Major Festivals and Feasts of Nepal: A Comprehensive Guide

Published On : 2nd Apr, 2025 By Himalayan Dream Team

Home to various cultures and ethnicities, Nepal is well-known for its festivals and feasts. The nation has plenty of festivities which are primarily based on Hinduism and Buddhism, such Dashain, Tihar, Holi, and Teej. Each of these festivals reveal different aspects of Nepalese culture and customs. Either if you’re a local or a traveler, taking part in those celebrations allows you to appreciate the deep spiritual and cultural meaning behind them. To give a more special experience, consider Himalayan Dream Team Treks and Tours, a reliable company that offers festival tours. Their festivals expert guides help you appreciate the warm heart of Nepal where you can witness many rituals and colorful celebrations. With Himalayan Dream Team Treks and Tours, remember yourself being amazed by the essence of Nepal throughout the journey and remembering your adventure for a lifetime.

Dashain: The Festival of Victory

Celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm, Dashain is without a doubt the most-anticipated festival of Nepal. It spans fifteen days and celebrates the victory of goddess Durga over the evil demon Mahishasura. Just like every other festival in Nepal, Dashain too is celebrated according to the lunar calendar and falls in September or October. This festive season is known for uniting families for animal sacrifices, kite flying, and worshipping.

Buying new clothes to celebrate the festival is a norm along with preparing special meal for the family. For the first nine days, known as Navaratri, family members worship nine forms of goddess Durga. The climax of the festivities are observed on the Vijayadashami, the tenth day when families gather to give and honor blessings that guarantees good health and prosperity in the forthcoming year. Elders shower water that consists of rice and vermillion mixed with yogurt, with barley sprouts. 

Inviting fairs alongside bustling markets is what marks the last few days of the festival. Kids enjoying themselves playing games. Those looking to engage themselves in the exotic Native culture of Nepal get to do it fairly easy during this time so be sure to book a trip with Himalayan Dream Team - Treks and Tours in Nepal.

Highlights of Dashain

Dashain is the longest and most auspicious festival celebrated by Hindus in Nepal. Known as Vijaya Dashami, it symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is marked by deep-rooted traditions, family reunions, and spiritual celebrations. This festival spans 15 days, beginning with Ghatasthapana and concluding on Kojagrat Purnima.

Key highlights of Dashain include:

• Ghatasthapana (Day 1): The sacred Kalash (vessel) is installed, and Jamara (barley sprouts) are sown.

• Phulpati (Day 7): Sacred offerings are brought to Kathmandu in a grand procession.

• Maha Ashtami (Day 8): Worship of Goddess Durga through rituals and animal sacrifices.

• Maha Navami (Day 9): Devotion to Goddess Durga reaches its peak.

• Vijaya Dashami (Day 10): Elders offer Tika and Jamara along with blessings to younger family members.

• Kojagrat Purnima (Day 15): The full moon night concludes Dashain with prayers for wealth and prosperity.

Cultural and Spiritual Importance

• Symbol of Triumph: Dashain celebrates the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, representing the victory of virtue over vice.

• Family Bonding: Families gather from all corners of the country, making it a time of reunion and shared joy.

• Ritual and Renewal: Homes are cleaned and decorated; new clothes are worn, and offerings are made, signifying renewal and purification.

• Economic Impact: Dashain also boosts the local economy as people purchase new clothes, gifts, and livestock.

Dashain Dates for 2025 and 2026

Dashain 2025 (2082 B.S.)

Dashain 2026 (2083 B.S.)

Tihar: The Festival of Lights

Tihar, or Deepawali, celebrates the relationship among human beings, animals, and gods. While popularly known as Yamapanchak, Tihar is the second most celebrated festival in Nepal, where Tihar is celebrated over 5 days. Each day details a special ritual or celebration starting from Kag Tihar, crow worship, and concluding with Bhai Tika, a day when sisters wish good fortune upon their brothers. 

