Nepal Festival

celebrarting culture and tradition

Nepal, a land of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is also renowned for its vibrant festivals. These festivals are not merely holidays; they are an integral part of Nepali life, steeped in tradition, religion, and community spirit. This blog delves into the heart of Nepali celebrations, offering a glimpse into how people celebrate and experience these joyous occasions.

From the grand celebrations of Dashain to the colorful revelry of Holi, each festival has its unique charm and significance. Join me as we explore the traditions, rituals, and personal stories that make Nepali festivals so special.

I will discuss the top main festivals of Nepal

Dashain is a time for family, blessing and a celebration of good over evil

Dashain, the longest and most auspicious festival in the Nepali calendar, is a 15-day celebration that symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It commemorates the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Families reunite, elders offer blessings to younger ones with tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion), and delicious feasts are prepared. Swings made of bamboo are erected in villages, symbolizing the festive spirit. Animal sacrifices, though controversial, are still practiced by some communities.

Dashain, the longest and most important festival in Nepal, is a celebration of good over evil. It commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The festival spans fifteen days, each with its own significance.

• Ghatasthapana = The first day, where "jamara" is sown with maize seed or barley seeds.


• Fulpati = The seventh day, when the royal Kalash, banana stalks, and sugarcane are brought to Kathmandu.


• Maha Ashtami = The eighth day, marked by animal sacrifices and special prayers.
• Navami = The ninth day, where tools and vehicles are worshipped.
• Vijaya Dashami = The tenth day, where elders offer tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion) and blessings to younger family members. This is a day for family reunions, feasting on delicious food like meat, sel roti, and sweets, and playing traditional games like kite flying and cards. I still vividly remember the excitement of receiving tika from my grandparents, a moment filled with love and blessings

Tihar is the festival of light and prosperity

Tihar, also known as Diwali, is a five-day festival of lights that celebrates the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Each day is dedicated to different animals and "deities", starting with crows, then dogs, cows, and finally Lakshmi. Houses are illuminated with diyas, pala (oil lamps) and colorful lights, and beautiful pattern of rangolis (made from colored powder) the entrances of houses. Children go door-to-door singing "bhailo" (traditional songs) and receive blessings and sweets. The festival culminates with Bhai Tika, where sisters honor their brothers by exchanging gifts.

• Kaag Tihar = The first day, dedicated to crows, who are offered food.
• Kukur Tihar = The second day, dedicated to dogs, who are worshipped and adorned with garlands.
• Gai Tihar = The third day, dedicated to cows, who are considered sacred in Hinduism.
• Laxmi Puja = Also on the third day, houses are cleaned and decorated with lights and oil lamps to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
• Govardhan Puja = : The fourth day, where an artificial hill made of cow dung is worshipped.
• Bhai Tika = The fifth and final day, where sisters apply tika to their brothers' foreheads, praying for their long life and prosperity. Brothers, in turn, offer gifts to their sisters. Tihar is a time for vibrant decorations, delicious sweets like sel roti, bhai masala, fruits and many more. I remember spending hours decorating my house with colorful lights and rangoli, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for Goddess Lakshmi.

Holi is a festivals of colors

Holi, the festival of colors, is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. It's a time for uninhibited joy, where people smear each other with colorful powders (abir) and water, dance to lively music, and indulge in festive treats

The celebrations typically begin with the Holika Dahan, a bonfire symbolizing the burning of the demon Holika. The next day is Rangwali Holi, the main day of the festival, where the streets come alive with color and laughter. Children and adults alike participate in water fights, throwing water balloons and spraying colored water on each other. It's a day to let loose, forget your worries, and embrace the spirit of fun and friendship. I still remember the sheer joy of running through the streets with my friends, covered in beautiful colors, with no care in the world.

Teej is for women (specially married)

Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by women, primarily dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. It is a celebration of womanhood, marital bliss, and the bond between sisters.

During Teej, women dress in red saris, adorn themselves with jewelry, and gather to sing, dance, and pray. They observe a strict fast, praying for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The festival is also a time for women to come together, share their experiences, and support each other. One of the most memorable aspects of Teej is the delicious feast (dar) enjoyed by women before the fasting begins. The dar is a time for indulging in traditional Nepali dishes and strengthening the bonds of friendship and sisterhood. I remember watching my mother and aunts preparing for Teej with such devotion and excitement, their laughter and filling the house with joy.

Indra Jatra is a festival of Gods and Goddesses

Indra Jatra is an eight-day festival celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley, honoring the Hindu god Indra, the king of heaven. It features masked dances, chariot processions of living goddesses (Kumaris), and the display of sacred images. The festival marks the end of the monsoon season and is a time for thanksgiving for a good harvest. The erection of a wooden pole (Yosinthan) symbolizes Indra's arrival. It's a vibrant display of Newari culture and traditions.

Maghe Sankranti is a start of Auspicious Month

Maghe Sankranti marks the beginning of the auspicious month of Magh, symbolizing the end of winter and the start of warmer days. People take holy baths in rivers, especially at the confluence of rivers, and consume special foods like chaku (molasses candy), til ko laddu (sesame seed balls), and ghiu chaku (ghee and molasses). Families gather together to celebrate and exchange blessings. It is believed that donating during this festival brings good fortune. The festival is also observed with different names and rituals in various parts of Nepal.

Buddha Jayanti is a celebrating the birth of Buddha

Buddha Jayanti, also known as Vesak, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Buddhists around the world celebrate by visiting monasteries, offering prayers, and meditating. In Nepal, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath stupas are decorated with colorful flags and illuminated with lights. Special sermons and teachings are conducted to spread the message of peace and compassion. Vegetarian meals are often served as a symbol of respect for all living beings. It is a day of reflection on the teachings of Buddha and striving for inner peace.

Gai Jatra is the festival of Cows

Gai Jatra, the festival of cows, is a unique celebration primarily observed by the Newari community in the Kathmandu Valley. Families who have lost a loved one in the past year lead a cow procession through the streets, or dress up as cows themselves. This act is believed to help the departed soul find peace in the afterlife. The festival also includes satirical performances, jokes, and colorful displays. It's a way to cope with grief and celebrate life, all while honoring the departed.

Janai Purnima is the Sacred Thread Festival

Janai Purnima, also known as Raksha Bandhan, is a festival where Hindus change their janai (sacred thread) and receive a raksha bandhan (protective thread) from priests. The janai is worn by Brahmin and Chhetri men, symbolizing their coming of age and spiritual responsibility. The raksha bandhan is tied on the wrist for protection and good health. People also visit Kumbheshwar Temple in Patan and take a dip in the holy ponds. Kwati (a soup made from mixed beans) is a traditional dish prepared on this day.

At the end

Nepal is a country that rich in cultural, rich in festivals, rich in tradition and many more. Festival is not just a festival, it is a event that we Nepali share and show to the world. Many Nepali lives far away from their family members, so family reunions is not possible. These festivals has made family reunions possible community gatherings, and the celebration of life. From the grand celebrations of Dashain to the colorful Holi, each festival offers a unique and unforgettable experience. These festivals not only preserve traditions but also reinforce community bonds. A joyfull moments to everyone. Bring happiness by sharing personal experiences. I hope, I have given you some idea how and why nepali celebrate their important festivals.