Festivals Calendar
Experience the vibrant colors, rich traditions, and joyous celebrations of Nepal's diverse festivals throughout the year.
Festival Categories
Religious Festivals
Major religious celebrations across different faiths
- Dashain
- Tihar
- Maha Shivaratri
- Buddha Jayanti
Cultural Festivals
Traditional celebrations of Nepali culture
- Teej
- Ghode Jatra
- Bisket Jatra
- Losar
Seasonal Festivals
Festivals marking seasonal changes
- Maghe Sankranti
- Holi
- Chhath
- Teej
Festivals by Month
January
Maghe Sankranti
January 15Marks the beginning of the sun's northward journey and the start of longer days.
Significance
Celebrated with special foods, holy dips in rivers, and family gatherings.
Lhosar (Tibetan New Year)
January/FebruaryTibetan Buddhist New Year celebration with traditional dances and prayers.
Significance
Marks the beginning of the Tibetan calendar year with cultural performances.
February
Maha Shivaratri
February/MarchGreat night of Lord Shiva, celebrated with night-long prayers and meditation.
Significance
Devotees gather at Pashupatinath Temple for special prayers and offerings.
Losar (Sherpa New Year)
FebruarySherpa community's New Year celebration with traditional dances and feasts.
Significance
Cultural performances and family gatherings mark this important festival.
March
Holi
MarchFestival of colors celebrating the victory of good over evil.
Significance
People play with colors, water, and celebrate with music and dance.
Ghode Jatra
March/AprilHorse racing festival in Kathmandu's Tundikhel ground.
Significance
Traditional horse racing and cultural performances.
April
Nepali New Year
April 13/14Celebration of the Nepali New Year (Bikram Sambat).
Significance
Family gatherings, feasts, and cultural programs mark the new year.
Bisket Jatra
AprilTraditional New Year celebration in Bhaktapur with chariot pulling.
Significance
Ancient festival marking the beginning of the solar new year.
May
Buddha Jayanti
MayCelebration of Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death.
Significance
Special prayers, processions, and cultural programs at Buddhist sites.
September
Teej
SeptemberWomen's festival celebrating marital bliss and family well-being.
Significance
Women fast, pray, and celebrate with traditional songs and dances.
Dashain
September/OctoberNepal's biggest festival celebrating the victory of good over evil.
Significance
Family gatherings, blessings from elders, and cultural celebrations.
October
Tihar
October/NovemberFestival of lights celebrating different aspects of life.
Significance
Five days of celebrations honoring different animals and relationships.
November
Chhath
NovemberSun worship festival with special prayers and offerings.
Significance
Devotees offer prayers to the rising and setting sun.
Want to Experience These Festivals?
Our cultural experts can help you plan your visit to coincide with these vibrant celebrations and provide authentic festival experiences.