The goddess of wealth is honored on the twiddle of Tihar – Laxmi puja. On this day, oil lamps, colorful lights, and candles are showcased throughout buildings in an attempt to attract great fortune. Houses are cleaned, stupendous rangoli patterns are drawn at the doors, and the rest of the area is decorated in order to invite wealth into the home. For all the children and adults in these neighborhoods, the night is filled with Deusi Bhailo, Tihar songs that bring great joy.

On the fifth and last day of Tihar, Bhai Tika, is one of the most touching days for siblings. Sisters worship their brothers who are supposed to perform puja for them. Brothers as gifts provide blessings along with the presents. Participating with Himalayan Dream Team - Treks and Tours in Nepal during Tihar lets you enjoy the rich traditions and vibrant celebrations throughout the region.

Highlights of Tihar Festival

Tihar is celebrated over five days, each with its unique rituals and significance:

1. Kaag Tihar (Crow Day)

Worship of crows, the messengers of Yama (the god of death). People offer food on rooftops to avoid bad omens.

2. Kukur Tihar (Dog Day)

Dogs are worshipped for their loyalty and as guardians. Adorned with garlands and tika, they are fed delicious meals.

3. Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja (Cow and Goddess of Wealth Day)

Cows, symbolizing prosperity and motherhood, are worshipped in the morning. In the evening, houses are lit with lamps to welcome Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and fortune.

4. Govardhan Puja or Mha Puja (Ox Day / Self Worship)

Oxen, crucial for agriculture, are honored. In the Newar community, Mha Puja (self-worship) is performed to purify and empower the soul.

5. Bhai Tika (Brother-Sister Day)

Sisters apply a protective seven-colored tika to their brothers' foreheads, praying for their long life and success, while brothers offer gifts in return. It strengthens sibling bonds.

Cultural and Spiritual Importance

• Tihar is a celebration of life, relationships, and prosperity.

• It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

• Tihar honors not just gods and goddesses but also animals and nature, showcasing Nepal’s deep-rooted respect for all beings.

• The colorful rangolis (mandalas) and lights represent positivity, wealth, and spiritual harmony.

Tihar Dates for 2025 (2082B.S)

Dashain 2025 (2082 B.S.)

Experience Tihar in Nepal

If you're traveling to Nepal during Tihar, you’ll witness towns and villages adorned with shimmering lights, melodious Deusi-Bhailo songs, and locals in vibrant traditional attire. It’s a truly magical time to experience Nepali culture, spirituality, and hospitality at its finest.

Holi: The Festival of Colors

Holi, one of the most vibrant and exuberant celebrations in Nepal, symbolises the victory of good over evil and is celebrated as the festival of colors. In March, this remarkable social event marks the arrival of spring, paying pays homage to the divine love between Radha and Krishna. People across all cultures immerse themselves in the festive spirit by dancing, color play, and indulging in festive food and drinks. 

Folks come together a day before Holi in celebratory fashion, lighting bonfires commonly called Holika Dahan. It represents the win of good versus evil by symbolizing the demoness Holika's downfall. The subsequent day is identified as Rangwali Holi when folks immerse themselves in colors while singing, dancing to folk tunes, and feasting on delicious delicacies like bhang and gujiya. During this joyous occasion, it is customary to splash colored powders, water balloons, and even spray water from guns!

The colorful festival of Holi is dedicated to celebrating unity and brotherhood along with mending relationships and forgiving past grievances. Bringing highlights like guided tours that capture the heart of the celebrations, traveling to Nepal during Holi with Himalayan Dream Team – Treks and Tours in Nepal ensures you experience the festival in all its glory.

Key Highlights of Celebrating Holi in Nepal

• Guided cultural tours during Holi that let you experience authentic local traditions
• Street celebrations in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Terai regions with color, music, and dancing
• Taste of festive foods like gujiya, sel roti, and traditional Nepali sweets
• Photo-friendly moments with locals, temples, and colorful crowds
• Special Holi events with performances, traditional music, and community participation

Cultural Significance and Importance of Holi

Holi goes beyond just splashing colors, as it is a fest that holds immense religious significance from Hindu traditions. It is associated with the myth of Prahlad and Holika which represents the victory of devotion and righteousness over evil. Not just that, Holi also brings in the harvest season and the onset of spring, enhancing happiness, togetherness, and forgiveness. 

