Festivals of Nepal

Table of Contents

Nepal is the country with worlds most diverse culture and ethnicity (Hindu, Buddist, Muslims, Christians, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism, and more). Nepal is declared as a Secular country by the government of Nepal.

Here are all major festivals of Nepal.

Dashain | Bada Dashain | Bijaya Dashami – Biggest Festival of Nepal

Dashain, a biggest festival of Nepal symoolizes a great victory of the gods over the wicked demons. One of the victory stories told is the Ramayan, where the lord Ram after a big struggle defeated Ravan, the king of demons. There are multiple stories that Lord Ram was successful in the battle only when goddess Durga was evoked. The main celebration is the victory of good over evil.

Also Read : Happy Dashain Wishes In Nepali

There is another mythical story that Goddess Durga slain demon Mahisasur, who terrorized the earth in the guise of a brutal water buffalo. The first nine days signify the nine days of ferrous battle between goddess Durga and the demon Mahisasur. The tenth day is the day when Mahisasur was slain and the last five days symbolizes the celebration of the victory with the blessing of the goddess. Dashain is celebrated with great rejoice, and goddess Durga is worshiped throughout Nepal as the divine mother Goddess.

Goddess Durga, symbolizing the power and variations is worshipped and offered sacrifices to ensure the devotees’ progress and prosperity. Read More…..

Tihar | Deepawali

Tihar, Bhai Tika, Dipawali, Yamapanchak, Diwali, Laxmi puja are often used interchangeably to mean another biggest festival of Nepal i.e Tihar. The essence of Tihar lies in the traditional way of celebration and ancient stories that compels us to believe and continue the amazing culture of celebration. Tihar is celebrated for five days with a great significance of each day. Dipawali signifies victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. Read More…..

Janai Purnima | Rakshya Bandhan

Janai Purnima mostly falls on Purnima (full moon day ) of Shrawan. In Janai Purnima Brahmins, Chhetris change their Janai once a year on this day. Other Hindus around the world wear sacred thread called Rakshya Bandhan around their wrist. It is believed the thread provides Protection from wrongs.

On Terai region of Nepal, sister ties Rakhi to their Brothers wishing for his well being and protection. Rakshya means “protection” and Bandhan means “bond”. Rakshya Bandhan is a bond of protection. It is believed that Rakshya Bandhan is a sacred thread which posses a power to bond and Protect. On the Rakshya Bandhan, every member of family wears Rakshya Bandhan from elders or from respected Guru’s. It is also called “DORO” in Nepali. Read More…….

HOLI | Fagu Purnima

Holi is the festival of colors, water, and victory over evil. This time of year after winter but before spring Holi adds delight to our life. This Festival Holi signifies closeness and good faith and destroying enmity and harshness. It falls on Falgun Sukla Purnima which is celebrated in the Himalayan region on the very day and the day after in Terai regions. By now you must have heard the tales of Holi, if not here is it is in short. In ancient time “Hiranyakashyap” was blessed By Lord Brahma that he would be unhurt by man or animal, in a day or at night, inside or outside, in the ground or Above. This blessing made him feel he was the most powerful person on the land. So, He wanted to be worshipped as God and ordered everyone to worship him. Those who were afraid of him worshipped him, But his own son Phralad, who was a devotee of Lord Bishnu denied to worship him. Hence Hirnyakashyap tried to hurt Phralad in so many ways but Lord Bishnu saved him every time. Read More ………

Maghe Sankranti | Makar Sankranti

A common festival of all Nepalese: Maghe Sankranti (Makar Sankranti) celebrated on the 1st day of Magh, is an indicator of social unification. This festival reminds us of our national history as well as religious value and beliefs of all people from the different ethnic community. The day is so vibrant with the foods items and rituals. We celebrate the festival by preparing “Tillauri laddu”(sweets out of sesame seeds(til) and jaggery(Sakhar,Velly), “Ghee”,”Chaku”(chewy sweet made out of Jiggery), “Vuja laddu” “Tarul”(yam), “Sakharkhanda”(sweet potato), and making offering to God. Similarly, different varieties are prepared from “mas dal”(black gram) such as “Furaula”, “Khichadi”(delicious meal prepared using Mas dal, Ghee rice adding spices to add taste) and different other delicious dishes. Read More…..

Buddha Jayanti

The Life Of Gautam Buddha Begins In a place called Kapilbasthu Lumbini (Nepal) In the year 624 BC. He was born as a prince to King Suddhodana and Queen Mahamaya. Although born a prince, he realized that conditioned experiences could not provide lasting happiness or protection from suffering So, he set out to find his own path to find the truth about Life. Read More…..

Festivals of Nepal | All Major Festivals of Nepal

Festivals of Nepal