Upcoming Festivals in Nepal are the most awaited and going to very exciting . So, Are you Excited !! Let’s Enjoy this blog. 

Festivals have played an important role in Nepali life and culture . It would seem that there is a celebration somewhere in the country almost every day.

“In Nepal, we have many more occasions than days in a year,” a popular saying goes. There are many festivals that are rich in nature, cultures, and traditions. But, there are a few majors known cultural events.

Nepal is bursting with culture and tradition. It seems impossible to list out all the occasions celebrated in the entire nation . The major number of occasions happening around the Nation can make your head spin. So don’t forget to enjoy each festival as it comes with its own unique meaning and significance!

List of Upcoming Festivals in Nepal

Dashain

The most Upcoming Festivals in Nepal -“Dashain”. This Festival marks the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, Dashain is Lord Ram’s victory over King Ravana.

Dashain is Nepal’s most important festival, that will last two weeks. It is a celebration of good gaining power over evil. People offers male goats, ducks, chickens, eggs, and coconuts to the goddess Durga.

Many centuries ago, Chaitye Dashain was observe in the spring. The event was delay until the fall due to the large number of sick people and the unfavorable weather.

Many people travel back to their native villages to celebrate dashain.  Children are provide with large swings, and starting on the tenth day. Family members start getting Tika (rice, red vermillion, and yoghurt) applied to their foreheads. So, Dashain is like a main Festival that denotes the whole Nepal .

 Happy Dashain To All . May Lord Durga Bless you .

Tihar

It is one of the most well-liked holidays in Nepal. It is also known as the Festival of Lights. It is a five-day celebration that occurs in October or November . Tihar is one of Nepal Upcoming Festivals . The event honors both Ganesh, the god of good fortune, and Laxmi, the goddess of riches. 

After Dashain, This  Festival, often known as Diwali. It is the second most popular holiday in Nepal (Dussehra). People celebrate the Gods during this festival, but they also honor the animals and birds. They have a special bond with the Gods.

On the first day  crows are fed in Laxmi’s honor. The second day is dedicate to dogs, which are seem as Laxmi’s devoted companions. Worshipers present cows with sweets and garlands on the third day. On the fifth and final day, brothers go to their sisters’ houses to celebrate Bhai Tika. The fourth day is devote to Oxen.

Happy Tihar to All.

Janai Purnima

This festival is celebrated by Newars, ethnic inhabitants of Kathmandu valley. According to a lunar calendar, it celebrates the victory of good over evil during Daksha Yajna . It marks the beginning of spring. One can witness ritual bathing at sacred rivers such as Bishnumati. 

Ritual bathing is an integral part as it symbolizes washing away all past sins like snakes shedding their skin. As such, people are immersed seven times so they will be clean both inside and out on this day. Each participant in this festival wraps a sacred thread around their wrist. So, Janai Purnima is also known to be a major festival in Nepal . You can also see if you are in Nepal .

Chhath Parva 

The Upcoming Festivals in Nepal – “Chhath Parva”. For the Madhesi population of Nepal, Chhath Parva is a joyful celebration. Like Hindu Dashain in southern Nepal, it is a Madhesi holiday. It still draws hundreds of pilgrims to the holy town of Janakpur. They all assemble to take ritual bathing in ponds and rivers. The major goal of the event is purification, both physically and spiritually. 

Devotees make offerings of holy water, fruits, coconuts, and sacred threads on this day. During the occasion, fasting and house cleaning are other frequent activities. After concluding their nightly sun god worship, the women break their fast.

You can see the celebration of Chhath parva which is  Nepal Upcoming Festivals. 

Maghe Sankranti

 Maghe Sankranti is one of the Upcoming Festivals in Nepal. The Newars, an ethnic group that lives in the Kathmandu valley, celebrate this event on Maghe Sankranti . It celebrates the success of good over evil during the Daksha Yajna and ushers in spring . At famous rivers like Bishnumati, one can observe ritualistic bathing. Ritual bathing is an important element because it represents washing away all previous crimes like snakes leaving their skin. To be clean both inside and out on this day, people were  immersed seven times. 

On the first of Magh, families gather to share meals. During this joyful time, they do share sweet potatoes, ghee, and til ladoo. All family members receive the priest’s prayers for good health and a brighter future. In order to honor the month of Magh, the Brahmin and Chhetri communities of Nepal invite their married daughters and close relatives to their homes, where they serve them special meals and extend their best wishes. 

