Nepal is a land of Festivals. It is said that each day is celebrated as a festival here in Nepal. Festivals effectively bind together the Nepalese people of diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs into one nation. There are many festivals in Nepal some related to only particular ethnic groups but some festivals are of national significance such as Dashain or Tihar; some are confined to the Katmandu Valley, while still others are celebrated only within one or two villages or cities. For Nepalese it's a living part of their rich cultural heritage. On a festival day the Nepalese take their ritual bath, worship different gods and goddesses, visit the temple, observe fasting and undertake feasting.

Baisakh (April and May)

Navavarsha / Bisket Jatra

This festival is celebrated in the first day of the first month of the New Year (Bikram Sambat, BC) and is observed as an official holiday. On this day, devotees take a dip in the holy rivers and visit temples. In Bhaktapur, a city 15km away from Kathmandu, the festival takes place named as Bisket Jatra. During Bisket Jatra, a tall wooden ceremonial pole called 'yosin' is erected in one of the main squares. This festival honors the great battle of Mahabharata and the wooden pole symbolizes victory.

Mother's Day/Mata Tirtha Aunshi

This festival is also known as the day of "looking upon mother's face" or "aama ko mukh herne". On this auspicious day, sons bow and touch their mother's feet with their forehead and offer sweets and other gifts and daughters offer gifts and sweets to their mother. The mother in turns give blessing to their offspring. Those whose mothers are already dead take a holy dip in Mata Tirtha pond, which is situated 8-km southwest of Kathmandu.

Mani Rimdu

This festival is mainly celebrated among the Sherpa community and is the greatest annual festivity observed in the Khumbu area, which lies under the shadow of sagarmatha (Mt. Everest). During this festival Sherpas from the Khumbu region, and even tourists from far-away places, congregate at Tengboche monastery for the three -day celebrations. The ceremonies start with the blowing of horns by Buddhist monks in the afternoon of the first day. Then the chief Lama, accompanied by other monks in their maroon robes, arrives on the stage. Prayers are chanted and gratitude is extended to all those who have contributed, both monetarily and materially, for the function.

Buddha Jayanti

It is the day when Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha in Lumbini of southern Nepal on full moon day over 2,500 years ago when he was enlightened and when he attained Nirvana (Salvation). In the Kathmandu valley, this festival is also known as "Swanya Punhi", or the full moon day of flowers. The main ceremonies take place around the massive stupa of Swayambhu situated atop a hillock to the west of the city and Boudhanath.

Jestha (May - June)

Red Machendranath Jatra

This festival is also known as Bunga -Dyo Jatra and takes place in the city of Patan. Bunga Dyo, is the Buddhist as well as Hindu deity of rain. During the festival the deity's image is put in a towering chariot and pulled by ropes through the narrow streets of the city followed by a large crowd of worshippers accompanied by a small crowd of traditional musicians adding even more excitement to the occasion.

Sithi Nakha

The Festival is known as the birthday of warrior god Kumar, the Hindu deity of war and one of the son of the Lord Shiva. The people celebrate Sithi Nakha by visiting Kumar's temple near Jaisidewal in southern part of Old Kathmandu. In Bhaktpur the image of goddess Bhagawati is carried in colorful procession through Durbar Square.

Ashadh ( June - July )

Dumji

It is celebrated in all the Sherpa settlements in the month of July. The Sherpas of Kathmandu and Helambu regions participate in dancing on this day.

Generally, there are no such major festivals in this month. Being the rainy season, this month is the peak time for harvesting crops.

Shravan (July - August)

Naag Panchami

In, Hinduism, the Naag or the snake is considered as divine. The Naag or the divine serpents are believed to be a guardian of the ground and power over the Monsoon rainfall. On this day of Naag Panchami, devotees paste pictures of the Naag over their doorways and pay homage. Milk and rice are left outside the door holes and corners to assure the blessings of the serpent god. Devotees also take the holy dip in the pond name as Taudaha, which is 6 km to the south of Kathmandu. There they worship Karkotak Naag, the serpent king.

