Festival | When | Where | Why/How | Public Holiday |
Nepali New Year | Baisakh 1
14 April |
Nationwide | First day of New Year 2080 BS | Yes |
Bisket Jatra | Baisakh 1
14 April (Starts on Chaitra 28, 10 April) |
Bhaktapur | Bisket Jatra is celebrated to commemorate the First day of the Nepalese Year. | Yes |
Baisakhi | Baisakh 1
14 April |
Nationwide | To commemorate the first day of Baisakh (same as Nepali New year) by the Sikh community of Nepal | Only to the Sikh Community of Nepal. |
Sindur Jatra | Baisakh 2
15 April |
Thimi | Sindoor Jatra Marks the arrival of Spring, the people of Thimi carry the Khats (palanquins) bearing gods’ images around the town. | No |
Jibro Chedne Jatra | Baisakh 02
15 April |
Bode | Individuals gets their tongue pierced, using traditional practices. This unique festival of tongue-piercing is a major highlight in the Biska Jatra celebration in Bode. | No |
Mata Tirtha Aunshi/ Aama Ko Mukh Herne Din
(Mother’s Day) |
Baisakh 07
20 April |
Nationwide | Children pay homage to their mother and if she’s passed on, a prayer to her spirit is made at Matatirtha Pond on the outskirts of Kathmandu, or at the Pashupatinath Temple. | No |
Chhand Diwas | Baisakh 8
April 21 |
Nationwide | As an effort to restore the use of chants, the day on which poet Viyogi started the campaign, Chand Diwas has been celebrated every year on the 8th of Baisakh. Nepal Government Almanac Jury Committee agreed to celebrate Baisakh 8 as Chand Diwas. This day is celebrated to protect the poetic culture and highlight the poetic style in literature. | No |
Eid Ul Fitr | Baisakh 9
April 22 |
Nationwide | Eid Ul Fitr is a month-long fast-breaking festival celebrated by Islam Community nationwide. | Yes |
Loktantra Diwas | Baisakh 11
24 April |
Nationwide | King Gyanendra Shah left the Narayanhiti Palace after re-establishing the disbanded parliament and handing over the government power to the Nepali people saying that he had handed over the power of the people to the people. | No |
Macchedranath Rathyatra | Baisakh 11
24 April |
Patan District | A Chariot procession of Rato Macchedranath (the God of Rain) starts at Pulchok of Patan amongst massive fanfare. The Chariot is pulled through the ancient streets of Patan and goes on for few more days. It is one of the longest street carnivals of Kathmandu Valley. | No
|
Labour Day | Baisakh 18
01 May |
Nationwide | Marks the International Labour Day. | No |
Ubhauli Parba | Baisakh 22
05 May |
Nationwide by Kirants | Celebrated by Kirants to worship their land. | Yes |
Buddha Jayanti | Baisakh 22
05 May |
Nationwide by Kirants | Birth, Enlightenment & Demise day of Shakyamuni Buddha. | Yes |
Constitution Day | Baisakh 26
09 May |
Nationwide | Celebrated to maintain constitutional supremacy and the rule of law in Nepal and to protect the rights and freedoms of the citizens is being emphasized from all sides these days. | No |
Sub Nepalese Local Election | Baisakh 30
13 May |
Chitwan (02)
Tanahu Bara |
Yes only in the districts | |
Tiji Festival | Jestha 02-04
16-18 May |
Upper Mustang | Tiji is a fascinating annual three-day festival consisting of Tibetan rituals that celebrate the myth of a son who had to save the Mustang kingdom from destruction. | Only in Upper Mustang |
Bhoto Jatra | Jestha 11
25 May |
Patan | On the occasion Bhoto Jatra, the ‘showing of the Sacred Garment’ is performed in Jawalakhel. | No |
Sithi Nakha | Jestha 11
25 May |
Kathmandu Valley | This day marks the beginning of the planting season in Nepal and is a designated day for cleaning wells, tanks, stone spouts, and ponds to propitiate Basundhara, Mother Earth. | No |
Republic Day | Jestha 15
29 May |
Nationwide | Nepal celebrates “Ganatantra Diwas”, the Republic Day representing the end of the country’s centuries-long monarchy and declaring Nepal as the Federal Democratic Republic. | Yes |
Eid al-Adha | Ashad 13-15
Around 28-30 June |
Nationwide | Eid al-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” signifies the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim, known as Abraham in Christianity and Judaism, to sacrifice his son, Ismail as ordered by Allah. | Yes |
Harisayani Ekadashi | Asadh 14
29 June |
Nationwide | Aka Thuli Ekadashi, devotees plant Tulsi (the holy basil) on this day and observe fast in the name of Lord Vishnu. | No |
Dahi Chiura Khane Din/ Ropain Jatra | Asadh 15
30 June |
Nationwide | Celebrated by eating yogurt and bitten rice which supposedly cures skin disease.