Holi is celebrated over two days in Nepal:

• Citites located in the hilly areas (Kathmandu, Pokhara) observe the first day referred to Phagu Purnima. 
• While the people from the Terai region celebrate the second day with much larger festivities.

Holi Festival Dates 2025 and 2026

Teej: The Festival of Women

For the ladies in Nepal, Teej is an important festival which they celebrate with love and zeal. The holiday takes place in August or September dedicated to goddess Parvati and highlights the story of her marriage to Lord Shiva. During Teej, women unite to fast, pray for the welfare of their husbands, and pay homage to femininity.

The grand dinner on the eve of Teej when women gorge on extravagant meals knowing they need to fast the next day is called Dar Khane Din. On the main day of the festival, women adorn themselves with beautiful jewelry, red Saris, and prepare to head out to temples such as the Pashupatinath Temple and you can spot them later in the day dancing. Married woman now preforming the traditional dances have gone and spent 24 hours fasting to show their dedication. This allows them to earn blessings so they can revel in marital bliss. 

Women can be seen changing on the final day: Rishi Panchami, where they undergo cleansing to get rid of sins. It involves bathing using sacred herbs and worshiping the Sapta Rishis to get rid of mistakes for any done wrongs. The experience of Teej with the Himalayan Dream Team - Treks and Tours in Nepal is one to remember as you truly get a glimpse of the amazing culture and dedication these Nepalese women have.

Key Highlights of Teej Festival in Nepal

•  Vibrant traditional dances in temples and public gatherings

•  Dar Khane Din – the feast day before fasting, where women indulge in delicious, rich meals

•  Bright red saris, green bangles, and beautiful jewelry worn by women symbolizing love and prosperity

•  Temple visits, especially to Pashupatinath Temple, where thousands of women gather for prayers

•  Rishi Panchami, the final day of Teej, where women perform purification rituals and seek forgiveness for past sins

• Group singing and storytelling celebrating womanhood and the legendary love story of Shiva and Parvati

Teej's Cultural Significance and Importance

Teej isn't just a festival; it is a one-of-a-kind pilgrimage for numerous women in Nepal. It celebrates Parvati's Penance that earned her marriage with Shiva - as a result, an everlasting example of devotion, perseverance, and loyalty towards a husband. 

On the Dar Khane Din, women celebrate by coming together with their friends and relatives to eat and perform songs. The day which follows, women initiate an intense fast lasting for a whole day, without even drinking any water. They partake in the fast as an attempt to show their love and commitment expecting blessings for their husbands or husbands-to-be. 

The festival ends on Rishi Panchami, a cleansing day to honor the Sapta Rishis (Seven Sages) for their sacrifices. Women make a spiritual Uddhesh in the form of Sauchih, cleansing oneself using power herbs, followed by seeking forgiveness for whatever sins or wrongdoings they might have made.

Teej Festival Dates 2025 and 2026

Chhath Festival – Honoring the Sun God

Chhath, now celebrated across even more communities in Nepal, is a four-day Vedic festival primarily observed by the Tharu, Maithili, Bhojpuri and other Madhesi clans. It is one of the most auspicious holidays in Nepal's southern plains, and has received recognition from many different groups in recent years. 

The festivities are marked by religious fervor, including holy bathing, strict fasting, water immersion, and offering prayers to the sun at both dawn and dusk. Chhath is more than just a religious ritual; it is a celebration of family, community, and social togetherness. The festival is recognized with a nationwide public holiday, highlighting its cultural significance in Nepal.

Key Highlights of Chhath Festival

• Four days of intense rituals, including fasting, purification, and sun worship
• Holy bathing in rivers, ponds, and ghats such as the Ganga Sagar in Janakpur
• Offering Arghya (prayers) to the rising and setting sun
• Women-led rituals, reflecting strength, sacrifice, and spiritual endurance
• Use of eco-friendly offerings like fruits, sugarcane, thekua, and bamboo baskets
• Strong community gatherings, music, and shared devotion by riverbanks
• Visually stunning rituals at sunrise and sunset, perfect for cultural photography

Cultural Significance and Importance of Chhath

This ritual is much more than merely a religious event. It Chhath worship and its elaboration are full of implications pertaining to the multi-faceted inclusiveness of the Nepalese heritage. The Sun God who is worshipped is regarded as the giver of life, energy, and health. His devotees feel that rigorous observance of the various rituals connected with Chhath fetch them the blessed boons of good health, prosperity, and family wellbeing.