Rishi Panchami

Rishi Panchami falls on the third day of Teej. On this day, the seven rishis, or sages, of the Hindu pantheon are worshipped by women to cleanse all sins of the previous year. Sages are the symbol of the purity of religion and holy practices in this earth. Especially Women clean their teeth and bathe at the holy rivers especially at the Bagmati River near the Temple of Pashupatinath.

Gunla Punhi

In the Nepal Era calendar, Gunla is the name of 10th month and is a sacred month dedicated to Lord Buddha. This festival commemorates the yearly auspicious "rains retreat" initiated by the Buddha, over 2,500 years ago. Buddhists from throughout Nepal climb up the steps of the Swayambhunath stupa in Kathmandu with traditional musical bands. They spend the month in prayer and fasting. During this festival the Gunla lakhe (masked dancer) enlivens the festival with street performances.

Teej

Teej is a festival of womanhood. This is a special festival for married women who are supposed to fast all day and bathe in the holy waters of the rivers. In this day married women are supposed to wear red and a lot of ornaments. The day recalls the heavenly occasion when Parvati, daughter of the Himalaya, won the hand of Lord Shiva after severe meditation and fasting. The night before this day, women gather together to feast and take heavy foods and sweets for next day's fasting. Although having a severe fasting even without water, they sing and dance and share their feelings by means of songs among sisters and friends. It is believed that their married life will be long and happy and they will not lose their husbands if they celebrate this festival.

Ghanta karna

This festival celebrates the exorcism of a mythical demon, Ghantakarna,"Bell-ears", who, according to legend, terrorized the Kathmandu valley residents. This festival also represents ritual detoxifications of the city, when evil spirits are vanished outside the urban limits. The festival is celebrated by acting out the legendary drama in the streets. On this day, children stretch ropes across the streets and demand money from travelers to pay for the funeral of the demon. A man impersonates Ghantakarna puts war paints all over his body and goes about begging for money. Before locking up the house for the night, nails are hammered into the door lintels because the spooks are supposed to be terrified of iron. Thus the festival is celebrated to mark the victory of the local inhabitants over the demon

Bhadra (August - September)

Indra Jatra

Indra Jatra, the Festival is celebrated in the honor of the ancient Aryan god Indra, Lord of Heaven. Both Hindus and Buddhists celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. The festival continues for eight days during where there is much rejoicing, dancing and feasting. During the festival, long wooden pole is erected in front of the ancient Royal Place at Hanuman Dhoka, the Living Goddess or "Kumari" is taken out in a procession through the streets of Kathmandu, interesting dances including the Mahakali, Mahalaxmi and Dasha Avatara masked dances, Lakhe and Jhyalincha dance, Pulukishi dance etc. are held. On the last evening of the festival, the long wooden pole erected on the first day is lowered among religious ceremonies and animal sacrifices and is considered the end of the festival. During the festival, three chariots of Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairab are taken round the city for three days

Janai Purnima

During this Janai Purnima festival, every year, a full moon day, high-caste Hindus chant the powerful Gayatri mantra and change their Sacred Thread (Janai). Raksya bandhan, a red or yellow protection cord or thread, is tied around the wrists of other Hindus and Buddhists, the sacred thread is replaced after a daylong fast. On this day in Newari culture, soup is prepared from nine different beans, which is the special menu of the day. In Patan at Khumbeswar Mahadev temple, "Lingam", the phallic symbol of lord Shiva, is placed in the middle of the Khumbeswar pond. In Bhaktapur, a colorful procession known as Jujuya Ghin-tang-gishi (king's carnival) goes around town in the evening. Kumbheshwar temple in Patan, and the holy lake of Gosaikunda north of Kathmandu valley are important places for this festival.

Mata Ya

It is the Festival of Lights and Mata-ya is one of Patan's most popular festivals. In this Mata ya festival, the daylong procession of devotees goes around the Buddhists sites all over the city worshipping at the holy places. Devotees carry lighted tapers and joss stick and toss rice grains, flowers and coins at the shrines as they pass by. In this festival those, whose family members have died in the past year, perform a special penance of fasting. . Traditional musical bands also take part in the parade.

