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.
OBSERVED ON
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.
OBSERVED ON
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.
OBSERVED ON
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.
OBSERVED ON
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.
OBSERVED ON
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.
OBSERVED ON
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.
OBSERVED ON
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.
OBSERVED ON
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.
OBSERVED ON
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.
OBSERVED ON
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.
OBSERVED ON
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.
OBSERVED ON
11 October, 2026
30 September, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
Phulpati
One of the most important days of Dashain,
when sacred flowers, plants and other
offerings are brought together as part of the
festival's rituals.
OBSERVED ON
17 October, 2026
6 October, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
Asthami
The eighth day of Dashain, marked by
prayers, rituals, offerings and worship of Goddess Durga.
OBSERVED ON
18 October, 2026
8 October, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
Nawami
The ninth day of Dashain, traditionally a
day for seeking blessings and preparing for
the main celebration of Vijaya Dashami.
OBSERVED ON
20 October, 2026
9 October, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
Vijaya
Dashami
The main day of Dashain where
families gather to receive tika and jamara,
along with blessings from elders and
celebrate together.
OBSERVED ON
21 October, 2026
10 October, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
Laxmi Puja
Celebrated during Tihar, Nepal's festival of
lights when families decorate their homes
with lamps and rangoli to worship and
invite Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of
wealth and prosperity.
OBSERVED ON
8 November, 2026
29 October, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
Mha Puja
A Newar tradition celebrated during Tihar,
honoring the self and symbolizing
purification, prosperity and longevity.
OBSERVED ON
10 November, 2026
30 October, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
Bhai Tika
The final day of Tihar, celebrating the
special bond between brothers and sisters
with exchange of gifts.
OBSERVED ON
11 November, 2026
31 October, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
Christmas
Christmas is celebrated across Nepal with
church services, gatherings, decorations
and festive events.
OBSERVED ON
25 December, 2026
25 December, 2027
Note: Next year’s festival dates are tentative and may vary by the Lunar calendar.
Planning your trip around a festival?
Let us create a journey that brings you closer to the celebration.
Perfect organization and friendly and efficient staff especially our guide Binita … kind and true friend of the traditions of art and culture of Nepal … had the capacity to make us love Nepal … we would return to this earth with their!
-Carlo Macchi, USA
“fully satisfied and quality service”
We have travelled with Peace International in Nepal and Tibet and we were fully satisfied of the qualitiy of their services (hotels, restaurants and transports). We would like to thank Mr Sarbottam and his team for their committment, kindness and availability and we highly recommand his agency for comfortably discovering the beauty of these countries.
– Roberto Segre
“Professional guide”
Top partner for travel in Nepal but also in India Buthan Very professional guide and top drivers Next time I’ll be in Nepal or others i reserve your service ! Thanks a lot for all
