Nepal is a country known for its vibrant and diversified cultures and festivals too alongside the mountains. The celebratory activities are observed almost throughout the year, especially during the festivals of this Himalayan Nation.
Yearly, more than half a million tourists visit here to take part in those celebrations. Thus, in this blog, we will discuss Nepal’s major festivals and mark the best time to travel to this country. Alongside we will also talk about the trip inspiration for Festival Tours in Nepal. It will highlight the cultural richness and diversity of Nepalese festivals.
Festival distribution in Nepal
Nepal being divided into three geographical regions namely Terai, Hills, and Mountain the diversification of the culture also lies right there. The nationwide common celebration usually occurs for Dashain, Tihar, and Holi. Each ethnic group and region has its own festivals.
Talking about the Terai, the region observes especially Chhath, Maghe Sankranti, Ram Navami, Bibaha Panchami, and Jhijhiya. With the abundant population influenced by the cultures of India, this place has similarities to its nearest neighbour.
Coming towards the hills, ethnicities like Brahmins, Chhetris, Newars, Magars, and Tamangs, are the inhabitants. Thus, the festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Lhosars, Jatras, Yomari Punhi, Udhauli, Ubhauli, and more are observed here.
Coming to the mountains, it does not have many ethnic communities except for the Sherpas and Thakalis. Thus, Lhosar, Mani Rimdu, Buddha Purnima, and Tiji are celebrated according to region.
Not just these three, but the diversification of the auspicious days’ celebrations can also be found from East to West. The same way of celebrating Dashain by sacrificing the lamb can change to the sacrificing of Buffalo depending on the ethnicities.
Major Nepalese festivals celebrated in Nepal that fascinate tourists
Nepal’s most important festivals fascinate tourists because they showcase the country’s traditions that have been passed on for a long time. These celebrations are not just about observing from the sidelines - tourists can take part in religious ceremonies. The lively music, energetic dancing, and meaningful rituals make them unique. They also allow visitors to experience the warmth and friendliness of Nepali traditions.
These are the major festivals that fascinate tourists:
Dashain
Dashain festival celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahisasur. It goes on for 15 days usually between September and October.
At the start of the festival, during Ghatasthapana, people plant barley seeds in pots. Another special day is Phulpati when a parade brings flowers, banana stalks, and sugarcane tied with red cloth from Gorkha to Kathmandu’s Basantapur Durbar Square. This shows that blessings have arrived and the festivities can begin.
During Maha Asthami, people make sacrifices to Goddess Durga, and on Maha Navami, there is communal worship and prayers. On the tenth day, Vijaya Dashami, elders put tika on the foreheads of younger relatives. Tika is a mixture of yoghurt, rice, and red colour, and it is meant to bless and protect them.
Families come together to exchange gifts, enjoy delicious meals, and celebrate the victory of good over evil during this happy time.
Tihar
Tihar is a five-day festival that honours different beings that help humans. It is usually observed during October And November.
It starts with Kag Tihar, where crows are respected as messengers. Then comes Kukur Tihar, which celebrates dogs as great companions. Gai Tihar, also known as the cow festival, is all about showing respect to cows as motherly figures and also includes worship of Goddess Laxmi for wealth. The festival also includes Goru Tihar and Govardhan Puja, which honour oxen and hills for their importance in agriculture.
Bhai Tika marks the end of the festival, celebrating the bond between siblings with gifts and protective rituals. During Tihar, homes are lit up and streets are decorated with rangoli to show the victory of light over darkness.
Holi
Holi is for colours. You play with colours here in a mass. Some people also compare this celebration to La Tomatina in Spain, though being different. Holi is scheduled according to the lunar calendar.
Holi is also termed Fagu Purnima. In Nepal, this also marks the start of the Spring season which is also the major hiking season in the country.
The festival lasts for 2 days which are Holika Dahan and Holi. Holika Dahan happens on the night before Holi. It is all about lighting bonfires to show that good always wins over evil. On the actual day of Holi, everyone has a blast playing with colourful powders and water. It’s a time to celebrate the start of spring and spend quality time with loved ones.
