based on 2 reviewsNepal is a land where culture, tradition, and spirituality come alive through its vibrant festivals. With over 50 major celebrations and countless regional events, the country offers travellers a rich blend of rituals, music, dance, and local delicacies. Every festival has a meaning; some honour gods and goddesses, while others respect ancestors, nature, or even animals. The Dashain festivals of Nepal, for example, bring families together all over the country, while the festival in Nepal for dogs, called the Tihar festival, gives a whole day to celebrate dogs, showing loyalty and friendship.
Many big festivals of Nepal are known all over the world for their cultural importance, and some even have UNESCO intangible heritage status. Visitors get a rare chance to see old traditions, like masked dances during a Jatra festival in Nepal. With butter lamps shining during the Buddha Jayanti festival in Nepal, or chants echoing in monasteries during the Losar festival in Nepal. These experiences let people understand the country’s living history up close.
Nepal’s festivals come from its mix of religions and traditions. Hinduism, Buddhism, Kiratism, and many local beliefs all exist here, creating special celebrations. For example, the Buddha Jayanti festival in Nepal celebrates the birth of Lord Buddha in Lumbini and attracts thousands of people.
Tihar is a mix of Hindu traditions that celebrate gods, people, and animals, like the special day for dogs called Kukur Tihar. Local festivals like Kirat Sakela and Tharu Maghi show the traditions and beliefs of different groups as well.
From spring flowers during the Holi festival in Nepal to Tibetan New Year at the Losar festival in Nepal, Nepal has festivals all year long. Big events like Dashain and Tihar bring everyone together, while local celebrations show the area’s weather, traditions, and beliefs.
These festivals are also linked to farming seasons, the moon, and changes in the weather, so they have both religious and practical reasons. Whether it’s lighting butter lamps in the hills, dancing in a Jatra festival, or joining masked ceremonies in the Himalayan areas, there’s always something exciting to do.
Don’t miss Nepal’s most colourful festivals-book your cultural adventure today before spots fill up. Contact us Now!
List of Major Nepal Festivals
The festivals in Nepal are as diverse as its landscapes and cultures. From grand nationwide celebrations to intimate regional traditions, each festival carries deep spiritual meaning and showcases the country’s rich heritage. Here’s a guide to the most famous festivals of Nepal that every traveller should experience.
1. Dashain - The National Festival of Nepal
Dashain is the most famous festival of Nepal and one of the most looked-forward-to events in the Hindu calendar. It lasts 15 days and celebrates good winning over evil, showing Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. Families get together, give blessings, receive tika, and enjoy big festive meals.
For travellers, Dashain offers a chance to witness rituals that have been passed down for generations, from sacred ceremonies to colourful village fairs.
- Key Activities: Tika ceremonies, family feasts, traditional swings (ping), animal sacrifices in rural areas, kite flying in Terai regions
- Timing: September-October (lunar calendar)
- Significance: Family bonding, spiritual cleansing, honouring ancestors
2. Tihar - The Festival of Lights & Dogs in Nepal
Tihar, also known as Deepawali, is a five-day Hindu festival that honours gods, humans, and animals. It is celebrated with beautifully decorated homes, oil lamps, rangoli patterns, and vibrant cultural programs.
Festival for Dogs in Nepal (Kukur Tihar)
One of Tihar’s most special days is Kukur Tihar, the festival for dogs in Nepal, where dogs are decorated with garlands, tika, and yummy treats. This celebration honours their loyalty and friendship, making it one of the most heartwarming festivals of Nepal.
Other Days of Tihar
- Kaag Tihar - Honouring crows, messengers of death.
- Gai Tihar - Worshipping cows for prosperity.
- Laxmi Puja - Prayers for wealth and prosperity.
- Bhai Tika - Brothers and sisters celebrate their bond.
Tihar is celebrated nationwide, with Kathmandu Valley providing one of the most vibrant displays of lights and devotion.
The magic of Nepal’s festivals won’t wait-plan your trip now and join the celebration with Abound Holidays!
3. Holi Festival in Nepal - The Festival of Colours
Holi, celebrated in March, is the Holi festival in Nepal that welcomes spring with lots of colours. People throw colored powders on each other, dance, sing traditional songs, and enjoy special foods like gujiya and thandai.