Chhath promotes simplicity, forms of ecological conservation, and living a clean life in general, as its offerings are all biodegradable and its rituals are performed in natural settings such as rivers and ponds. Chhath also motivates women (and increasingly, men) to perform tough fasts and strenuous prayers, and highlights the power of femininity for the welfare of their loved ones.

Due to its relevance in custom, Chhath is a national public holiday in the Nepal.

Chhath Festival Dates (2025 & 2026 in AD and BS)

Krishna Janmashtami – Celebrating the Birth of Lord Krishna

Krishna Janmashtami is a cheerful celebration observed as the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, who is worshipped in Hinduism. It is celebrated on the Ashtami (8th) day of Bhadrapada, which corresponds to August/September in the solar calendar. On this day, devotees express their veneration for Lord Krishna by observing a day-long fast while also chanting prayers and singing bhajans. Temples witnessing beautifully crafted decorations celebrate the birth of the Lord during midnight and this day marks easter day to visit Patan Durbar Square which captures the blend of spirituality and culture beautifully.

Key Highlights of Krishna Janmashtami in Nepal

• Day-long fasting by devotees, breaking it only at midnight — the believed time of Lord Krishna’s birth

• Chanting of bhajans, kirtans, and reading of the Bhagavad Gita in homes and temples

• Elaborate decorations in Krishna temples, especially the famous Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square

• Midnight rituals, symbolic of Krishna’s divine birth, accompanied by the ringing of bells and conch shells

• Children dressed as Lord Krishna and Radha, performing dances and dramas (Raas Leela)

• Beautiful cultural scenes, ideal for spiritual travelers and photography lovers

Cultural Significance and Importance

The festival of Krishna Janmashtami marks the occasion of birth of lord Krishna, who is known for his wisdom in the form of a child, his playful activities, and his divine intervention in the Mahabharata war. It is said that with the birth of Krishana, dharma was guide, evil forces were set to be destroyed, and humanity was destined to be taught all.

In Nepal, particularly in Patan, there is a celebration that has influences of deep spiritual energy and culture. The famed Krishna Mandir, at Patan Durbar Square, becomes a center of devotion from the mix of crowds of both worshippers and tourists.

This festival preaches the value of love, compassion, truth, and as such gives pointers on the universal teaching of Lord Krishna.

Krishna Janmashtami Festival Dates (2025 & 2026 in AD and BS)

Indra Jatra – Kathmandu’s Most Dynamic Celebration

A Grand Festival of Gods, Rain, and Royal Rituals
Indra Jatra is one of the most dynamic and historic festivals of Kathmandu, celebrated in honor of Indra, the god of rain and the heavens. Taking place in the heart of the city at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, it marks the end of the monsoon season and is deeply rooted in Newar traditions.

Key Highlights of Indra Jatra

• Public appearance of the Living Goddess Kumari in a royal chariot procession
• Lakhey and Pulu Kisi dances (masked traditional performances)
• Erection of the Yosin (Linga) pole at Kathmandu Durbar Square
• Devotional rituals and historical reenactments dating back centuries
• Perfect for cultural photography and festival immersion

Cultural Significance and Importance

Indra Jatra blends mythology with royal heritage. It is believed that Indra was once captured by local farmers when he came to earth to collect parijat flowers. The festival reenacts this tale while also invoking blessings for good harvests and rain. The Kumari Jatra, which coincides with Indra Jatra, highlights the significance of Nepal’s living goddess tradition, making this festival a spiritual and cultural spectacle.

Indra Jatra Dates 2025 and 2026

Bisket Jatra – Bhaktapur’s New Year Extravaganza

A Thrilling Celebration of Deities and Renewal

Bisket Jatra is one of the wildest and most exhilarating festivals in Nepal, celebrated primarily in Bhaktapur during the Nepali New Year in mid-April. This festival is known for its powerful energy, fierce community spirit, and ancient traditions that predate the Lunar Calendar.

