Nepali festival Calendar 2080 BS

May 2, 2023

1438

Rhododendron forest in Fulbari, Myagdi District. Photo by Nikki Thapa

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 Yomari Punhi 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