Holi is a must-experience for travellers who want to immerse themselves in a joyful and interactive cultural celebration.
- Regional Variations: Kathmandu celebrates with playful street colours; in Pokhara, the festival combines traditional dances and local rituals
- Significance: Victory of good over evil, social harmony, and joy
To read more, Visit blog "Holi Festival of Colours in Nepal".
4. Ghode Jatra - Horse Festival in Kathmandu
Ghode Jatra, a special festival in Nepal, happens in Kathmandu to drive away evil spirits. It has amazing horse parades, cultural shows, and military displays at Tundikhel.
- Timing: March-April (specific lunar date)
- Location: Tundikhel, Kathmandu
- Traveller Tip: Arrive early to see ceremonial horse races and traditional dances
Explore the Blog "Ghode Jatra Festival in Nepal" for more details.
5. Teej Festival in Nepal - Women’s Celebration of Fasting & Devotion
The Teej festival in Nepal is a celebration for women, where they fast and pray for happy marriages and healthy families. Wearing bright red saris and jewellery, women go to temples to sing, dance, and do rituals.
- Timing: August-September
- Significance: Devotion to Lord Shiva, social bonding, spiritual reflection
To Learn more on Teej festival, Visit blog "Teej Festival in Nepal".
6. Buddha Jayanti Festival in Nepal - Birth of Lord Buddha
The Buddha Jayanti festival in Nepal celebrates the birth of Lord Buddha, his path to enlightment, and his passing away. People go to stupas, light lamps, and join peaceful prayers during this time of the year.
- Key Locations: Lumbini (birthplace), Swayambhunath, Boudhanath
- Traveller Tip: Participate respectfully in rituals; early morning visits provide serene experiences
Learn the journey of Lord Buddha and the coming of the Buddha Jayanti Festival in Nepal in our detailed blog, click here.
7. Maha Shivaratri in Nepal - Honouring Lord Shiva
Maha Shivaratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals in Nepal, celebrated by thousands of devotees who gather at Pashupatinath Temple. Rituals include fasting, chanting prayers, and all-night vigils.
Read blog "Shivaratri Festival in Nepal" to learn more about the Maha Shivaratri and the story behind one of the most prayed to gods in the Hindu religion.
8. Losar Festival in Nepal - Tibetan New Year Celebration
The Losar Festival in Nepal marks the Tibetan New Year and is one of the most important celebrations in the Himalayan region. It usually falls between February and March, based on the lunar calendar. The festival symbolizes purification, renewal, and fresh beginnings. It is celebrated mainly in Mustang, Dolpo, Solu-Khumbu, and among the Tamang, Gurung, and Sherpa communities.
Preparations start weeks earlier. Families clean and decorate their homes to remove negative energy and welcome good luck. Special foods like khapse (fried pastries), guthuk (noodle soup), and changkol (barley beer) are prepared and shared. Monasteries hold Cham masked dances, where monks perform ritual movements. These dances drive away evil spirits and bless the new year.
During Losar, families gather to exchange blessings and offer khatas (ceremonial scarves). People wear their best traditional clothes, light butter lamps, and pray for happiness and prosperity. Villages come alive with music, dances, and cultural shows. For travelers, Losar is a chance to experience Himalayan traditions, witness ancient rituals, and enjoy the warm hospitality of local communities.
- Timing: February-March (varies by lunar calendar)
- Regions: Mustang, Dolpo, and Sherpa communities in Solu-Khumbu
9. Indra Jatra Festival in Nepal - Living Goddess & Mask Dances
The Indra Jatra festival in Nepal honours the god of rain and is one of the most spectacular festivals of Nepal. It features processions of the living goddess Kumari, cultural dances, and vibrant street celebrations.
Indra Jatra Festival in Nepalhas been recorded to have existed for more than a thousand years, and it is hugely popular. It is not only a religious belief but also promotes the cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.
10. Chhath Festival in Nepal - Sun Worship in the Terai
The Chhath Festival in Nepal is all about worshipping the Sun God and is really important in the Terai region. It usually happens in October or November, right after Tihar. The festival is about saying thanks, staying pure, and showing devotion, as people pray for their families’ health, happiness, and good luck. It is especially popular with the Madhesi, Tharu, and Maithil communities.
