Dashain, the biggest festival in Nepal. It usually happens in September or October and lasts for 15 days. Dashain celebrates the victory of good over evil – symbolized by goddess Durga defeating the demon Mahishasura. Families gather, fly kites, play cards, and receive blessings with tika and jamara from elders. Special food is prepared – you will see goat meat (khasi ko masu), sel roti (traditional rice bread), and lots of homemade sweets. If you’re here during Dashain, you might get invited to a local home – don’t miss it!”
Tihar
“Tihar, also called the festival of lights, is one of the most beautiful celebrations in Nepal. It lasts five days. On the first day, we honor crows, believed to be messengers of news. The second day is for dogs — yes, dogs! People put tika on their foreheads, offer garlands, and feed them good food to thank them for their loyalty. The third day celebrates cows in the morning and goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, in the evening. Homes are cleaned, decorated with rangoli and oil lamps, and people pray for prosperity. The fourth day varies by community — some worship oxen, some celebrate New Year. The last day is Bhai Tika, when sisters put seven-colored tika on their brothers’ foreheads, pray for their long life, and exchange gifts. Special food like sel roti, fruits, and mithai are shared among family and neighbors.
Holi
Holi is the festival of colors and is celebrated across Nepal, especially in the Terai and Kathmandu Valley. It marks the victory of good over evil, connected with the story of Prahlad and Holika in Hindu mythology. People smear each other with colored powder, throw water balloons, and dance in the streets. Foreigners are very welcome to join in, but remember to use organic colors to keep it safe. The day is filled with fun, music, and delicious treats like malpua and chilled drinks such as thandai.
Indra Jatra
Indra Jatra is one of the oldest and grandest street festivals of Kathmandu. It lasts for eight days and is dedicated to Indra, the god of rain, who ensures a good harvest. The highlight is the procession of the living goddess Kumari in a wooden chariot pulled through the streets. You will also see masked dances like Lakhey and Pulu Kisi, which entertain crowds and chase away evil spirits. The entire Kathmandu Durbar Square is decorated with lights and traditional poles called lingo are erected. Traditional Newari food such as yomari, chhoila, and bara are enjoyed during this festival.
Maghe Sankranti & Others
Maghe Sankranti is celebrated on the first day of the Nepali month of Magh (January). People take holy dips in rivers like Devghat and eat special winter foods such as sesame laddus, yam, and ghee. This day is believed to bring good luck and health. Another major festival is Buddha Jayanti, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Lumbini, his birthplace, is decorated beautifully with lamps and prayer flags, and thousands of devotees visit monasteries. Teej is another colorful festival where women dress in red saris, sing and dance in temples, and fast for the health and prosperity of their husbands or future partners. The day before fasting, women gather for Dar Khane Din, where they enjoy a feast together with rice pudding (kheer), fruits, and sweets.
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