Living culture

Festivals of Nepal

Most festivals follow the lunar calendar, so their dates move each year. Pick a month to see what is celebrated.

KartikHindu
Chhath
Four-day festival of worshipping the Sun god, mainly celebrated in the Terai.
Kartik · Oct–Nov
Terai districts
AshwinHindu
Dashain (Vijaya Dashami)
Nepal's longest and most important Hindu festival celebrating the victory of good over evil.
Ashwin · Sep–Oct
Across Nepal
KartikHindu
Haribodhini Ekadashi
Marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his four-month sleep; start of the wedding season.
Kartik · Oct–Nov
Across Nepal
AshwinHindu (Maithil/Tharu)
Jitiya
Three-day fast observed by mothers for the long life of their children.
Ashwin · Sep–Oct
Terai districts
KartikBuddhist (Sherpa)
Mani Rimdu
Sherpa Buddhist masked-dance festival at Tengboche Monastery for the good of the world.
Kartik · Oct–Nov
Solukhumbu
KartikHindu (Maithil)
Sama Chakeva
Ten-day Mithila festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
Kartik · Oct–Nov
Mithila (Terai districts)
KartikHindu
Tihar (Deepawali)
Five-day festival of lights honouring crows, dogs, cows, oxen and the goddess Laxmi.
Kartik · Oct–Nov
Across Nepal