This day is also officially marked as Rice Planting Day. However, rice planting depends upon the arrival of the monsoon. |
No |
Guru Purnima
(The Teachers Day) |
Asadh 18
03 July |
Nationwide | Paying homage to the teachers.
Students and schools organize a special program for their teachers on this day. |
No |
Bhanu Jayanti | Asadh 29
14 July |
Nationwide | Celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of the first poet of Nepal, Adikabi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya. | No |
Luto Falne Din | Shrawan 01
17 July |
Nationwide | Contagious skin disease in monsoon. like lemon, lime, guava, pomegranate, pear seeds, etc, and worship ‘Kandarak’. It is celebrated by burning a small piece of wood which is tossed in all four directions in the evening in the hopes of symbolically warding off the disease. | No |
Guriya Parba | Shrawan 01
17 July |
Southern Nepal | It’s a Children’s festival that celebrates the unbreakable love and affection between siblings and is celebrated by Nepalese living in Southern Nepal. | Only in Southern Nepal |
Kheer Khane Din | Shrawan 15
31 July |
Nationwide | To mark the end of the rice planting season and to commemorate the hard work and achievement of the farmers. | No |
Gunla Parba begins | Shrawan 32
17 August |
Buddhist Newars of Kathmandu | Newar Buddhists recite the scriptures, observe fasts and visit places of worship playing devotional music for one whole month. | No |
Naag Panchami | Bhadra 04
21 August |
Nationwide | Hindus worship Naag (serpents) whose burrows are unlivable due to overflow of water during monsoon, with a request not to enter their house or harm their family members. | No |
Gaura Parba | Bhadra 07
24 August |
Far Western Region and parts of Karnali province | Celebrated in honor of Goddess Gauri, the wife of Lord Shiva | Only in Far-Western Region and Karnali |
Janai Purnima/Rakchya Bandhan | Bhadra 14
31 August |
Nationwide | People tie a sacred thread on the wrist for protection, those wearing Janai will change them on this day. It’s also an auspicious day for Shamans of hilly Nepal, plus a day to celebrate siblinghood, sisters tie rakhi bracelets on brothers’ wrists.
It’s also an auspicious day to eat Kwati calling the day “Kwati Purnima” also. |
Yes |
Gai Jatra | Bhadra 15
01 September |
Streets of Kathmandu Valley | The festival is a time for people to come together, share their grief, and find solace in the belief that their departed loved ones are in a better place.
People parade in the guise of cows and hermits begging for alms from door to door to commemorate the death of loved ones. |
Yes (Kathmandu Valley only) |
Sina Jya Jatra/ Chopai Jatra | Bhadra 15
01 September |
Especially celebrated by Newa: Community | Also known as “Sina Jya Jatra” in the Newar community, and “Chopai Jatra” in the Midwest and Far West of Nepal especially around Jumla. The celebration procession starts on the day of Bhadra Krishna Pakchya Dwitiya Tithi but in many places, it is customary to celebrate on the day after Gaijatra. | No |
Shree Krishna Janmashtami | Bhadra 20
06 September |
Nationwide | Celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.