You can also enjoy the Maghe Sankranti while in Nepal.

Losar

The Losar festival, which is celebrated throughout Nepal. It is one of the Upcoming Festivals in Nepal 2022 . Nepal is surrounded by the Himalayas. It is a well-known travel destination with a distinct reputation. Nepal is well-known for its diverse population. Nepal is famous for its hypnotic green hills and difficult trekking routes. 

Losar festival celebration in Nepal is a major procession that holds a higher rank in some mountain communities. The Losar Festival is often referred to as the festival of highlanders because most mountain communities, such as Sherpas, Gurung, Tamang, Thakali, and others, celebrate it with full energy. 

Holi 

Holi is an ancient Hindu festival that has been celebrated for centuries. The Holi Festival is celebrated as a way to welcome spring, as well as a new beginning . The  people can let go of their inhibitions and start over. The gods are said to turn a blind eye during the Holi Festival. 

It is one of the few times when devout Hindus can let loose. They relax and enjoy each other’s company, make time to dance and party, and set aside their cultural norms. A bonfire is lit on the first day of the festival to burn away all the bad and make way for a colorful and vibrant new future. Holi is also one of the Nepal Upcoming Festivals.

Bisket Jatra 

Bisket Jatra is a festival celebrated by the Newar community. It is observed in Nepal’s districts of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur. The festival lasts nine days and is dedicated to Lord Bhairav and Goddess Bhadrakali. The deities’ idols are kept on a chariot, which is pulled around the city. People enjoy good food and drinks while the Charriot is being pulled around to celebrate the festival. Bisket Jatra is one of the major festivals in Nepal  . 

This festival occurs at the start of Bikram Sambat, or New Year. This festival marks the end of the Nepali month of Chaitra and the start of the New Nepali year in Baisakh. Bisket Jatra is derived from the Newari words Bi and Syaku. Snake laughter is the meaning of Bi and Syaku. According to legend, this is the celebration following the serpent’s death (crawling snake). This well-known festival lasts 8 nights and 9 days.

Indra Jatra

The eight-day Indra Jatra festival, held in September. It is one of the most electrifying and valuable festivals of the Kathmandu Valley’s Newari community. This also marks the start of a month-long autumn festival season.

Indra Jatra’s history dates back to the 10th century. It was founded by the former Nepali king Gunakamadeva to commemorate the founding of the capital city, Kathmandu. The festival begins with the construction of a wood pole at Basantapur Square.

Another enticing event held during the Indra Jatra is the Majipa Lakhe dance. Kumari Jatra is distinguished by the pulling of chariots.

The streets of Kathmandu’s old cities come alive with thousands of devotees pulling chariots. During Indra Jatra, people also pay tribute to their deceased family members. 

Maha shivaratri

Maha shivaratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme deity. The festival’s name translates as “the night of Shiva,”.  Hindus all over the country celebrate it by visiting Lord Shiva temples . This day, 10 thousand pilgrims and devotees of Lord Shiva enter Kathmandu to visit the Pashupatinath temple. In Nepal, this festival signifies overcoming all darkness and bringing happiness and joy into our lives.

According to the Puranas, a pot of poison emerged from the ocean during the great mythical churning of the ocean known as Samudra Manthan. The gods and demons were terrifie because it had the potential to destroy the entire world. When they ran to Shiva for help, he drank the deadly poison but held it in his throat instead of swallowing it to protect the world. This turned his throat blue, and he became known as ‘Nilkantha’ as a result. NilKantha means “blue throat” in Sanskrit.

Maha shivaratri is one of the most major festivals in Nepal . You can observe while in Nepal.

Gaura Parba 

Gaura Parba is observe according to the Hindu lunar calendar, the date on the Gregorian Calendar changes each year. But, it usually falls in late August or early September. It is observe in Nepal’s western districts and adjacent areas of neighboring India. The festival lasts three days and is both religious and cultural in nature.

Women in Western Nepal especially celebrate Gaura Parba. They bring five special grains from the local market on the first day of the feast, which they cast into a water pot on the second day. On day three, the women take baths in a nearby river and fast all day. They also have 108 fruits available. Only married women are permitt to take part. Gaura Parba is one of the Popular Festivals in Nepal.

Edul Aajaha

Bakra-Eid is a “holy day,” whereas Eid ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the Ramadan fast, is more of a “holiday” with an emphasis on fun and merriment.