The festival goes on for four days and has strict rituals. On the first day, called Nahay Khay, people bath in rivers and make pure vegetarian meals. The second day, Kharna, is about fasting and offering kheer after sunset. On the third day, people stand in rivers or ponds to give offerings to the setting sun, and the last day is for sunrise prayers, showing the cycle of life and energy.
Chhath is a festival about discipline and devotion. People don’t eat meat, onions, or garlic and follow a strict vegetarian diet. Families gather at riverbanks and ponds, singing folk songs and making traditional offerings in handmade bamboo baskets. For visitors, Chhath is a chance to see strong cultural traditions, colorful rituals, and the special spiritual connection people have with nature and the Sun.
- Duration: Four days
- Rituals: Fasting, water offerings, sunrise and sunset prayers
11. Gadhimai Festival in Nepal - Controversial Animal Sacrifice Festival
The Gadhimai festival in Nepal, held every five years in Bara, is one of the most controversial festivals of Nepal due to its historic animal sacrifices. Despite recent reforms, it continues to draw hundreds of thousands of devotees seeking blessings from Goddess Gadhimai.
Regional and Religious Festivals of Nepal
Festivals in Nepal are celebrated all over the country but also change from region to region, showing local customs, different ethnic groups, and religious traditions. Many of these events show the rich culture of Himalayan communities and the Buddhist festivals that happen across Nepal.
1. Himalayan Festivals - Mani Rimdu, Yartung, and Lhosar
Festivals in the Himalayan region of Nepal show unique traditions and colorful rituals. In Mustang, the Tiji Festival is celebrated with special masked dances and ceremonies along the trekking trails.
Yartung in Manang has horse races, prayers, and community gatherings, while Lhosar celebrates the New Year for Sherpa, Tamang, and Gurung people. Seeing these festivals gives trekkers a real look at local Himalayan culture.
- Tiji Festival in Mustang: Masked dances and sacred ceremonies along trekking paths.
- Yartung in Manang: Horse races, prayers, and communal gatherings.
- Lhosar: Tibetan New Year for Sherpa, Tamang, and Gurung communities.
2. Festivals of Buddhism in Nepal - Losar, Buddha Jayanti, Mani Rimdu
Buddhist festivals in Nepal are very spiritual and show the teachings of Lord Buddha. These celebrations include prayers, meditation, and rituals at monasteries all over the country. People light butter lamps, spin prayer wheels, and chant mantras to find peace, wisdom, and blessings.
Major Buddhist festivals include Losar, the Tibetan New Year celebrated in Himalayan regions; Buddha Jayanti, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha; and Mani Rimdu, a famous festival in the Everest region with masked dances and rituals performed by monks. Each festival carries its own meaning and traditions but shares the goal of spiritual renewal and compassion.
For travelers, these festivals give a calm but colorful look at Buddhist culture in Nepal. Monasteries are nicely decorated, processions go through villages, and chants fill the air. Seeing these events gives a special chance to understand Buddhist traditions and feel the peace and devotion of Nepal’s Himalayan communities.
3. Indigenous & Ethnic Celebrations - Newari Jatras, Tharu Maghi, Kirat Sakela
Nepal’s local and ethnic communities have special festivals that show their culture, traditions, and lifestyle. From fun street parades to harvest rituals, these celebrations bring communities together with joy and devotion.
- Newari Jatras: Street parades, chariot rides, and masked dances.
- Tharu Maghi: Terai New Year celebrated with songs and dances.
- Kirat Sakela: Harvest festival with traditional rituals, folk music, and group dancing.
- Janai Purnima: Time to renew the sacred thread, celebrated by Hindu communities.
- Ropain Festival: Rice planting celebrations that mark the farming season.
Experiencing Nepal’s Festival as a Traveller
Participating in festivals in Nepal gives travellers a chance to witness the country’s traditions firsthand. From joining iconic Jatras in Kathmandu Valley to attending the Teej festival in Nepal or the Buddha Jayanti festival in Nepal, visitors can experience the rhythm, colours, and spirituality of local life.
