Nepal Festivals Guide
Nepal's festivals can change transport, opening hours, crowds, and daily life. Learn what is happening, when to go, and how to join respectfully.
Festival Planner
How to pick the right festival based on your travel style, crowd comfort, and itinerary.
Intensely visual with clay oil lamps, floral rangoli, and warm community vibes.
Stay around Patan or Pokhara Lakeside to watch streets glow in golden light.
Joyful nationwide street dancing, organic color throwing, and live concerts.
Celebrate in Kathmandu Durbar Square or Lakeside Pokhara; wear clothes you can discard.
Family reunions, bamboo swings in hill villages, and nationwide holiday feasting.
Book domestic flights 3 to 4 weeks ahead as millions of Nepalis travel home.
Holiday Closures
During Dashain and Tihar, government offices, banks, and local stores close for several days. Book internal flights early.
Bikram Sambat Dates
Because Nepali festivals follow lunar tithis, Gregorian calendar dates shift by 10 to 20 days each year.
Vibrant Celebrations
What Are the Major Festivals in Nepal?
Nepal’s national festival calendar is led by Dashain (a 15-day autumn celebration of family reunions and elder blessings) and Tihar (a 5-day festival of lights honoring animals, goddess Laxmi, and sibling bonds). Other major government-recognized national holidays include Holi (the vibrant spring festival of colors), Maha Shivaratri (at Pashupatinath Temple), Buddha Jayanti (in Lumbini and Boudhanath), and Kathmandu’s historic street chariot festivals like Indra Jatra and Bisket Jatra.
2083 BS Nepal Festival Calendar (2026-2027)
These dates follow the Ministry of Home Affairs’ 2083 public-holiday notice, spanning April 2026 to April 2027. Festival observance dates and government/public-office closure blocks are labelled separately.
| Major Festival | 2026 Approximate Date | Best Location | Public Holiday | Tourist Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maghe Sankranti | January 15, 2027 (Magh 1, 2083) | Nationwide / Sacred river confluences (Devghat) | 1 Day Public Holiday | Observe & eat ghee, chaku, and sweet yam |
| Maha Shivaratri | March 6, 2027 (Falgun 22, 2083) | Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu | 1 Day Public Holiday | Spectate sadhu gatherings and temple bonfires |
| Holi (Fagu Purnima) | March 21, 2027 (hills) / March 22, 2027 (Terai) | Kathmandu Durbar Square & Pokhara Lakeside | 1 Day (Hills) / 1 Day (Terai) | Full tourist participation with organic colors |
| Nepali New Year (Navavarsha) | April 14, 2026 (Baisakh 1, 2083) | Bhaktapur & Kathmandu Valley | 1 Day Public Holiday (Navavarsha) | Watch chariot pulling and Newari street processions |
| Buddha Jayanti | May 1, 2026 (Baisakh 18, 2083) | Lumbini & Boudhanath Stupa | 1 Day Public Holiday | Join peaceful prayer walks and light butter lamps |
| Janai Purnima & Raksha Bandhan | August 28, 2026 | Gosaikunda Lake & Patan Kumbheshwar | 1 Day Public Holiday | Receive sacred wrist protection thread from priests |
| Gai Jatra | August 29, 2026 | Kathmandu, Patan & Bhaktapur squares | Kathmandu Valley Public Holiday | Watch comedic street theater and costumed parades |
| Haritalika Teej | September 14, 2026 | Pashupatinath & temple squares | Women's Public Holiday | Watch joyful dancing and music in public parks |
| Indra Jatra | September 25, 2026 (Ashoj 9, 2083) | Basantapur, Kathmandu Durbar Square | Kathmandu Valley Public Holiday | Witness the Living Goddess Kumari chariot procession |
| Dashain (Bijaya Dashami) | Festival highlights Oct 11-21; government/public-office block Oct 17-23, 2026 | Nationwide across all villages and cities | 7-Day MoHA government/public-office holiday block | Witness bamboo swings, kite flying, and family feasts |
| Tihar (Deepawali & Bhai Tika) | Festival Nov 7-11; government/public-office block Nov 8-12, 2026 | Nationwide (Lakeside Pokhara & Patan are stunning) | 5-Day MoHA government/public-office holiday block | Photograph evening oil lamps, rangoli, and Kukur Tihar |
| Chhath Puja | November 15, 2026 (Kartik 29, 2083) | Janakpur ponds & Kathmandu riverbanks | 1 Day Public Holiday | Respectful photography at dawn and sunset riverbank prayers |
Looking for Live Ticking Countdown Clocks?
Track real-time ticking timers for Dashain, Tihar, Chhath, and Holi. View official public holiday schedules, commercial bank shutdown dates, and highway traffic alerts.
Nepal's Major National Celebrations
The official government holidays that shape culture, travel schedules, and village life.
Biggest National Festival15 Days (Peak: Days 7 to 10)Dashain (Bijaya Dashami)
Nepal's longest and most significant national holiday, celebrating the victory of good over evil. Families reunite from across the globe, erect towering bamboo swings (ping) on village ridges, fly paper kites, and receive elder blessings of crimson rice tika and golden barley grass (jamara).