 Key Highlights of Bisket Jatra

•  Massive chariot processions of Bhairab and Bhadrakali through narrow alleys

• Tongue piercing ceremony in Bode for spiritual protection

•  Yosin pole erection and pulling symbolizing the cosmic battle

•  Colorful powder play and vermilion battles among communities

• Celebrated in Bhaktapur, Tokha, Dhulikhel, Khadpu, and Sanga

Cultural Significance

Bisket Jatra is a celebration of renewal, fertility, and power. It marks both the end of one year and the beginning of another in the Nepali calendar. The chariot processions symbolize the clash between good and evil and are powered by the devotion and raw energy of the locals. It is also a time for families to come together and make offerings to local deities for protection and prosperity.

Bisket Jatra Dates (2025 & 2026)

Gai Jatra – Honoring Lost Loved Ones with Laughter

A Festival of Remembrance, Humor, and Healing

Gai Jatra, or the "Cow Festival," is a heartfelt celebration observed mostly by Newar communities in the Kathmandu Valley and also in Jumla. It commemorates those who passed away in the previous year through a unique combination of mourning and merrymaking.

Key Highlights of Gai Jatra

• Processions with cows or children dressed as cows to represent lost souls

• Satirical street performances and humorous skits

• Participants in funny costumes, masks, and makeup to lighten grief

• Storytelling and music, preserving both emotion and tradition

• Tradition introduced by King Pratap Malla to comfort his grieving queen

Cultural Significance

The cow is believed to guide souls toward heaven. Gai Jatra provides emotional healing by encouraging families to express grief while engaging in joyful community events. The blend of humor and spirituality makes this festival unique in the world.

Gai Jatra Festival Dates (2025 & 2026)

Nag Panchami – Worshipping the Serpent Gods

A Sacred Connection Between Nature and Spirituality

Nag Panchami is a deeply spiritual festival dedicated to Nāgas (serpent deities), observed in the month of Shrawan (July/August). It’s a ritual of protection, where devotees seek shelter from natural disasters and snake bites by honoring the serpent gods.

Key Highlights of Nag Panchami

• Placing pictures of Nāgas on doorways and walls

• Offering milk, sweets, and rice to snakes

• Lighting oil lamps and performing household rituals

• Chanting mantras and stories of Naga legends

• Worship conducted at home entrances and shrines

Cultural Significance

Nag Panchami reflects Nepal’s ancient reverence for nature and the elemental world. In Hindu mythology, Nāgas are divine protectors, associated with water sources and fertility. Worshipping them is believed to maintain cosmic balance, protect against misfortune, and ensure agricultural harmony.

Nag Panchami Festival Dates (2025 & 2026)

Conclusion

Nepal's festivals are a vibrant tapestry of its rich cultural heritage, offering unique experiences for both locals and visitors. Each festival, from Dashain and Tihar to Holi and Teej, has its own distinct traditions and significance, reflecting the country's diverse religious and cultural landscape. These celebrations are not just about rituals and customs; they are a time for families to come together, communities to bond, and for everyone to share in the joy and spirit of the festivities.

To fully immerse yourself in these celebrations, trust Himalayan Dream Team Treks & Tours (Himalayan Dream Team - Treks and Tours in Nepal) for a seamless and enriching travel experience. With their expert guidance, you can explore Nepal's festive spirit in its entirety, witnessing traditional rituals, vibrant parades, and communal feasts. Their knowledgeable guides ensure you understand the cultural context and significance of each festival, making your experience both educational and enjoyable.

Traveling with Himalayan Dream Team Treks & Tours allows you to capture the essence of Nepal's cultural festivities, creating unforgettable memories of your adventure in this beautiful country. Their well-planned tours provide you with the opportunity to participate in local customs, interact with the warm and welcoming Nepalese people, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery that accompanies these celebrations. Embrace the magic of Nepal's festivals and let Himalayan Dream Team Treks & Tours make your journey an extraordinary one.