From Dashain to Holi: Top 20 Festivals in Nepal You Must Experience (Nepali Wishes)

If you’re curious about the lively and culturally rich country of Nepal, you’ll be delighted to discover that the festivities here are as diverse as the landscape itself. In Nepal, every day feels like a celebration, and with this article, we will take you on a captivating journey through the top 20 festivals in Nepal celebrated in this beautiful Himalayan nation.

From the serenity of Buddha Jayanti to the raucous joy of Holi, the festivals of Nepal reflect the deep-rooted beliefs and values of the nation. The rituals, dances, music, and food are all interconnected, forming a tapestry of traditions that resonate with both locals and travelers.

So, if you’re planning a visit to Nepal, consider timing it with one of these festivals to fully immerse yourself in the rich and colorful culture of this Himalayan kingdom. Whether you’re witnessing the pulling of the Rato Machindranath chariot, trying a delicious Yomari dumpling during Yomari Punhi, or experiencing the electrifying horse races at Ghode Jatra, these festivals offer unique and authentic experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Table of Contents

Now, let’s delve into each of these top 20 festivals in Nepal, exploring the colors, traditions, and significance they bring to the Nepalese people.

Dashain (दशैं), often referred to as Vijaya Dashami, is Nepal’s biggest and longest festival. It is a Hindu festival celebrated by people of all faiths. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is marked by the worship of goddess Durga.

Dashain, one of the top 20 festivals in Nepal, last for nine days, known as “Navaratri,” hold special significance. Each day of Dashain has a unique religious and cultural significance, and it involves various rituals and observances:

1. Ghatasthapana (Day 1): The first day of Dashain marks the beginning of the festival. On this day, a sacred vessel called “kalash” is set up in the family shrine, and seeds, usually maize, barley, and wheat, are sown.
2. Sleshmantak (Day 2): On the second day, barley seeds grown from the kalash are collected and used for religious purposes. In some communities, it is also considered the day to cleanse and purify the seeds for planting.
3. Phulpati (Day 7): The seventh day of Dashain, known as Phulpati, involves the gathering of various flowers, leaves, and plants from the wild. These offerings are used in the worship of Goddess Durga and other deities.
4. Maha Asthami (Day 8): The eighth day, Maha Asthami, is dedicated to the goddess Kumari. It is a day of animal sacrifices, and in some regions, buffaloes, goats, or other animals are sacrificed in temples as an offering to the goddess.
5. Maha Nawami (Day 9): The ninth day, Maha Nawami, is the most important day of Dashain. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga. People worship the goddess and receive “tika” (a mixture of yogurt, rice, and vermillion) and “jamara” (barley sprout) from their elders as a blessing.
6. Vijaya Dashami (Day 10): The tenth day is Vijaya Dashami, the most crucial day of Dashain. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Families perform a ritual known as “tika and jamara,” where elders give blessings to the younger members, and it is also the day when elders give “dakshina” (money) to the younger family members.
7. Ekadashi (Day 11): This day is dedicated to visit and worship the homes of the maternal side of the family. It’s a day for family gatherings and bonding.
8. Dwadashi (Day 12): On the twelfth day, people continue to visit relatives and receive blessings from family members.
9. Kojagrat Purnima (Day 15): Dashain officially concludes on the fifteenth day. This day is known as Kojagrat Purnima. People stay awake throughout the night, playing cards, enjoying festive meals, and seeking blessings for good fortune.

These nine days of Dashain are a time of family gatherings, cultural celebrations, and religious observances that strengthen the bonds between family members and communities.

Here are 10 Dashain quotes in Nepali languages:

Tihar, the “Festival of Lights,” is a beautiful and enchanting celebration of various animals and birds. In Tihar, you’ll witness the worship of dogs, cows, and even crows. The festival lasts for five days and illuminates the streets with oil lamps and colorful rangoli.