Festival of Lights5 Days of Lights & DevotionTihar (Deepawali & Bhai Tika)
A mesmerizing five-day celebration honoring crows, dogs (Kukur Tihar), cows, and Laxmi, the goddess of prosperity. Streets glow with clay oil lamps (diyos) and floral rangoli, concluding with Bhai Tika, a sacred ceremony honoring sibling bonds.
Festival of Colors2 Days (Hills & Terai)Holi (Fagu Purnima)
The joyful arrival of spring celebrated across Nepal. Historic palace squares in Kathmandu, Patan, and Pokhara fill with locals and international travelers singing, dancing, and tossing vibrant organic dry powders in a warm atmosphere of goodwill.
Sacred Pilgrimage1 Night & DayMaha Shivaratri
Over 100,000 Hindu pilgrims and ash-smeared sadhus from Nepal and India assemble along the sacred Bagmati river banks at Pashupatinath Temple for night-long bonfires, meditation, and holy prayers.
Global Buddhist Holiday1 Full Moon DayBuddha Jayanti
Commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha. Pilgrims, monks, and nuns gather at Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini and circumambulate the whitewashed dome of Boudhanath Stupa in peaceful contemplation.
Living Goddess Procession8 Days of Street JatrasIndra Jatra (Yenya)
The historic highlight of old Kathmandu. The Royal Kumari (Living Goddess) is carried through medieval alleyways in a colossal gilt chariot, flanked by spinning masked Lakhey dancers and the roaring open Sweta Bhairav mask pouring local rice wine.
Historic Street Jatras & Sacred Rites
The Kathmandu Valley is famous for multi-tiered wooden chariots hauled through brick squares by thousands of devotees.
August (1 Day)Gai Jatra (Cow Festival)
Families who lost a loved one parade dressed as holy cows with humorous satire, comedy, and vibrant costumes to honor memory with joy.
Mid-April (9 Days)Bisket Jatra (New Year)
Nepali New Year in Bhaktapur featuring an electrifying tug-of-war where thousands pull the multi-ton wooden chariot of Bhairav through brick squares.
August / SeptemberHaritalika Teej
Hindu women dress in radiant red sarees, gold ornaments, and green glass bangles, singing folk songs and dancing for happiness and long life.
November (4 Days)Chhath Puja
An ancient sun-worship festival where devotees stand waist-deep in river waters at sunset and dawn, offering bamboo trays of fresh harvest fruits.
Festival Etiquette, Public Closures & Rules
Essential advice on closures, transport sell-outs, temple access, and photo etiquette during major celebrations.
Transport Bookings
During Dashain and Tihar, millions of city residents travel to ancestral villages. Domestic flights to Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Nepalgunj sell out weeks ahead. Secure tickets 3 to 4 weeks in advance.
Temple Inner Sanctums
Certain sacred Hindu shrines like the inner courtyard of Pashupatinath Temple permit only practicing Hindus inside. Non-Hindus can view the temples, ghats, and sadhus freely from across the Bagmati river.
Photography Etiquette
Ask before taking portraits of sadhus, elders, or children during rituals. Sadhus along the Bagmati river frequently expect a modest tip (NPR 50 to 100) for posed portraits. Never photograph cremation rites.
Festival Articles & Cultural Guides
Dashain Festival in Nepal
Dashain Festival in Nepal, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is the biggest festival celebrated by Hindu Religion. Read how Dashain is celebrated
150+ Happy Dashain Wishes, Quotes & Captions (2083 / 2026)
Best collection of Happy Dashain wishes, quotes, messages in English and Nepali, romantic greetings for your partner, and short Instagram captions for 2083 / 2026.
Dashain Tika Mantra for Male & Female (With Lyrics & Meaning)
Complete Dashain Tika Mantra in Sanskrit, Nepali, and English for males (Aayu Drona Sute) and females (Jayanti Mangala Kali) with line-by-line meaning and 2083 Tika Sait.
Tihar Festival in Nepal
Tihar Festival in Nepal is the second biggest festival in Nepal besides Dashain. Know about 5 Days of Tihar & how Nepali Hindus celebrate it.
Kukur Tihar in Nepal - The Festival of Dog
The second day of the Tihar festival is Kukur Tihar in Nepal aka Dog Tihar. On this day, Nepali worship Dogs for their loyalty towards human beings.
Deusi Bhailo Lyrics in Nepali & English (Traditional & Axe Band) | Deusire Song
Complete Deusi Bhailo lyrics in Nepali Devanagari and Roman English. Includes traditional Bhatyaune lines, Bhailini Aayo Aagana, Axe Band version, Ashish, and meaning.
120+ Happy Tihar Wishes, Quotes & Bhai Tika Messages (2083 / 2026)
Best collection of Happy Tihar wishes, quotes, and messages in English and Nepali. Includes Bhai Tika wishes for brothers and sisters, Laxmi Puja prayers, and Instagram captions.