Tharu people of Western Nepal make Astimki Painting to commemorate God’s Birthday |
Yes |
Nijamati Sewa Diwas | Bhadra 22
08 September |
Nationwide | The annual celebration is centered around the theme of promoting efficient and helpful governance, with a particular focus on federalism. As part of the festivities, the Ministry of General Administration distributes accolades such as the Outstanding Civil Service Awards and Civil Service Awards. | Yes |
Kushe Aunshi/
Buwa ko Mukh Herne Din (Father’s Day) |
Bhadra 25
14 September |
Nationwide | Children pay homage to their father and if he’s passed on, a prayer to his spirit is made at Gokarna or at the Pashupatinath Temple. | No |
National Children’s Day | Bhadra 29
15 September |
Nationwide | Celebrated to promote international togetherness, and awareness among children worldwide, and improve children’s welfare. | No |
Gunla Parba ends | Bhadra 30
16 September |
Buddhist Newars of Kathmandu | Newar Buddhists recite the scriptures, observe fasts, and visit places of worship playing devotional music for one whole month. | No |
Darr Khane Din | Bhadra 31
17 September |
Nationwide | Women gather at their natal homes to eat big feasts, make merry, and enjoy the day to themselves in preparation for the Teej Festival the next day. | No |
Haritalika Teej | Asojh 01
18 September |
Nationwide | Married women fast praying for the long life & good health of one’s husbands, whereas unmarried fast in hopes of getting a suitable match like Lord Shiva. | Yes (women only) |
Ganesh Chaturthi | Asojh 01
18 September |
Nationwide | A day to commemorate the birthday of the elephant-headed Hindu God “Ganesh” | No |
Bishwakarma Puja | Asojh 01
18 September |
Nationwide | The birthday of Bishwakarma, This Divine Architect in Hindu Mythology. | No |
Rishi Panchami | Asojh 02
19 September |
Nationwide | Women and also girls who had their menses make a special bath in the mornings and worship the Sapta Rishi (7 Holy Sages) and their wife Arundhati asking forgiveness for the sins they have committed during the 4 days of the monthly cycle. | No |
Constitution Day | Asojh 3
20 September |
Nationwide | Nepal’s Constituent Assembly adopted the new constitution in 2015 after deliberating on it for seven years. | Yes |
Indra Jatra | Asojh 11
28 September |
Kathmandu valley | The eight-day-long Newar festival to worship Lord Indra and his mother Dagini concludes on this day. It is celebrated to ensure the upcoming harvest. | Yes, (Kathmandu only) |
Bhaktapur Siddhapokhari Mela | Asojh 12
29 September |
Bhaktapur (Siddha Pokhari) | Devotees bathe and pay devotion to the Indrayani Goddess. | No |
Chepang Chonam Parba | Asojh 12
29 September |
Chepang Community | Chepang Community, one of the tribal kind of Nepal celebrate the day to commemorate the first day of their New Year. | Only to Chepangs |
Sorah Shraddha (begin) | Asojh 13
30 September |
Nationwide | This day marks the beginning of sixteen days of Ancestor worship right before Dashain. People perform rites to all the deceased as back as seven generations. | No |
Jitiya Parba | Asojh 20
07 October |
Madhesi Mothers of Terai region | Mothers of Terai region (Southern Nepal) worship God Jitmahan Gosain and fast for 24 hours for the well-being of their living Children. | Yes, (women only who celebrate the festival) |
Sorah Shraddha (Last Day) | Ashoj 27
14 October |
Nationwide | This day marks the beginning of sixteen days of Ancestor worship right before Dashain.
People perform rites to all the deceased as back as seven generations. |
No |
Ghatasthapana | Asojh 28
15 October |
Nationwide | First day of Dashain Festival.
On this day, people plant Jamara seeds that are reaped and given as blessings to junior family members along with tika on the Dashain day. This also marks the beginning of Nauratha or Navaratri, when nine different forms of Goddess Durga is worshipped every day. |
Yes |
Phulpati
(Saptami) |
Kartik 04
21 October |
Nationwide | Seventh-day of Dashain. People bring in nine different types of Phulpati (flowers and leaves) home to include in the veneration of Saptami puja. |
Yes |
Maha Ashtami | Kartik 05
22 October |
Nationwide | Eighth-day of Dashain. People worship tools and vehicles and sacrifice animals at home and at Goddess Durga temples. |
Yes |
Maha Navami | Kartik 06
23 October |
Nationwide | Ninth-day of Dashain People worship tools and vehicles, and sacrifice animals at home and at Goddess Durga temples. |
Yes |
Dashain/ Bada Dashain/ Vijaya Dashami | Kartik 07
24 October |
Nationwide | Tenth-day and main day of Dashain It is a joyous day when families visit each other to receive Tika and Jamara blessings, they make merry by playing cards, singing, and dancing while hosting a big feast. Linge Ping (bamboo swing) is very famous in this season. It is believed that mount this Linge ping and one has to untouch the earth on this day. |
Yes |
Papakunsa Ekadashi | Kartik 08
25 October |
Nationwide | In some parts of Nepal, when and if Chelibeti and Karkutumbh (Women members and Relatives) are not able to receive tika on the main Dashami day due to some obligations. It is customary to put tika from Ekadashi Day onwards until the flowers are removed on Kojagrat Purnima Day. | Yes |
Kojagrat Purnima | Kartik 11
28 October |
Nationwide | Fifteenth/ concluding day of Dashain.
