Nepal Festival Countdown Calendar 2026–2027
Live ticking countdown timers for Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Chhath, and Nepali New Year. Official Bikram Sambat dates, bank closures, highway traffic warnings, and cultural advice. For in-depth cultural stories, rituals, and visitor tips, visit our Complete Nepal Festivals Guide.
Dashain (Vijaya Dashami)
The greatest Hindu festival of Nepal, celebrating the victory of good over evil. Families gather for sacred elder blessings, flying kites, bamboo swings, and grand feasts.
Public transport demand surges and administrative offices close during national celebrations. Plan transit and ATM cash withdrawals ahead of time.
Multi-Year Nepal Festival Calendar by Gregorian Year
Festival records are grouped by Gregorian year; each date record retains its Bikram Sambat (BS) year and public-holiday scope.
| Festival Name | Nepali Script | 2025 AD | 2026 AD | 2027 AD | Public Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 👑Indra Jatra (Yenya) | इन्द्रजात्रा (येँयाः) | Seasonal | September 25, 2026 | September 14, 2027 | 1 Day Public Holiday (Kathmandu Valley) |
| 🪁Dashain (Vijaya Dashami) | बडादशैं | Seasonal | October 21, 2026 | October 10, 2027 | Government/public-office holiday block: 7 days (Oct 17-23, 2026); Vijaya Dashami is Oct 21 |
| 🪔Tihar / Deepawali (Yamapanchak) | तिहार (यमपञ्चक) | Seasonal | November 7-11, 2026 | October 27-31, 2027 | Festival: 5 days; government/public-office block: Nov 8-12, 2026 |
| 🌅Chhath Parva | छठ पर्व | Seasonal | November 15, 2026 | November 5, 2027 | 1 Day National Public Holiday |
| 🔱Maha Shivaratri | महाशिवरात्रि | Seasonal | Seasonal | March 6, 2027 | 1 Day National Public Holiday |
| 🎨Holi (Fagu Purnima) | होली (फागु पूर्णिमा) | Seasonal | Seasonal | March 21-22, 2027 | 2 Days Staggered National Holiday (Day 1 Hills, Day 2 Terai) |
| 🎉Nepali New Year (Navavarsha / Bisket Jatra) | नेपाली नयाँ वर्ष (विस्केट जात्रा) | Seasonal | Seasonal | April 14, 2027 | 1 Day National Public Holiday |
| ☸️Buddha Jayanti (Saga Dawa) | बुद्ध जयन्ती | Seasonal | Seasonal | May 20, 2027 | 1 Day National Public Holiday |
Navigating Nepal During Major Holidays: The Practical Truth
Festive seasons in Nepal offer magical cultural energy, but traveling without preparation can disrupt your itinerary. Here is what happens on the ground:
The Dashain Highway Exodus (1.5 Million Migrants)
Dashain creates major travel demand and advance-booking pressure. Buses and domestic flights can fill early, and journey times vary with traffic, road conditions, and the operator. Book ahead and follow the reporting time on your ticket.
Government & Permit Office Holiday Schedules
Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) counters in Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap) and Pokhara (Damside), plus Department of Immigration visa desks, operate reduced or holiday schedules during the main Dashain and Tihar blocks. Immigration often publishes special notices keeping selected tourist-visa and trekking-permit services open, and commercial banks and money exchange counters reduce hours. Verify the relevant office's current notice before visiting, and do not rely on issuing TIMS cards or restricted-area permits on the core holiday days.
High-Altitude Teahouses vs Guide Departures
Teahouses along Everest Base Camp, Annapurna, and Langtang remain open because autumn is peak trekking season. However, independent porters and guides frequently ask to return to their home villages for Bhai Tika or Dashain blessings. If trekking in October or November, clarify your guide agency contract to confirm your crew stays with you throughout the trek.
Where to Experience Celebrations as a Traveler
During Tihar Laxmi Puja, walk through Patan Durbar Square or Pokhara Lakeside to watch street oil lamps and Deusi-Bhailo dance troupes. On Holi, join peaceful morning street gatherings in Kathmandu Durbar Square or Pokhara Lakeside with dry organic colors, making sure to safeguard phones inside dry bags.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nepal Festivals
Can foreign tourists participate in Dashain and Tihar rituals?▼
Yes, absolutely. Nepalese hospitality is legendary. If staying with a host family or visiting friends, accepting the red rice tika blessing and green barley jamara on Vijaya Dashami is a wonderful cultural experience. Modest dress is appreciated, and presenting a modest gift box of sweets is customary.
Is it safe to play Holi on the streets of Kathmandu?
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Playing Holi in Kathmandu Durbar Square and Pokhara Lakeside is vibrant and joyful. To stay comfortable: wear clothes you can throw away, protect your eyes with sunglasses, use coconut oil on exposed skin to make powder removal easy, and keep electronic devices sealed inside a waterproof bag. Street playing typically winds down by 3:00 PM.
How do I get cash if banks close during Dashain?
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Stand-alone ATM kiosks may remain open, but cash access can be constrained during major public holidays. Carry a route-appropriate reserve and withdraw before the holiday block where practical.
What is the difference between BS (Bikram Sambat) and AD dates?
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Bikram Sambat (BS) is the official national calendar of Nepal, running approximately 56 years and 8.5 months ahead of the Gregorian calendar. For example, 2026 AD corresponds to 2083 BS. Because Hindu and Buddhist festival dates are determined by lunar cycles (tithis), their dates on the Western Gregorian calendar shift by 10 to 20 days each year.