Tiji Festival
Tiji festival relates to Padmasambhava and Dorje Jono. It lasts for three days in the Forbidden City of Lo Manthang. It usually falls under May. It includes prayers and dances with colourful masks. The Tiji Festival offers a unique cultural tour experience.
Tsa Chaam masked dance is done on the first day. It is followed by the Nga Cham and Rha Chaam dance on the second and third day. This festival glorifies the deed of Gururinpoche as he defeated the demon and helped the Mustang people.
Chhath
Chaath is dedicated to the Sun (the god Surya) and goddess of Dawn, Usha. It is mostly celebrated in the Terai region, typically in October or November. Chhath is celebrated on fixed dates in these months, making it easier for visitors to anticipate and join in the festivities.
Devotees fast for a total of four days. However, They are allowed to eat food without salt, onion, or any spices before sunrise and after sunset. It gathers people to dance in traditional songs devoted to the deities. It is celebrated to respect the sun for protecting their family from the bad rays of it.
Elders bless the young generation with prosperity and good health.
Udhauli
Udhauli is a celebration time for respecting the ancestors and heritage of the Rai community, where local people actively participate. It goes on for 7 days. It usually falls under November or December.
Rai people come together and do the Sakela dance. Varieties of traditional food are cooked. The streets will be full of people wearing traditional Rai costumes.
Lhosar
Lhosar, the Tibetan and Sherpa New Year marks spring’s arrival. Celebrated for a week, it includes farewell rituals for the dead as well. It usually falls under February or March. Lhosar is one of the important religious festivals in Nepal.
Homes are decorated with colourful prayer flags, intricate murals, and butter lamps. Traditional foods like momo, thukpa, and Thenduk are served.
People dress in vibrant attire, visit monasteries, and participate in prayers and offerings. They also enjoy cultural performances, horse racing, and archery, uniting in singing and dancing.
Jatras
Nepali festivals, such as Jatras, are the celebration of the Newar community of Kathmandu. These Jatras are dedicated to local deities who protect the valley.
Kathmandu Valley is comprised of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur. Following are the major Jatras celebrated in the valley:
Indra Jatra
Indra Jatra is dedicated to Indra, the god of rain and heaven. It marks the end of the monsoon.
Masked dances of pulikishi can be observed in this celebration. This is one of the rare times when Kumari (the only Living Goddess of Nepal) is out of the Kumari Ghar. She is transported in a chariot.
Bisket Jatra
It is a New Year-like celebration of Bhaktapur. It is celebrated in mid-April. A pole is fixed in the heart of Bhaktapur which signifies the start of Bisket Jatra. You will see a mass of people pulling chariots, singing Newari folk songs, and the use of red colours in this jatra.
Machindranath Jatra
The Machindranath jatra honours the god Karunamaya believed to be the god of rain, compassion, and harmony. It is celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley usually in spring.
The festival usually begins with the construction of a wooden carriage in the form of a shrine, containing an idol of the god. Devotees then pull the cart on pilgrimages for weeks in Patan (Lalitpur) and other parts of the valley.
Best itineraries for Nepal Festival Tours
The following are the best itineraries for festival tours in Nepal to celebrate the festivals of Nepal:
Dashain Celebration Itinerary
For the upcoming Dashain Tour, you will join in on exciting festivals and traditional ceremonies. The itinerary includes all the events of the Dashain festival. You’ll eat delicious food and enjoy Dashami festivities with a friendly local family. This short Festival Tour in Nepal ends in Kathmandu, providing a glance into the diverse cultural heritage of Nepal.