A day to worship Goddess Laxmi (goddess of wealth) and make vigil all night. |
Yes |
Dhanteras | Kartik 24
10 November |
Nationwide | To commemorate Tihar, the festival of lights, people on this day buy precious metals to worship them on Laxmi puja day. | No |
Mahaguru Falgunanda Jayanti | Kartik 25
11 November |
Kirant Community of Nepal | The birth anniversary of Kiranti Guru Falgunanada | Yes |
Kaag Tihar | Kartik 25
11 November |
Nationwide | The first day of Tihar, the festival of lights. | No |
Laxmi Puja/Kukur Tihar | Kartik 26
12 November |
Nationwide | The dogs are worshipped this day as Yama’s gatekeeper on the occasion of Kukur Puja.
Usually, Laxmi Puja falls on the third day but due to Tithi overlaps, the day this year falls on the second day of Tihar. Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune is worshipped at night. Houses are cleaned and decked with hopes for Laxmi to stop by and bless the family members. |
Yes |
Gai Puja | Kartik 27
13 November |
Nationwide | It’s the main day of Tihar when cows are worshipped in the mornings to thank for the food essentials they provide. | Yes |
Gobardhan Puja/ Mha Puja/ | Kartik 28
14 November |
Nationwide | People worship Ox for their contribution to the farm throughout the year.
This day also commemorates the day when Lord Krishna lifted Gobardhan Hill on his pinky finger to save the Gopala people from torrential rain. Mha Puja is the worship of oneself by the Newar Community and this day also marks their Newar New Years day and is called Nyudaya Bhintuna |
Yes |
Bhaitika | Kartik 29
15 November |
Nationwide | Last day of Tihar.
It is celebrated to strengthen siblinghood ties. Sisters on this day perform special worship for brothers’ long and healthy life and also pray to Yama that no brother-sister are separated by death on this day. |
Yes |
Chhath Parba | Mangsir 3
19 November |
Nationwide | The biggest festival in Terai, Southern Nepal involves the worship of the Sun god and his sister Chhati Mai. | Yes |
Haribodhini Ekadashi | Mangsir 07
23 November |
Nationwide | The Tulsi planted on Harisayani Ekadashi is married to Lord Vishnu on this day, and devotees fast all day long. | No |
Guru Nanak Jayanti | Mangsir 11
27 November |
Sikhs | Celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. | Yes (Sikh Community only) |
Mahalakshmi Yatra | Mangsir 12
28 November |
Thankot | No | |
Bala Chaturdashi/
Satbij Charne Din |
Mangsir 25
11 December |
Nationwide | Bereaved family members observe a ritual in the remembrance of deceased ones. They keep vigil all night and offer Satbij (100 varieties of paddy seeds) in a traverse path around the Pashupatinath temple the next day after a holy dip in the Bagmati river at the break of dawn. | No |
Bibaha Panchami | Poush 1
17 December |
Nationwide | A holy day to commemorate the Sita-Ram marriage ceremony. | Yes (Only in Janakpur where the Janaki Temple is located) |
Indrayani Jatra | Poush 6
22 December |
Kirtipur | No | |
Christmas | Poush 09
25 December |
Nationwide | Celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. | Yes |
Udhauli Parba
Dhanya Purnima |
Poush 10
26 December |
Nationwide | Kiranti clan celebrates Udhauli Parba to commemorate the onset of the Winter Season.
Newar clan celebrates Yomari Punhi by making a sweet called Yomari, to mark the end of the harvesting season. Dhanya Purnima festival is celebrated to express gratitude to Mother Earth. On this day, the earth is also worshiped by expressing gratitude for the rice given by mother earth. |
Yes |
Tamu Loshar | Poush 15
31 December |
Nationwide by Gurungs | A New Year celebration of the Gurung Community. | Yes |
Rashtriya Topi Diwas | Poush 16
01 January |
Nationwide | This day is an opportunity for Nepalis to showcase their pride and display their distinctive cultural heritage to the rest of the world. Wearing the Topi (Nepali skull cap) unites all Nepalis, demonstrating that we all share a common identity. | No |
Prithvi Jayanti/ National Unity Day | Poush 27
12 January |
Nationwide | The day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the unifier of Nepal. | Yes |
Tol Loshar | Poush 27
12 January |
Nationwide | Tol means Time-cycle. It is one of the oldest Lhosar (New Year) celebrated by the Indigenous community from the Humla, Dolpa, Mugu, and Manang districts. | Yes (Humla, Dolpa, Mugu, and Manang districts only) |
National Bhakka Diwas | Poush 29
14 January |
Nationwide | Celebrated to promote a Tharu delicacy made from rice flour dish famous in Eastern Terai. | No |
Maghe Sankranti/Maghi | Magh 1
15 January |
Nationwide | The first day of the Sun’s transit into Makara Rashi, (Capricorn) marks the end of the month with the winter solstice.