Limited festival tours available this year-reserve your spot and celebrate with the locals. Contact Abound Holidays to reserve!
Best Time to Visit for Festivals
In Nepal, festivals happen all year long. Every season brings a different festival experience. You can plan your trip around your favorite festival to enjoy local traditions and rituals while exploring Nepal’s beautiful landscapes in himalayas.
1. Spring
Spring is a comfortable and lively time to visit Nepal, with mild temperatures and mostly clear skies. It is an ideal season to join outdoor festivities, enjoy street processions, and explore cultural events. Travellers can also combine festival visits with sightseeing in the hills and cities.
- Holi, Chaite Dashain, Buddha Jayanti
- Pleasant weather for attending festivals and street processions
- Ideal time for sightseeing and short treks in the hills
2. Summer / Monsoon
Summer is warm and sometimes rainy, especially in the Terai plains. This season is linked to farming, giving travellers a chance to see farming rituals along with local festivals. Visiting in summer lets you experience Nepal’s village traditions and community gatherings up close.
- Ropain, Gai Jatra, Janai Purnima
- See traditional farming rituals and village gatherings
- Tourist spots are less busy, giving a real and authentic experience
3. Autumn
Autumn is one of the best seasons for festival tourism in Nepal, with clear skies and moderate weather. This is the peak season for major celebrations across the country, making it easy for travellers to combine cultural experiences with trekking and sightseeing. Cities and villages come alive with processions, dances, and family gatherings.
- Dashain, Tihar, Teej, Indra Jatra.
- Street parades and cultural events are happening everywhere.
- It’s easy to mix festival visits with trekking and sightseeing.
4. Winter
Winter is cooler and quieter, providing a peaceful backdrop for cultural and spiritual experiences. Festivals during this season often have smaller crowds, making it easier to observe local rituals and participate in ceremonies. Travellers can also enjoy clear mountain views and explore historical and religious sites.
Losar, Maghe Sankranti, Mani Rimdu
Smaller crowds provide a more personal festival experience
Clear weather in the hills and mountains offers great views for sightseeing
Where to Experience the Famous Jatra Festival in Nepal
Kathmandu is the center of Nepal’s Jatra festivals. Festivals like Indra Jatra, Ghode Jatra, and other Newari celebrations are done on a massive scale in Kathmandu Valley. During these festivals, the streets are full of chariots, masked dances, and traditional music.
As a visitor, you can see rituals that are hundreds of years old, try local festival foods, and feel the lively community spirit that has lasted for generations.
Foods & Traditions in Nepal’s Festivals
Nepal’s festivals are a feast for the senses, combining rituals with delicious local foods that have been passed down through generations. Every festival brings unique culinary traditions that reflect the community’s history, climate, and agricultural practices.
- Sel Roti: This sweet, ring-shaped rice doughnut is a staple during Tihar. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it is often shared among family and friends and offered to gods during rituals.
- Yomari: A delicacy unique to the Newar community, Yomari are steamed rice flour dumplings filled with molasses and sesame seeds, prepared during Yomari Punhi.
- Samay Baji: Traditionally served during Newari festivals and Jatras, this platter contains beaten rice, roasted meat, curd, spicy potato salad, and other different seasoning.
- Khapse & Guthuk: These fried pastries and special noodle soups is highlighted as the Tibetan New Year in Himalayan regions and essentials during Losar.
UNESCO Heritage Festivals of Nepal
Nepal has festivals recognized by UNESCO for their cultural and historical importance. These events are living traditions that keep centuries-old rituals and community identity alive.
- Indra Jatra: Celebrated primarily in Kathmandu, Indra Jatra honours the rain god Indra and features the living goddess Kumari. Streets come alive with vibrant masked dances, chariot processions, and performances depicting ancient legends.
- Rato Machhindranath Jatra: Dedicated to the rain god Rato Machhindranath, this chariot festival in Lalitpur is one of the oldest and most important in Nepal. The huge wooden chariot is pulled through narrow streets by local people and shows thanks for good harvests and prosperity.
