy Bagmati river to bathe acts of worship are then performed at the temple's many shrines. The festival concludes with all the worshippers scattering sat biu, seven types of grain, along a prescribed route starting and ending at Pashupatinath temple. It takes several hours to complete the task, after which worshippers begin their journey home.
Bibaha Panchami
This festival, taking place in Janakpur in the eastern Terai, celebrates the marriage of Ram and Sita, the hero and the Hindu epic Ramayan During the week before the heroine of the festival starts, pilgrims arrive in the city by the thousands, and a local fair is set up. On the first day of the festival, a large procession sets out from the Ram temple, carrying an image of Ram and proceeding to the famous Janaki temple. The next day, in an equally colourful ceremony, a figure of Sita is carried to Ram's side thus re-enacting the ancient wedding of the divine couple.
Fagun - (February - March )
Maha Shivaratri - the Night of Shiva
People all over Nepal, especially Hindus, celebrate this festival with great devotion. In addition to the main events at Pashupati temple, communities across the country observe Shivaratri by visiting local temples, fasting, and participating in prayers and rituals.
The festival is marked by a strong sense of spiritual unity, with worshippers gathering in temples and homes to honour Lord Shiva. Bonfires are also lit in various towns and villages, and people engage in chanting and singing hymns throughout the night, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. This widespread celebration reflects the deep religious and cultural significance of Shivaratri in Nepal.
As the religious ceremonies unfold throughout the day and evening, the atmosphere is filled with devotion. In the evening, the area around the temple is illuminated with hundreds of wick lamps, while bonfires are lit on the surrounding hills. The festival continues late into the night with prayers, singing, and chanting. Worshippers also take holy baths at three-hour intervals. Bonfires are lit at key crossroads, as well as in village and town courtyards across the Kathmandu Valley, marking the spiritual significance of the occasion.
Holi Festival (Fagu Purnima)
Fagu Purnima, also known as Holi, is a week-long festival celebrated all over Nepal. In Kathmandu, it starts at Hanuman Dhoka with the setting up of a Chir-a long pole whose upper portion consists of wooden frames decorated with strips of colourful cloth. These strips of cloth are believed to carry special power to ward off evil.
The following six days of the festival are nearly uneventful. However, the last day is widely celebrated with people throwing coloured powder and small balloons filled either with ordinary or coloured water. At the end of the festival, the Chir is taken down and burnt.
Chaitra - (March - April)
Ghode Jatra
Ghode Jatra, the festival of horses, is a yearly sports event taking place at the Tundikhel parade ground in central Kathmandu. Its roots go back several hundred years, though it is also associated with older religious traditions. At midnight as the parade grounds, the images of Bhadra Kali and her sister goddess are carried from their respective temples and placed in the middle of the dark expanse. A third sister goddess is then brought from another locality and made a bow before the first two images.
The actual horse racing is conducted with great gusto and spectators come from all over the Valley as well as from more distant, to witness the exciting event.
Nag Pnchami, Saraswati Puja Chaite Dashain, Chhath Puja, and Ram Navami, are other important festivals of Nepal.
Wrapping it Up
Nepal’s Hindu festivals are a beautiful reflection of its rich culture and traditions. From the grand celebrations of Dashain and Tihar to the quiet moments of reflection during Poush, each festival brings people together in joy and devotion. These vibrant festivals not only honour the gods and goddesses but also unite families and communities, making Nepal a truly special place to experience the spirit of celebration year-round.