A very special day for the Tharu community of Southern Nepal and also the Magars of Hills. |
Yes |
Sri Swasthani Brata Katha begins (a month long) | Magh 11
25 January |
Nationwide | This day marks the beginning of a sacred and month-long ritual when devotees read the holy scripture of Goddess Swasthani every day and observe fast. | No |
Madhav Narayan Jatra begins (a month long) | Magh 11
25 January |
Bhaktapur | Hindu devotees of Bhaktapur make prostrations and carry out Kalasha Yatra in honor of Lord Vishnu, who in this month is called Madhav Narayan. | No |
Nepal Nursing Diwas | Magh 15
29 January |
Nationwide (Nurse) | A special day for all the nurses, the front liners. | No |
Sahid Diwas | Magh 16
30 January |
Nationwide | Honoring the four Martyrs; Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Ganga Lal Shrestha, Shukra Raj Shastri, and Dashrath Chand of Nepal. | Yes |
Sonam Loshar | Magh 27
10 February |
Nationwide by Tamang Community | A New Year celebrated by Tamang Community. | Yes |
Janayudda Diwas | Falgun 01
13 February |
Nationwide | In memory of the martyrs of the armed conflict | Yes |
Basanta Panchami/ Saraswati Puja | Falgun 02
14 February |
Nationwide | This day officially heralds Spring.
Students worship the Goddess of wisdom Saraswati and children of age 3 also learn their first alphabet on this day with the Goddess’ blessings. |
Yes |
National Democracy Day (Election Day) | Falgun 07
19 February |
Nationwide | It is the day when Nepal saw the downfall of the Rana Regime that ruled Nepal for 104 years old and Democracy was established in Nepal. | Yes |
Sri Swasthani Brata Katha Sampanna | Falgun 12
24 February |
Nationwide | A month-long sacred festival of Goddess Swasthani concludes on this day.
Devotees break their fast and celibacy with a big ritual. |
No |
Madhav Narayan Jatra ends | Falgun 12
24 February |
Bhaktapur | Hindu devotees of Bhaktapur make prostrations and carry out Kalasha Yatra in honor of Lord Vishnu, who in this month is called Madhav Narayan. | No |
National Magar Day | Falgun 15
27 February |
Nationwide (Magars) | To commemorate the contributions and sacrifices made by the Magar community throughout history. | No |
Maha Shiva Ratri | Falgun 24
08 March |
Nationwide | Birth anniversary of Lord Shiva.
Devotees throng the Pashupatinath temple and other Shiva temples and fast in pursuit of His blessings for their families. |
Yes |
Naari Diwas | Falgun 24
08 March |
Nationwide | International Women’s Day | Yes |
Gyalpo Loshar | Falgun 28
11 March |
Nationwide by Sherpa Community | A New Year celebrated by Sherpa Community. | Yes |
Fagu Purnima/Holi | Chaitra 11
24 March |
Hills and Himalayas | Festival of Colours/ Spring Festival is celebrated joyously throughout the nation by smearing colors on people’s faces and throwing water balloons at each other. | Yes (Hills and Himalayas only) |
Fagu Purnima/Holi | Chaitra 12
25 March |
Terai Only | Festival of Colours/ Spring Festival is celebrated joyously throughout the nation by smearing colors on people’s faces and throwing water balloons at each other. | Yes (Terai Only) |
Ram Navami | Chaitra 16
29 March |
Nationwide | Celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Ram. | Yes (Only in Janakpur) |
Hanuman Jayanti | Nationwide | Hindus mainly in Terai, Southern Nepal, organize a street parade in honor of Hanuman the Monkey God, to commemorate his Birthday. | No | |
Ghode Jatra | Chaitra 26
08 April |
Kathmandu | Horses are paraded at Tundikhel grounds in the presence of the President, Prime Minister, and other dignitaries.
The Newars celebrate it by paying homage to local Mother Goddesses and organizing feasts in the family. |
Yes, (Kathmandu only) |
Matshya Jayanti | Chaitra 29
11 April |
Nationwide | Celebrated in honor of Matshyendranath, the fish incarnation of Lord Vishnu. | No |
Nepali festival Calendar 2080 BS
Stay informed of the holidays, festivals, and events in Nepal for the upcoming year 2080 BS
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