Nepal's Festival Calendar: When to Visit for Cultural Immersion

Nepal is said to have more festivals than days in the year. While that's a slight exaggeration, the country's Hindu-Buddhist cultural blend creates an extraordinary calendar of celebrations. Here are the highlights.

Peak Festival Season: September – November

Dashain (September/October) — Nepal's Biggest Festival A 15-day celebration of goddess Durga's victory over evil. Highlights: - Animal sacrifices and temple rituals - Tika blessings from elders - Kite flying and bamboo swings - Massive family reunions (Nepal empties its cities as people return to ancestral villages)

Tihar (October/November) — Festival of Lights Nepal's version of Diwali, but uniquely beautiful: - Day 1: Kaag Tihar — worship crows - Day 2: Kukur Tihar — worship dogs (garlands and treats!) - Day 3: Lakshmi Puja — oil lamps and rangoli art - Day 4: Govardhan Puja — worship oxen - Day 5: Bhai Tika — brothers and sisters

Spring Festivals: February – April

Holi (March) — Festival of Colors The famous color festival is WILD in Nepal. Durbar Square becomes a battlefield of colored powder and water balloons. Don't wear anything you care about.

Bisket Jatra (April) — Bhaktapur New Year A medieval-era chariot festival with massive wooden chariots pulled through narrow streets, tug-of-war battles, and the raising of the ceremonial lingam pole.

Summer/Monsoon: June – August

Buddha Jayanti (May/June) — Buddha's Birthday Celebrated at Lumbini and Boudhanath with processions, butter lamps, and chanting.

Ropain Jatra (June) — Rice Planting Festival Get muddy! Communities celebrate the rice planting season with mud fights, singing, and feasting.

Janai Purnima (August) — Sacred Thread Festival Hindu men receive new sacred threads. At Gosaikunda lake, thousands of pilgrims make a high-altitude pilgrimage.

Pro Tips for Festival Travel

1. **Book accommodation early** — prices rise 50-100% during Dashain 2. **Banks and shops close** during major festivals — carry extra cash 3. **Domestic flights** get booked weeks in advance 4. **Ask before photographing** ceremonies — some rituals are private 5. **Participate!** — Nepalis love sharing their festivals with visitors who show genuine interest