Best time to visit Nepal during festivals
Instead of asking "Which is the best time to visit Nepal?", why not consider "Best time to visit Nepal during festivals"? Planning your trip during festivals can be more meaningful and worthwhile, as you will get to experience and explore more. There are small festivals and events happening every day, but it is more worthwhile to choose your holiday vacation during major festivals in Nepal.
Nepal has over 100 different castes and ethnic groups, each with their own unique culture. The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, is a Newari town, and the Newars are rich in culture, food, and customs. During your short visit, you can experience the cultures, people, lifestyle, nature, and landscape of Nepal.
Festivals Of Nepal
Shivaratri
100,000’s Hindu devotees from India and all from all over the world gather around Pashupatinath temple – one of the holiest shrines of the Hindus in Kathmandu. The Hindu festival of Maha Shivaratri honors Lord Shiva. It is observed on the fourteenth night of the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna (February-March) in Nepal and throughout India. The event commemorates Shiva and Parvati's marriage, as well as the night Shiva performed the Tandava, the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. In Nepal, Maha Shivaratri is observed with tremendous devotion. Shiva devotees fast, worship, and meditate. They also pay visits to Shiva temples and shrines.In Nepal, Maha Shivaratri is a festive holiday celebrated with tremendous dedication. It is a time for people to gather and commune with Shiva. The celebration serves as a reminder of the power of love and the value of religion. Smoke with Sadhu Tour (follow link)
- Shivarati Festival Date; March 8, 2024
Colourful Holi Festival
Holi is a Hindu color festival celebrated in Nepal and throughout India. It is also known as the Festival of Love or the Spring Festival. Holi is a Hindu festival observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phagun (February-March). The celebration commemorates the triumph of good over evil, the end of winter, and the entrance of spring. It is also a moment for people to put aside their differences and unite in joy. In Nepal, Holi is celebrated with considerable zeal. Colored powder and water are thrown at one other, while people dance, sing, and eat great cuisine. The event is a chance for people to let free and enjoy themselves. Learn about Colourful Holi Festival (follow link)
- Holi Festival Date; March 24, and 25, 2024
Buddha Jayanti
Lord Gautam Budhha was born on Buddha Jayanti. Sidhartha Gautam was Budhha's original name. Siddhartha Gautam was born in 543 BC in Nepal's Kapilvastu. King Suddhodhan Gautam and Queen Maya Devi had a son named Siddhartha. Buddha was born in a garden of Sal trees (Shorea robusta), in the lovely and calm Lumbini zone of Nepal's Rupandehi district.
Lumbini, Nepal, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. Buddha was born on a full moon day, attained nirvana on the same day, and died on the same day, Baishakh Sukla Purnima. Around the world, this day is known as Budhha Purnima. Buddha means “Awakened One”. Gautam Buddha is also known as Shakyamuni
- Buddha Jayanti Festival Date; May 23, 2024
Gai Jatra
This festival of cow is celebrated every year in August/September. This is one of the most popular festivals in Nepal as it is full of humor, satire, comedy, mockery, and shades of sadness. Celebrated in Kathmandu / Bhaktapur / Patan and Dolakha.
- Gai Jatra Date; Aug 31 2023
Haritalika Teej
This festival is celebrated in August/September. Festival is more meaningful and interesting because unmarried women observe this festival with unabated zeal with the hope that they will get to marry good husbands and married women pray for progress and good health for their husband. Women clad in beautiful red saris with shining potes (glass beads), singing and dancing is the sight almost everywhere in Nepal during the festival of Teej. Best place to visit at Pashupatinath.
- Teej Festival Date: September 18 2023
Indra Jatra
This festival named after Lord Indra- the God of Rain and also the King of Heaven is celebrated by both the Buddhists and Hindus in Nepal in August/September. Indra Jatra Festival Myth (Follow link)
- Indra Jatra Festival Date: Sep 28 2023
Festival of Lights "Tihar"
This festival of lights that falls between October/November is the second biggest festival after Dashain. This festival lasts for five days and people worship Laxmi – the Goddess of Wealth
- Tihar Festival Date: November 11 to 29 November 2023
Dashain (Bijaya Dashami)
During the month of Kartik (late September and early October), the Nepalese people indulge in the biggest festival of the year, Dashain. Dashain is the longest and the most auspicious festival in the Nepalese annual calendar, celebrated by Nepalese of all caste and creed throughout the country. Dashain Festival Tour (follow link)
- Dashain Festival Date: Oct 21 2023 to 26 Oct 2023
Mani Rimdu
Mani Rimdu is a sacred ceremony and series of events of empowerment. It is a series of nineteen days celebrations, which concludes with three days public festival. Mani Rimdu is generally celebrated by Sherpa in autumn at the Tengboche Monastery in the Everest region. Mani Rimdu is observed from the first day of the tenth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar which falls between October and November under the English calendar.
- Mani Rimdu Festival Date: 28th, 29th, and 30th of October in 2023
Mustang Tiji Festival
Tiji consists of three-day of Tibetan rituals. The Tiji centers around a myth, which tells of a deity named Dorje Jono who must battle against his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from destruction. The word TIJI comes from the word Ten Che, “hope of the dharma prevailing in all worlds”. About Tiji Festival Celebration (Follow link)