Festivals Beyond Religion
Nepal’s festival calendar isn’t only about religion; it also celebrates community, art, music, and modern culture. These festivals give a glimpse into the creativity and social life of today’s Nepalese people.
- Kathmandu Jazz Festival: This is a music festival where both international and local artistes showcase jazz, fusion and world music. Streets, cafes, and cultural spaces turn into stages, giving travelers a lively experience of Nepal’s modern arts scene.
- Street Food Fairs & City Carnivals: In cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bhaktapur, these festivals show local foods, traditional crafts and activities. You can try regional dishes, watch live shows, and join workshops for traditional crafts. Thus making these events a full cultural experience beyond just religious traditions.
Festival Tours in Nepal - Cultural Packages & Experiences
At Abound Holidays, we plan festival tours that let travellers experience Nepal’s rich culture up close. Our Nepal Tour package includes visits to historical sites, taking part in local festivals, and guided cultural activities, so you can see traditions in their real settings.
Along with festivals, travellers can explore beautiful landscapes, hike through the hills, and enjoy special experiences in cities, villages, and national parks, making every trip a fun mix of culture and adventure.
Travel Tips for Attending a Festival in Nepal
- Respect local customs and wear modest clothes around temples and festive areas.
- Arrive early to watch rituals and processions, but do not disturb the ritual for photos.
- Bring cash for offerings or small local purchases to show your generosity.
- Join guided tours for safer and more informed experiences.
Festivals in Nepal 2025-2026 Calendar (Month-by-Month Guide)
Plan your trip around Nepal’s festivals with Abound Holidays 2025-26 festival calendar. The following month-by-month guide will highlight the key cultural and religious events to allow you to experience the traditions of the country at the most suitable time.
Spring Festivals
Spring brings pleasant weather and lively celebrations, making it an ideal time to enjoy outdoor festivals and cultural events.
- Holi festival - March, festival of colours.
- Chaite Dashain - Minor Dashain celebrations.
- Buddha Jayanti - April, birth of Lord Buddha.
Summer Festivals
Summer shows farming traditions and community gatherings, giving travellers a look at village life and local customs.
- Ropain Festival - May, rice planting celebrations
- Gai Jatra - August, cattle parade commemorating the deceased
- Janai Purnima - August, sacred thread renewal
Autumn Festivals
Autumn is festival season in Nepal, with major celebrations filling the streets and villages with energy, music, and rituals.
- Dashain - September-October, national festival.
- Tihar - October-November, festival of lights & dogs.
- Teej - August-September, women’s fasting and devotion.
- Indra Jatra - September, masked dances and the living goddess.
Winter Festivals
Winter brings a calm and quiet atmosphere, perfect for watching spiritual and cultural festivals in peaceful settings.
Losar - February-March, Tibetan New Year.
Maghe Sankranti - January, harvest festival.
Mani Rimdu - November-December, Himalayan Buddhist festival.
Trekking in Nepal During Festival Seasons
Trekking in Nepal during festival seasons lets you immerse yourself in cultural celebrations along the trails. It’s a fun way to see local traditions while exploring the mountains. Festival seasons make trekking in Nepal more colourful and cultural. Villages are full of rituals, music, and traditions along the way.
You can also go through our trekking guides blog post for more information to get started on your trekking journey as a beginner.
Best Treks to Combine with Dashain & Tihar
At Abound Holidays, we create trekking itineraries that let you experience Nepal’s biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, while exploring stunning trails like the Annapurna Circuit trek and Langtang Valley trek. Trekking during this time allows you to witness beautifully decorated homes, tika ceremonies, festive meals, and lively community gatherings along the way.
We plan your trek so you don’t just observe the festivals but become part of them. From sharing local feasts to watching oil lamps light up entire villages during Tihar, it’s an immersive cultural experience combined with breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
Trekking During Spring Festivals (Holi, Buddha Jayanti)
At Abound Holidays, we create trekking trips that match spring festivals like Holi and Buddha Jayanti, making this one of the best times to explore Nepal. Popular routes like the Annapurna Base Camp Trekand Everest View Trek have nice weather, blooming rhododendron forests, and amazing mountain views.