Here are the five days of the Tihar festival:

Tihar is one of the top 20 festivals in Nepal, which is a celebration of the bond between humans and animals, as well as between family members. The lighting of lamps, colorful decorations, and expressions of love and gratitude make it one of the most beloved festivals in Nepal.

Here are 10 Tihar quotes in Nepali languages:

• लक्ष्मी र गणेश को कृपाले काममा सफलता मिलोस्, सुख शान्ती र समृद्धि प्राप्त होस्।
• तिहारको शुभकामना सबैमा
  यो तिहार ले
  ज़िन्दगीमा भोगेका (ती-हार) हरुलाई
  जितमा परिवर्तन गरोस
• सम्पूर्ण नेपालीको घरमा सुख शान्ति र समृद्धि छाओस
  तिहारको मंगलमय शुभकामना 
• तिहारको यस पावन अवसरमा तपाईंको जीवनमा सुख, शान्ति, र समृद्धि कायम रहोस्।”
• “तिहारको यो पर्वले तपाईंको घर धेरै सुन्दरी र खुशिहरूले भरेको होस्।
• हिन्दुहरुको महान पर्व २०८० सालको
  तिहारको सम्पुर्ण नेपाली दाजु भाइ
  दिदी बहिनीहरुमा सुख, शान्ती
  समृद्धि तथा उत्तरोत्तर प्रगतिको लागि
  हार्दिक मंगलमय शुभकामना ब्यक्त गर्दछु
• तिहारको शुभकामना
  देश बिदेशमा रहनु भएको समस्त नेपालिजनहरुमा तिहारको शुभकामना
• २०८० सालको तिहारको पावन अवसरमा
  तपाई र तपाईको पुरा परिवारलाई हार्दिक मंगलमय शुभकामना
• “तपाईंको सपना पुरा होस् र जीवन उज्यालो र सुखमय बनोस्।”
• “तिहारको यस पावन अवसरमा तपाईंको सबै इच्छा पुरा होस् र तपाईंको नयाँ आशा र सम्पत्तिको सपना पुरा होस्।”

Holi in Nepal is a joyful explosion of colors, just like in India. It’s a festival that signifies the triumph of good over evil. People smear each other with colored powders and water balloons, creating a vibrant atmosphere of love and unity. Holi typically falls in March, marking the arrival of spring, and it is a time of great merriment and community bonding.

Holi has its roots in Hindu mythology and is celebrated to commemorate various legends. One of the most popular stories behind Holi is the legend of Prahlad and Holika. Prahlad, a young devotee of Lord Vishnu, is said to have survived a fire set by his evil aunt Holika, who was immune to fire. This tale symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the triumph of devotion and righteousness.

On the day of Holi, the atmosphere is filled with laughter, music, dance, and, most importantly, colors. People of all ages come together, armed with colored powders, water balloons, and water guns. They playfully drench each other in vivid and vibrant hues, shouting “Holi Hai!” which means “It’s Holi!” Dancing to the rhythm of traditional and modern music, people let go of inhibitions and relish the spirit of togetherness.

Here are 10 Holi wishes to share with your loved ones:

Buddha Jayanti is a significant festival for Buddhists. It celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is the center of festivities during this time. Buddha Jayanti is observed on the full moon day in the Vaisakha month of the Hindu lunar calendar, which usually falls in April or May. It is a time to reflect on the life and teachings of Lord Buddha, whose wisdom and principles have had a profound impact on the spiritual and philosophical landscape of the world.

The Universal Message of Buddha Jayanti:

Buddha Jayanti is not only a religious festival but a reminder of the profound and universal teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. His teachings emphasize the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which lead to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of enlightenment. These principles transcend religious boundaries and continue to inspire people around the world to seek inner peace, self-awareness, and a life of compassion and wisdom.