Dashain Jamara carried by a Hindu Devotee woman
Following is the itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Exploring Kathmandu: Fulpati Observations in Basantapur
Day 3: Drive to a Nearby Village near Kathmandu and witness Sacrificial Rituals
Day 4: Local Village Tour: Experience Authentic Nepali Food
Day 5: Dashami Tika Celebration with a Local Family
Day 6: Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 7: Departure
Tihar Celebration Itinerary
You’ll go on a Kathmandu city tour and see all the exciting preparations for Tihar. In the evening, you'll get to visit a local village and experience the Laxmi Pooja and Bhailo festivities. You'll also get to go on an evening village tour and join in the Deusi celebrations. And to top it all off, you'll celebrate Bhaitika with a local family.
Tihar Bhaitika Celebration
Following is the itinerary:
Day 1: Kathmandu City Tour: Observing Tihar Preparations and Kukur Tihar (Dog's Day)
Day 2: Chandragiri and Kirtipur Day Tour with Laxmi Pooja and Bhailo Celebration
Day 3: Bhaktapur and Namo Buddha Tour with Goru Pooja, Mha Pooja and Deusi Celebration
Day 4: Bhaitika celebration with a local family
Tiji Celebration Itinerary
When you arrive in Kathmandu, the first thing you need to do is get ready for Upper Mustang. After that, you can explore the city of Kathmandu. Then, you will take a flight to Pokhara and from there, drive to Marpha and then to Kagbeni.
Once you reach Lo Manthang via Dhakmar, you will get to witness the Tiji Festival preparation and even join the locals in celebrating the festival. Additionally, the tour also includes the exploration of the Chhoser sky caves near Lo Manthang. After that, you will drive to Muktinath and then return to Pokhara via Jomsom. Finally, you will take a flight back to Kathmandu and depart, ending your journey through Upper Mustang.
Following is the Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Permit Issuance for Upper Mustang
Day 3: Flight to Pokhara and Drive to Marpha
Day 4: Drive to Kagbeni via Dhakmar
Day 5: Drive to Lo Manthang: Observe Tiji Preparation
Day 6: Participate in the Tiji Festival with Locals
Day 7: Participate in the last day of Tiji
Day 8: Chhoser-Korala border- Lo Manthang: Visit Chhoser sky caves
Day 9: Drive to Muktinath
Day 10: Fly back to Pokhara via Jomsom drive
Day 11: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 12: Departure
Chhath Celebration Itinerary
Chhath is one of the important national festivals in Nepal.
You will start your journey from Kathmandu and visit its historical places. Then, you’ll fly to Janakpur for a Chhath cooking lesson and stay with a local family. This itinerary helps you discover Janakpur and take part in the Chhath celebration with the community. After Attending the Chhath closing ceremony, you will leave for Kathmandu.
Following is the Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu Heritage Tour
Day 3: Fly to Janakpur: Chhath Cooking Class and Homestay Experience
Day 4: Janakpur City Tour and Evening Chhath Celebration with Local Families
Day 5: Early Morning Chhath Closing Ceremony and fly to Kathmandu
Day 6: Departure
Best Time To Visit Nepal
Autumn and Spring are considered the best season to experience the festivals of Nepal as you will get to participate in them directly. However, it also largely depends on the festivals you want to experience.
Nepal’s biggest Hindu festival, Dashain, takes place in the autumn in late September through early October. This season offers clear skies and pleasant temperatures, ideal for cultural dives.
Tihar, which is celebrated soon after Dashain in October or November, also benefits from good weather.
The Machindranath pilgrimage held in April or May in the Kathmandu valley takes place during the summer season, when warm weather and blossoming plants add to the festive atmosphere.
Holi marked by heat, is celebrated throughout Nepal in March.
The Tibetan New Year in February offers a unique experience of culture. Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) offer ideal conditions for celebrating and exploring the country’s landscapes and cultures.
Conclusion
Nepal’s diverse regions and vibrant festivals offer a unique cultural experience. Whether you visit some point in the energetic Dashain and Tihar festivals in autumn, the colourful Holi in spring, or the Lhosar party, you will experience a blast of culture. Thus, the festival tours in Nepal are the best things to do and also the best time to visit the country.
