Top 10 Festivals in Nepal

Top 10 Festivals in Nepal 2022 – 2023 Dates

Festivals in Nepal

Among the various festivals in Nepal. Here are 10 of the most popular festivals that are celebrated by the numerous ethnic groups in Nepal. These festivals are a great time to plan a trip and experience the culture of Nepalese people.

1. Lhosar

Among the many festivals in Nepal, Lhosar is widely celebrated by Nepalese ethnic groups who trace their herniate to Tibet – namely Sherpa, Tamang and Gurung people. Losar is the New Year celebration for these ethnic group of people. Each community celebrated this festival in their own way. Traditional dresses are worn by young and old; and family gatherings take place wishing each-other a new year. 2022 : Feb 22023 : Feb 3

2. Maha Shivaratri

Shivaratri, meaning “The Night of Lord Shiva,” is a sacred Hindu festival marked by fasting, prayer, and temple visits. Devotees bathe early in the morning as a purification ritual before worshiping at Shiva temples.

One of the best places to experience Shivaratri is Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, located near Tribhuvan International Airport. Here, Sadhus (holy men) gather to smoke marijuana and hashish, substances considered dear to Lord Shiva. Many also drink Bhang, a mixture of milk, nuts, spices, and cannabis.

If you’re in Kathmandu during Shivaratri (March 1, 2022 | Feb 18, 2023), don’t miss this vibrant celebration of devotion and mysticism!

3. Fagu Purnima (Holi)

Fagu Prunima, or more famously known as Holi is perhaps arguable one of the most well known festival in Nepal. This Festival takes place in the Nepali month of Falgun, when the full month occurs; this is the reason for it being known as the “Fagu Purnima”. This festival is held over two days. The first day is usually celebrated by the people in the Terai (south) region of Nepal. The second day is usually celebrated by the people in Kathmandu and the Hilly region.  This festival is one the most lively festival filled with colored powders, and water fights using colored water and water balloons. I highly recommend that you take part in this celebration so that you can experience the joy and energy of this festival. 2022 : March 17-182023 : March 6-7.

4. Ghode Jatra

Ghode Jatra is one important Jatra in the Kathmandu valley, and is celebrated to ward off the demonic Gurumanpa. According to ancient beliefs, the soul of the demon still lives under the grounds of Tundikhel. So to prevent the soul of this demon from arising, a horse race is organized on this day by the Nepal Army.It is truly a sight to behold, as observers there isn’t much you can participate in. However this is a great opportunity to experience and observe a part of Nepal. 2022 : April 012023 : March 21

5. Bisket Jatra (Nepali New Year)

As like everywhere, the Nepali New Year is always a lively time in Nepal. Bhaktapur is specially a lively place to spend this day on. On this day the Basket Jatra festival takes place in Bhaktapur, where a huge chariot carrying the god Bhairab is pulled through the streets, eventually ending with the chariot battle at Bhaktapur’s Khanlna Tole. 2022 : April 142023 : April 14

6. Buddha Jayanti

Lord Buddha’s, also known as the light of Asia, birthday falls on the first full day of the first month of the lunar calendar. As the birth place/country of Lord Buddha, Buddhist and Hindus celebrate this festival dearly. It is mainly observed at Buddhist shrines and monasteries through Nepal. However, this celebration is specially celebrated with a grand ceremony in the Birth city of Buddha, Lumbini. In Kathmandu, one of the location where this festival is celebrated is the Boudhanath Stupa. 2022 : May 82023 : May 26

7. Rato Macchindranath

This festival is one of the longest and largest festival in Nepal. Held in the city of Patan and Lalitpur, a giant chariot is build on Pulchowk Road over many weeks. After the chariot is completed, the god Machchhendranath is placed inside. After three days, the chariot begins its journey throughout Patan and Lalitpur, towards Bungamati. Machchhendranath is the Newer god of rain, and this festival is celebrated to welcome and usher in the monsoon. 2022 : May – June2023 : May – June

8. Teej August

Teej is a festival celebrated exclusively by Nepali women. This festival stretches over three days around the month of August and September. On this day, women wear red saris and red tika. The women sing and dance for the long lives of their husband, and a long and firm relationship until death parts them. Teen is observed for marital happiness, the well-being of spouse and children, along with the purification of own body and soul. 2022 : August 302023 : September 18

9. Dashain

Dashain is the most important festival for Nepalese. This festival stretches over for about 10 days, with various stages. This festival is celebrated the prevailing of good over evil. According to ancient beliefs, the goddesses Durga had fought a demon for 10 days and finally over can the demon after 10 days of battle. So many families who celebrate this offer male goats to the goddess Durga. 2022 : September 26 – October 8 2023 : October 15 – October 28

10. Tihar 

Tihar – Nepal’s Festival of Lights ✨🏮

Tihar, a vibrant and lively festival, follows closely after Dashain and is celebrated over three days, honoring different deities.

🔸 Day 1: Crows, messengers of Lord Yama, are fed to appease them.
🔸 Day 2: Dogs, guardians of the afterlife, are worshipped.
🔸 Day 3: Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, is welcomed with oil lamps and colorful decorations.

Experience the magic of Tihar! 2022: Oct 25-27 | 2023: Nov 13-15
🔗 Read more in our latest blog!

These are just few of the festivals that are celebrated in Nepal. There are so many amazing things you can experience while getting an adventure of a lifetime. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and Facebook to stay updated on travel updates, tips and so much more.