As the world celebrates Buddha Jayanti, it’s an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to reflect on the timeless wisdom of Buddha and consider how his teachings can be applied to lead a more meaningful and harmonious life. It is a day when the profound legacy of the sage is celebrated, serving as a reminder that the path to enlightenment is open to all who seek it, regardless of their faith or background.

Here are 10 quotes and wishes to celebrate Buddha Jayanti:

Happy Guru Purnima Best wishes

Indra Jatra is a Newar festival dedicated to Lord Indra, the god of rain. It includes various processions and the Kumari Jatra, where the living goddess Kumari is paraded through the streets of Kathmandu. The festival is held in the honor of Lord Indra, who is revered as the god of rain in Hinduism. Nepal, being primarily an agrarian society, heavily depends on the monsoon rains for its agricultural success. As such, the festival is a way to express gratitude for the much-needed rain that sustains life in the region.

Moreover, Indra Jatra is also celebrated to commemorate the victory of King Laxmi Narsingh Malla over the demon deity Machhindranath. The festival holds a special place in Newar culture and is significant for its historical and social importance.

The Celebrations:

Gai Jatra, or the “Festival of Cows,” is celebrated with humor and satire. It’s a way for the Nepalese to remember their loved ones who have passed away during the year. Families with recently deceased members participate in a procession.

The festival is particularly significant for the Newar community, an indigenous ethnic group of the Kathmandu Valley, but it is celebrated with enthusiasm and participation from people of all backgrounds.

The Celebrations:

Some Quotes:

Maghe Sankranti marks the winter solstice and the arrival of longer days. Also known as Makar Sankranti, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal, India, and other South Asian countries. People eat traditional foods like sesame seeds, molasses, and yam, symbolizing the transition from winter to spring.

This auspicious day marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), heralding the arrival of longer days and the end of the winter solstice. Maghe Sankranti typically falls on January 14th, and it’s a time for joy, devotion, and celebration.

Maghe Sankranti holds deep spiritual and cultural importance. It’s a celebration of the sun god, Surya, and an expression of gratitude for the end of the cold, dark winter days. The festival signifies the beginning of the harvest season, as farmers prepare to reap the benefits of their hard work.

Mani Rimdu is a Sherpa festival celebrated in the Solu-Khumbu region. It involves colorful masked dances, prayers, and rituals, primarily performed by the monks.

Mani Rimdu is a Sherpa festival with strong ties to Tibetan Buddhism. It is celebrated in the honor of Guru Rinpoche, or Padmasambhava, who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Tibet and the Himalayan regions. The festival is celebrated with the belief that it will bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to the community.

Mani Rimdu is not only a religious festival but also a spectacular display of Himalayan culture and art. Its vibrant and visually captivating mask dances draw visitors and tourists from around the world. It offers a unique insight into the rich spiritual traditions of the region and showcases the harmonious blend of culture, devotion, and community.

Losar, the Tibetan New Year, is celebrated with much enthusiasm in the Tibetan community of Nepal. The festival features vibrant dances, music, and the preparation of special foods.

Losar is a time for new beginnings, renewal, and the welcoming of a fresh year. The word “Losar” translates to “new year” in Tibetan. It carries deep spiritual significance and cultural traditions rooted in Tibetan Buddhism.

The celebration:

Bisket Jatra is the Nepalese New Year, celebrated in the town of Bhaktapur. The highlight of this festival is the chariot procession and the famous “Yosin.” It is a celebration of the New Year as per the Nepalese calendar, but it also carries profound historical and cultural significance. The festival is rooted in ancient traditions and is observed with a mix of religious rituals and communal festivities.

The Celebrations:

Rato Machindranath Jatra is a grand procession of a towering chariot, with locals pulling it through the narrow streets of Patan. It is believed to bring rainfall and a good harvest.

This festivals in Nepal is a significant deity in the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley. The festival celebrates the god of rain and compassion and is believed to bring rain and prosperity to the region. The chariot procession is a visual representation of the deity’s journey and is regarded as a time for seeking blessings and well-being.