Tihar Gifts for Brothers (Bhai Tika Gifts)
If you are looking for the perfect Tihar Gifts for Brothers, then here it is! Here are some great ideas that are sure to put a smile on your brother's face.
Tihar Rangoli: Simple Rangoli Designs for Tihar
Here are some of the best Tihar Rangoli with different designs. Try to replicate some easy and simple Rangoli Designs during Tihar Festival in Nepal.
Holi Festival in Nepal
Holi Festival in Nepal is another biggest festival celebrated by Nepalese & Foreigners. Learn why and how Holi is celebrated in Nepal.
Indra Jatra Festival in Nepal
Indra Jatra festival in Nepal is an eight days long festival that is celebrated on Bhadra Dwadasi to Ashwin Krishna Chaturdasi. Read about the major newa festival.
Gai Jatra Festival in Nepal
Gai Jatra festival in Nepal is one of the most celebrated festivals among Hindus. Here is everything you want to know about Gai Jatra in Nepal.
Teej Festival in Nepal
Teej Festival in Nepal is a holy festival of Nepali Hindu women also known as Haritalika Teej dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati.
Maha Shivaratri Festival in Nepal
Discover the vibrant & spiritual celebration of the Maha Shivaratri Festival in Nepal, where people worship Lord Shiva, chant hymns, & light lamps.
Shivaratri Wishes: 50+ Best Wishes in English & Nepali
Spread love & happiness with heartwarming Shivaratri wishes. Explore the best collection of messages, quotes, and greetings in English & Nepali.
Janai Purnima/Raksha Bandhan Festival in Nepal
Janai Purnima and Raksha Bandhan are the religious Hindu festivals of Nepal. Read everything about these festivals including Kwati Khane Din.
Chhath Festival in Nepal | Chhath Puja
Chhath Festival in Nepal, also known as Chhath Puja, is a religious festival celebrated by Hindu pilgrims located mainly in the Terai region of Nepal.
Yomari Punhi Festival in Nepal
Yomari Punhi festival in Nepal, also known as Yomari Purnima or Dhane Purnima, is a joyful & popular festival celebrated by the Newar community.
Newari Festivals in Kathmandu
Know the top 10 Newari festivals celebrated in Kathmandu, also read how festivals like Indra, Bisket & Rato Machhindranath Jatra are performed.
Rice Feeding Ceremony in Nepal (Pasni): Traditions, Rituals & Guide
Complete guide to the rice feeding ceremony in Nepal (Pasni / Annaprashan). Learn about timing for boys and girls, 7 sacred rituals, traditional dress, and home decoration ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nepal Festivals
Direct, factual answers to top search queries regarding dates, traditions, and holiday closures in Nepal.
What is the biggest festival in Nepal?
Dashain (Bijaya Dashami) is Nepal's longest, largest, and most auspicious festival. Lasting 15 days in autumn, it celebrates the triumph of virtue over evil. Families reunite across continents, fly paper kites, ride tall bamboo swings in hill villages, and receive elder blessings of red tika and yellow barley sprouts (jamara).
What are the 5 days of Tihar in Nepal?
Tihar is a five-day festival of lights: Day 1 is Kag Tihar (worship of crows, messengers of death); Day 2 is Kukur Tihar (honoring dogs for loyalty); Day 3 is Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja (honoring cows and illuminating homes for the goddess of wealth); Day 4 is Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja (honoring oxen and self-purification); Day 5 is Bhai Tika (sisters blessing brothers with multi-color tika).
What are the major festival dates for Nepal in BS 2083?
In BS 2083, major dates include Nepali New Year (Apr 14, 2026), Buddha Jayanti / Labour Day / Ubhauli (May 1), Indra Jatra (Sep 25), Dashain’s seven-day public-office block (Oct 17 to 23), Tihar’s five-day public-office block (Nov 8 to 12), Chhath (Nov 15), Maha Shivaratri (Mar 6, 2027), and staggered Holi (Mar 21 to 22, 2027).
Can foreigners and tourists participate in Holi in Nepal?
Yes! Foreign tourists are warmly welcomed to join Holi celebrations across Nepal, particularly in Kathmandu Durbar Square and Pokhara Lakeside. Wear white t-shirts that you do not mind staining, protect your phone and camera in waterproof pouches, and use skin lotion or oil beforehand to make color removal easier.
What closes down during Dashain and Tihar in Nepal?
MoHA’s 2083 government/public-office blocks are Dashain from October 17 to 23 and Tihar from November 8 to 12. Bank, embassy, permit-counter, and private-business schedules can differ, so verify the relevant service before visiting. Tourist restaurants and hotels may remain open, while domestic flights and long-distance buses sell out weeks in advance.
What should I wear when visiting temples during festivals in Nepal?
Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Remove shoes, leather belts, and leather accessories before entering Hindu and Buddhist shrines. Always walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas and prayer wheels, and ask for permission before photographing individuals during sacred rituals.