On Bakri-Eid, Muslim men in Nepal dress up and go to the mosque early to offer prayers and recitations to Allah. Also listen to a special Bakra-Eid message, which often recounts the Koranic story of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael to Allah. Allah spared Ishmael’s life by providing a goat to be sacrifice in his place.

Following the exchange of festive greetings at the mosque, people return home and slaughter the sacrificial animal. It is also one of the  Nepal Upcoming Festivals.

For more detail: List of Festival

Reasons Why People Celebrate Festivals in Nepal

Nepal has many different types of festivals that are celebrate by people all over the country throughout the year. Nepal has many festivals to go around. In Nepal, there are three types of festivals: national festivals, regional festivals, and local festivals. There are ten major national festivals and sixty-three major regional festivals . The People celebrate various religious and cultural traditions in Nepalese style because of :

1. Culture

2. Festival

3. Ritual

4. Tourism

5. Celebration

Things to know before Upcoming Festivals in Nepal

Upcoming Festivals in Nepal are special times for most cultures, and if you are planning to travel there, here are a few things you should know:

1. Festivals often last several days and can be very crowd. This is a great opportunity to explore the culture, but remember that it’s still a long time of walking with lots of people.

2.You may not want to wear heels or leave the hotel for any reason. Bring comfy shoes! And try not to schedule any important meetings or appointments before the end of your stay just in case you get really ill from all the walking and standing around. 

3.Just relax and enjoy yourself; you’re on vacation! Weather during festivals varies, depending on what type of event it is.

What to Expect and How to Prepare?

Nepal has so much to offer visitors that it’s difficult to choose just one thing to do while there. However, if you have the opportunity to visit Nepal during one of its many festivals, you should make the most of it! 

This guide will provide you with some background on Nepal’s festival traditions, as well as an explanation of what to expect from each event and how to prepare for these celebrations if you don’t want to miss out!

Festivals in Nepal are a vibrant and exciting time for both locals and visitors. If you plan on attending Upcoming Festivals in Nepal  , here are few things you should know:

1. Most celebrations take place in Kathmandu, so if you aren’t already there, you’ll need to make travel arrangements.

2. When visiting temples or shrines during festivals, women traditionally wear clothing that covers their chest, arms, and legs, while men wear pants instead of shorts.

3. Bring cash because many food vendors do not accept credit cards.

4.  Festival tickets frequently sell out, so get yours as soon as possible!

5. Get ready for Large Crowd.

Items for Nepal Upcoming Festivals

1. Walking shoes that are comfortable. At any Nepali festival, you’ll be doing a lot of walking, from getting there and back to exploring the market stalls and wandering around the event grounds. Wear comfortable shoes that can withstand rough terrain.

2.Charger for your camera/phone and an extra battery .  Make sure your phone is fully charge before leaving the house, because if your phone dies, so will your social media updates!

3.Tissues and hand sanitizer. Nothing is worse than arriving in an unknown location with all of your belongings but lacking these two necessities! If you forget your own supplies, it’s always a good idea to have some on hand in case you come across someone who needs them more than you.

4. Money! Most festivals require some kind of payment to enter, whether it’s food or an entrance fee. Plan ahead of time and budget for those little extras.

5 Useful Tips on Foods and Drinks

1. You will need cash to purchase food and drinks from the vendors.

2. The first thing you should know is that foods are not include in the ticket price.

3. There are numerous food options available, including Nepali, Indian, and Western cuisine.

4. Although most vendors accept credit cards, it is always a good idea to have cash on hand in case of any issues.

5. Water is provided for free at the festival, so stay hydrated!

Finally 

Nepal is a country with a rich culture and history, which is reflect in the numerous festivals held here. There are numerous reasons why Nepalese people gather to celebrate, ranging from religious festivals to seasonal changes. For some, it is an opportunity to honor their deities and pray for a bountiful harvest. Others see it as a chance to celebrate community spirit and spend time with loved ones. Whatever the reason, the Upcoming Festivals in Nepal are an important part of life in Nepal. You can also enjoy and feel the moments of the culture of Nepalese peoples.

You can visit our blog on Nepal. and Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty

FAQ

1. What is the main festival of Nepal ?

Dashain is Nepal’s largest and most important Hindu festival. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil as well as the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Dashain is celebrate for ten days, beginning this year on October 7. It’s also referr to as Bijaya/Vijaya Dashami or Bada Dashain.

2. How many Nepali festival are there?

Every year, Nepal celebrates more than 50 festivals. While national holidays have set dates, religious holidays are determine by astrologers using the lunar calendar.