The Celebrations:

Yomari Punhi is a Newari festival celebrated with great enthusiasm. People make and share Yomari, a delicious dumpling filled with molasses and sesame seeds.

This Festivals in Nepal marks the end of the rice harvest season and is celebrated on the full moon day of December. The festival not only commemorates the season’s bounty but also carries deep religious and cultural significance.

The festival emphasizes the significance of traditional practices, communal harmony, and the preservation of culinary heritage. Yomari Punhi not only brings people together but also offers a window into the rich cultural tapestry of Nepal, highlighting the enduring traditions and culinary delights of the Newar community.

Seto Machhendranath Jatra is a month-long chariot procession dedicated to the rain god. It is celebrated with much fanfare, and locals believe it ensures a good harvest. Seto Machhendranath, also known as Janabaha Dyo, is a deity deeply venerated by both Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal. The festival is celebrated to seek blessings for rain, good harvest, and prosperity. It is also believed to promote harmony and unity among the diverse religious communities in Nepal.

This festivals in Nepal also celebrate same as Rato Machhendranath Jatra by Newari Community.

Seto Machhendranath Jatra is more than just a religious festival; it is a celebration of community, culture, and the enduring traditions of Kathmandu. It brings together people of diverse backgrounds to participate in the awe-inspiring act of pulling a colossal chariot through ancient streets.

Ghode Jatra is one of the top 20 festivals in Nepal featuring horse racing and acrobatics in Kathmandu. It’s an exciting spectacle that brings the city’s residents and tourists together.

This Festivals holds both historical and cultural significance. Historically, it is said to have originated during the rule of King Pratap Malla, who sought to establish his authority over neighboring cities. The festival symbolizes the victory of King Pratap Malla’s cavalry.

The Celebrations:

Shree Panchami is a day dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. Students across Nepal celebrate by visiting temples and honoring their books and instruments.

This Festivals in Nepal is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Magh (usually falling in late January or early February). It holds deep spiritual and cultural importance, as it is believed to be the day when Saraswati, the embodiment of wisdom and learning, was born.

Sonam Lhosar is the New Year celebrated by the Tamang community. It’s marked by cultural dances, music, and traditional Tamang attire. This is celebrated on the first day of the Tamang calendar, which usually falls in January or February. The festival is not only about welcoming the New Year but also about preserving and promoting Tamang culture and heritage.

Sonam Losar is not just a New Year celebration; it is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of the Tamang community. The festival emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural traditions and promoting unity among community members.

Tamu Lhosar celebrates the New Year for the Gurung community, also one of the top 20 festivals in Nepal. It’s a day filled with cultural performances, traditional food, and rituals. Typically falls in December or January and marks the first day of the Gurung calendar. It’s a time for the Gurung community to reflect on the past year, express gratitude for the harvest, and look forward to the year ahead.

Tamu Losar is not just a New Year celebration; it is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of the Gurung community. The festival emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural traditions and promotes unity among community members.

**Haritalika Teej**, a festival dedicated to the well-being of husbands and family life, is primarily celebrated by women. They fast and pray for their husbands’ long lives and for marital bliss. The festival is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm.

Teej is one of the top 20 festivals in Nepal that celebrates the strength, love, and devotion of women in the context of their family life. It underscores the importance of maintaining a harmonious and loving relationship between husbands and wives. The swinging, singing, and dancing symbolize the joy of togetherness and the hope for an enduring bond.

