Nepal’s festivals and traditions are an integral part of everyday life, bringing communities together throughout the year. From colorful celebrations and ancient rituals to music, dance and local customs, each festival offers a unique glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and gives travelers an opportunity to experience the country beyond its landscapes and landmarks.
SHIVARATRI
A Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, marked by prayers, rituals and visits to temples.
Nepal’s Festival Season
15 February, 2026
6 March, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
HOLI
The vibrant festival of colors and welcoming of spring, celebrated with music, dancing and colorful powders.
Nepal’s Festival Season
2 March, 2026
21 March, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
GHODE JATRA
Kathmandu’s traditional horse festival, featuring equestrian displays and cultural celebrations.
Nepal’s Festival Season
18 March, 2026
6 April, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
NEPALI NEW YEAR
Nepal follows its own traditional calendar, Bikram Sambat, with the New Year beginning in the month of Baisakh.
Nepal’s Festival Season
14 April, 2026
14 April, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
BUDDHA JAYANTI
Celebrating the birth of Lord Buddha, born in Lumbini, Nepal, marked by prayers, processions and visits to Buddhist sites.
Nepal’s Festival Season
1 May, 2026
20 May, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
Nag Panchami
A festival dedicated to snakes and Nags, where devotees visit temples and shrines, seeking blessings and protection.
Nepal’s Festival Season
17 August, 2026
7 August, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
Janai Purnima
Celebrated on the full moon of the month of Shrawan where Hindu men change their sacred thread, while others tie a protective thread around their wrist.
Nepal’s Festival Season
28 August, 2026
17 August, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
Gai Jatra
A unique Newar festival honoring the lives of loved ones who have passed away.
Nepal’s Festival Season
29 August, 2026
18 August, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
Krishna Janmashtami
Celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna with prayers, devotional music and temple celebrations.
Nepal’s Festival Season
4 September, 2026
24 August, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
Teej
Hindu women dressed in red come together to fast, pray, sing and dance, celebrating devotion, sisterhood and community.
Nepal’s Festival Season
14 September, 2026
3 September, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
Indra Jatra
Honoring Indra, the Hindu god of rain, the festival celebrates Kathmandu’s rich living heritage through chariot processions, masked dances and traditional rituals.
Nepal’s Festival Season
25 September, 2026
14 September, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
Ghatasthapana
The first day of Dashain, Nepal’s biggest and most widely celebrated festival. Families begin the celebrations by planting jamara and performing rituals to mark the start of the festival.
Nepal’s Festival Season
11 October, 2026
30 September, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