3. What day is Dashain Tika 2022 ?

The Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, Nepal’s authorized body for determining dates and times for Hindu festivals, has determined that the auspicious hour to receive Dashain tika this year is 11:51 a.m. (5 October).

4. Is Dashain Nepal’s national festival?

In Nepal, it is also known as the country’s largest festival and the country’s longest national/public holiday, lasting 5 days. It is Nepal’s most anticipated festival.

Holi is one of the popular Hindu festivals of Nepal celebrated in the month of Feb/March on full Moon day.  Holi the festival of colors is celebrated with full of different colors, water, Music and dance. Mostly, Hindu people celebrate in Nepal, India.  People put color in face each other as token of love, harmony and friendship.

Holi the festival of colors is one of the most enjoyable festival in Nepal and India. The color gives the positive vibration of brotherhood, peace, joy and wisdom. It is government holiday too where all Hindu people participate to celebrate it.

People started to celebrate this festival after the death of HOLIKA.  Prahlad, who is the son of demon king was an devotee of Lord Vishnu. He disobeyed the orders of his evil father not to offer prayeers to God Vishnu. To teach his son a lesson, he thought the assistance of his sister, Holika to kill Prahlad. Holika sit on a bonfire with prahalad but the fire burnt only for Holika and pralahad remained unaffected.

Nowadays in Kathmandu, young people walk in the street pasting different color in the face. They also produce music and dance in public places by making color each other and say “Happy Holi”. In southern part of Nepal, people celebrate holi the next day having same ritual.

Holi the festival of colors is also welcoming of spring and summer. It is also the time to get blessing of God for coming harvests and fertility of the land.  Happy holi to all!!

Without a doubt, Dashain (Vijaya Dashami) is the biggest and famous Hindu festival. In Nepal 80% people celebrate this festival in the month of October and November beginning from the bright lunar fortnight and ending in the day of full moon. This festival is fifteen days long and most important days are 1st 7th 8th 9th and 10th.

Dashain (Vijaya Dashami) signifies victory of goddesses over demons. This festival also represents victory of good deeds over the evil. Goddess Durga defeated Mahisashur in this day. As the symbol of power, victory and divine mother people worships her. This festival also symbolize truth, justice, virtue, good deeds prevail over deception, injustice and wickedness. Ghatasthapana is the first day of Dashain festival. It is the first day of bright half of the lunar calendar in the month of October. In this day, people fill the Kalash with holy water and barley or corn seeds in the kalash which is kept in the corner away from the sunlight. Seeds are grown five or six inches long yellow grass. This grass is also known as Jamara.

Fulpati

It is the seventh day of Dashain festival.  Brings fulpati Jamara, flowers, red tika, and some other things from Gorkha district to Kathmandu after walking three day which is 179 km far from Kathmandu and practice parade in Kathmandu. The president/prime minister and other high official members observe the parade and fulpati is taken to Hanuman Dhoka royal palace.

Mahaasthami

It is the eighth day of Dashain festival. In this day Hindu people sacrifices hundred of goats, buffaloes, and ducks to goddess Durga. Durga need blood and blood is the symbol for its fertility. The night of this day is also popular as Kal Ratri(black night). The old palace in Basantapur Hanuman Dhoka opens throughout the whole night and sacrifices in every all courtyard. In this midnight they sacrifices 54 goats and 54 buffaloes.

Mahanavami

It is the ninth day of Dashain festival. This day is the last day of Navaratri. In this day people also sacrifices goats, docks and buffaloes. Normally, people worship to the things such as cars, motorbikes, buses, machines, factories. The Traders, craftsman, mechanics worship to their tools, equipment’s and vehicles. In this day, Taleju temple in Hanuman Dhoka opens where devotees can go and pray to goddess Taleju.

Finally, The tenth day of this festival is “Vijaya Dashami”. This is the most important day of the festival. In this day, Hindu people of Nepal mixes rice, yogurt, vermilion powder and they put Tika on the forehead which is the symbol of long live, good life, good work, successful, peace and wisdom. Normally, father and mother put tika and jamara to their son, daughters, and relatives. And sons, daughters give small amount of money to their parents as a “Dakshina”. This system continues till full moon day in which period, families and relatives visit each other. Apart from this, Playing cards, flying kites, bamboo swings, buying things, wearing clothes, eating meat and different other celebration are the main features of Dashain festival.