Religious Calendar
Explore Nepal's rich religious calendar, featuring major festivals, observances, and celebrations from various faiths that shape the country's cultural landscape.
Festival Categories
Hindu Festivals
Major celebrations in the Hindu calendar
- Dashain
- Tihar
- Teej
- Maha Shivaratri
- Holi
Buddhist Festivals
Important Buddhist celebrations
- Buddha Jayanti
- Losar
- Lhabab Duchen
- Saga Dawa
- Gunla
Local Festivals
Unique regional celebrations
- Bisket Jatra
- Ghode Jatra
- Rato Machhindranath Jatra
- Indra Jatra
- Yomari Punhi
Festivals by Month
January
Maghe Sankranti
January 15
Hindu festival marking the beginning of the sun's northward journey
Celebrated with special foods and family gatherings
Losar
January/February
Tibetan New Year celebration
Major festival for Tibetan Buddhists with prayers and feasts
February
Saraswati Puja
February
Hindu festival honoring the goddess of knowledge
Students and teachers celebrate with special prayers
Maha Shivaratri
February/March
Great night of Shiva
Devotees fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva
March
Holi
March
Festival of colors
Celebrated with colors, water, and festive foods
Ghode Jatra
March/April
Horse racing festival in Kathmandu
Traditional horse racing and cultural performances
April
Bisket Jatra
April
New Year celebration in Bhaktapur
Traditional chariot pulling and cultural events
Buddha Jayanti
April/May
Birth anniversary of Lord Buddha
Major Buddhist festival with prayers and processions
May
Rato Machhindranath Jatra
May/June
Chariot festival of the rain god
Month-long festival with chariot pulling ceremony
Janai Purnima
July/August
Sacred thread festival
Hindu men change their sacred threads
September
Teej
September
Women's fasting festival
Women fast for the well-being of their husbands
Dashain
September/October
Nepal's biggest festival
15-day celebration with family gatherings and blessings
October
Tihar
October/November
Festival of lights
Five-day celebration honoring different deities
Chhath
October/November
Sun worship festival
Devotees offer prayers to the rising and setting sun
Experience Religious Festivals
Our cultural experts can help you plan your visit to coincide with major festivals and celebrations in Nepal.