Along the trails, you can join locals celebrating Holi with playful splashes of colour and witness sacred ceremonies during Buddha Jayanti at monasteries and stupas. It’s an ideal time to combine scenic trekking with authentic cultural experiences.
Unique Himalayan Festivals Along Trekking Routes
We also design treks that let you experience rare Himalayan festivals celebrated deep within Nepal’s mountains. Trails like Mustang, Everest, and Manang offer stunning landscapes and unique cultural encounters found nowhere else.
You can see the Tiji Festival in Mustang with its sacred masked dances. Go to Mani Rimdu in the Everest region at Tengboche Monastery to watch colourful rituals and get blessings. Enjoy Yartung in Manang, where locals celebrate with horse races, prayers, and big community meals. These treks mix amazing adventure with unforgettable cultural experiences.
Final Thoughts
The festivals in Nepal showcase the country’s vibrant culture and traditions. From Dashain and Tihar to Losar, Buddha Jayanti, and Mani Rimdu, each celebration brings rituals, music, dances, and warm hospitality to life. Trekking during these times lets you experience centuries-old traditions alongside the majestic Himalayan landscapes.
Festival seasons are the most popular times to go trekking, and places get full quickly. If you want the best mix of culture and adventure, now is the time to plan.
Ready to experience Nepal’s festivals up close? Book your trekking adventure now before spots run out!
FAQs
What is the most famous festival of Nepal?
Dashain is Nepal’s most famous festival, celebrated nationwide with prayers, tika ceremonies, and family gatherings. It marks the victory of good over evil and is the biggest festival in the country.
Which is the most famous festival in Nepal?
The most famous festivals are Dashain and Tihar. Dashain focuses on family reunions and blessings, while Tihar is the festival of lights, honoring gods, humans, and animals over five days.
Who celebrates the festival of Tihar in Nepal?
Hindus all over Nepal celebrate Tihar, doing rituals to honor gods, people, and animals. Families decorate their homes, light lamps, and take part in cultural activities during the festival.
What is the national festival of Nepal?
Dashain is the national festival and shows the victory of good over evil. People celebrate it with family gatherings, prayers, and blessings all over the country.
What are the major Hindu festivals of Nepal?
Major Hindu festivals include Dashain, Tihar, Teej, Holi, Chhath, and Shivaratri. Each festival is marked with prayers, rituals, fasting, and cultural celebrations.
When is the Holi festival in Nepal celebrated?
Holi is celebrated in March, marking the arrival of spring. People enjoy colors, music, dancing, and festive foods during this joyful occasion.
What is the significance of the Teej festival in Nepal?
Teej honors Lord Shiva and is about women fasting, being devoted, and bonding with each other. It celebrates happy marriages, family well-being, and community gatherings.
When is the Losar festival celebrated in Nepal?
Losar is celebrated in February–March according to the lunar calendar. It marks the Tibetan New Year and is observed mainly in Himalayan regions.
Which festivals are unique to the Himalayan region of Nepal?
Festivals like Mani Rimdu, Losar, Tiji, and Yartung are unique to the Himalayan communities. They feature masked dances, rituals, and local celebrations reflecting regional culture.
What is the popular festival of Nepal?
Dashain is the most widely celebrated festival in Nepal. It is recognized for family gatherings, prayers, and blessings, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
When is the festival of dogs in Nepal?
Kukur Tihar occurs during Tihar in October–November, honoring dogs. The festival celebrates the loyalty and bond between humans and dogs.
How many festivals are celebrated in Nepal?
Nepal celebrates over 50 major festivals every year, along with numerous regional and ethnic celebrations. These festivals reflect the country’s cultural diversity.
What is the Tihar festival in Nepal?
Tihar is the festival of lights, celebrated over five days. It honors gods, humans, and animals with lamps, prayers, rituals, and family gatherings.
What is the Dashain festival in Nepal?
Dashain festival is a celebration of the win of good over evil. It is one of the longest festival of Nepal spanning over weeks. Families gather for prayers, tika ceremonies, and festive meals, making it the biggest festival in Nepal.
What is the Teej festival in Nepal?
Teej is a women oriented festival that honored and celebrated to Lord Shiva. Women observe fasting, prayers, and rituals, celebrating marital happiness, devotion, and social bonding.