The Celebrations:

• Fasting and Abstaining: The most significant aspect of Teej is fasting. Women observe a day-long fast during which they abstain from food and water. Some women, particularly married ones, abstain from both food and water.
• Worship of Goddess Parvati: Women visit temples dedicated to Goddess Parvati, and homes are adorned with images or idols of the goddess. Devotees offer flowers, fruits, and other offerings as a mark of devotion.
• Dressing in Red: On Teej, women traditionally wear red attire and adorn themselves with beautiful jewelry. Red is considered an auspicious and sacred color, symbolizing the love and devotion they have for their husbands.
• Dance: Women, especially unmarried girls, gather in groups and enjoy singing and dancing, often on swings. The swinging symbolizes the joy and delight of marital life and the hopes of finding a suitable partner.
• Mehendi (Henna) Application: Decorating hands and feet with intricate mehendi designs is an integral part of the celebrations. Women apply mehendi as a sign of beauty, love, and well-being.
• Feasting: After the day-long fast, women break their fast with a special meal, which usually includes sweets and other traditional dishes. It’s also a time for families to come together and share meals.
• Gift Exchange: Husbands and family members often give gifts to the women as a gesture of appreciation and love. It’s a way of acknowledging their devotion and the sacrifices made during the fast.

Chhath Puja, often referred to as Chaath Prava, is a revered and ancient Hindu festival predominantly celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, as well as in some regions of Nepal. This festival is dedicated to the worship of the sun god, Surya, and Chhathi Maiya, his sister, for their blessings of life, energy, and well-being.

It is observed on the sixth day of the lunar month of Kartik, typically in October or November, and it extends for four days. The festival carries deep spiritual and cultural significance, as it celebrates the sun, which is considered the source of life and energy. It is also a way to express gratitude to the sun god for sustaining life on Earth.

Chhath Puja is also one of the top 20 festivals in Nepal that celebrates the sun as a life-giver and a symbol of purity and energy. It underscores the importance of environmental conservation, cleanliness, and purity, as the rituals involve maintaining strict discipline and performing acts of gratitude to nature.

Sita Bibaha Panchami commemorates the wedding of Lord Ram and Sita, a significant event in Hindu mythology. This one of the top 20 festivals in Nepal is celebrated with grand processions and reenactments of the legendary wedding ceremony. Sita Bibaha Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Magh, which usually falls in January or February. It marks the divine union of Sita, an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi, with Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The wedding is described in the epic Ramayana and symbolizes love, commitment, and virtue.

Sita Bibaha is a festival that celebrates the virtues of love, commitment, and the divine union of two souls. It underscores the importance of virtue and devotion, as represented by Goddess Sita and Lord Rama in Hindu mythology.

These are just a glimpse of the many top 20 festivals in Nepal that color Nepali’s cultural tapestry. The richness and diversity of these celebrations make Nepal a unique and exciting destination for cultural enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Nepal, with its stunning landscapes and diverse culture, is a land of festivities and celebrations. These top 20 festivals in Nepal not only showcase the religious and cultural diversity but also bring people together, reinforcing the bond among communities.

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Now that we’ve explored these vibrant festivals, it’s time to address some common questions that may arise:

The most significant festival in Nepal is Dashain, often referred to as Vijaya Dashami. It’s the longest and most widely celebrated festival in the country, uniting people from various backgrounds.

Absolutely! Many of these festivals, such as Tihar, Holi, and Buddha Jayanti, are open to tourists and provide an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Nepal’s culture and traditions.

The best time to experience these festivals is during the autumn months, from September to November, when the weather is pleasant, and most of the major festivals occur.

While there is no strict dress code, it’s advisable to dress modestly and respectfully. In some religious sites, you may be required to cover your head and remove your shoes.

Tourists are usually welcome to observe and participate in some parts of the festivities, but it’s essential to be respectful and follow local customs and guidelines.

Top 20 Festivals in Nepal are a window into the heart of this remarkable nation. From the grandeur of Dashain to the exuberance of Holi, these celebrations offer an unforgettable glimpse into the country’s culture and heritage. So, the next time you plan your travels, consider timing it with one of Nepal’s fantastic festivals, and you’ll experience the vibrant soul of this beautiful Himalayan nation.

Remember, these festivals are not just events; they are experiences that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind.

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