Gai Jatra

In this festival, every family who has lost a relative during the past year must participate in a parade through the streets of Kathmandu leading a decorated cow. It is believed that the sacred animal, Cow, helps departed souls to cross the Baitarni River or cosmic ocean in their journey into the after world. The other part of Gai Jatra is humour. Comic dramas and street shows making fun of government officials are performed; Newspapers bring out special "mad" editions. In this festival at Kathmandu, people proceed along the festival route individually. In Bhaktapur, tall bamboo poles, wrapped in cloth and topped with horns made up of straw are carried around the city in the memory of death.

Krishna Astami

Krishnashtami, the festival is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna,the hero of the Hindu epic "Mahabharata". Lord Krishna was born at midnight on the eighth day of the dark moon of August. In Patan, thousands of the devout gather at Krishna temple to worship and receive blessings. The best place to watch the celebration of this festival is at the Krishna Temple, Patan.

Gokarna Aunshi

In this festival the sacred bathing ceremony of god Janma-dyo takes place. The holy water, which is used to bathe the god, consists of butter, honey, milk, curd, and sugar. Priests collect the bath water and sprinkle it over the devotees as blessings. After ritual washing, the image is put in the sun and painted meticulously to give it a fresh look and then he is given a new silken robe. This day is also celebrated as father's day, "babu-ko-mukh-herne" and sons and daughters offer good food and gifts to their father in this day as an honour to their father.

Ashwin (September - October)

Dashain

This is the biggest festival in Nepal and lasts fifteen days in all but the main festivities are concentrated in nine days. Dasain represents the victory of good over evil, as according to legend it commemorates the killing of a demon by the goddess Durga. The first day of the festival is known as Ghatasthapana - the placing of the sacred vessel where Barley seeds are planted in the sand and nurtured for 9 days. During this festival all the government offices and schools will be closed. The skies of Kathmandu will be filled with kites and the marketplaces are filled with farmers bringing their buffaloes, goats and chickens to sell. The 8th day of the festival is known as Mahashtami and is marked by a fast by all orthodox Hindus. In the morning, animal sacrifices are carried out at temples dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Similar sacrifices are made throughout the country and on this day practically every household in Nepal eats meat. On 9th day, vehicles and

Other mechanical items are worshipped and sacrificed so as to prevent accidents during the coming year. The peak of Dashain celebrations is reached on the 10th day known as Vijaya Dashami, the day of victory. On this day, all Hindus and Buddhists, in their fineries visit their elder to seek blessing and tika (a dab of red vermilion powder mixed with curd and rice) and shoots of the barley know as Jamara, (which are planted on the 1st day). As all visits cannot be completed in one day, they continue until the end of the festival, Kojagrat Purnima. The main highlights of the festival are new clothes, grand feasts and kites flying.

Kartik (October - November)

Tihar

Tihar is doubtlessly known as the Nepal's second most important festival, which is known as " The festival of lights". The festival lasts for 5 days and is the time of lights and sequins decoration, fancy sweets and juicy fruits. The 1st day is known as the Kag Tihar where the crows are worshipped. 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th is known as Kukur Tihar where dogs are worshipped, Gai Tihar where cows are worshipped as the representative of god Laxmi, Govardan tihar and Mha Puja where Newar's worship own self for good fortune throughout the coming year and lastly the Bhai Tika or Brother's Day where every sister worships her brothers and prays to Yama, the god of Death, for their brothers' progress, prosperity and longevity respectively. On the Bhai tika or Brother's Day, sisters' put multi-coloured Tika on the brother's forehead and garlands them with flowers. The brothers are offered many delicacies including sweets, fruits etc. as well as her blessings where as the brothers then in turn give Tika to their sisters after which gifts are also exchanged.

Mangsir (November - December)

Bala Chaturdashi

The festival Bala Chaturdashi marks the end of a corpse-snatching demon, Balasur, and ensures peace for the soul deceased in the past. At the sunrise of the Bala Chaturdashi, everyone makes his or her way to the holy Bagmati River to cleanse. The festival was installed to appease the restless soul of those whose bodies could not be properly cremated.

Bibha Panchami
This festival is one of the most famous festival of Janakpur in the eastern Terai. The occasion commemorates the marriage of Sita to Ram, one of the most venerated Hindu divinities. It attracts thousands of piligrims from India to Janaki Temple in Jajakpur.

Poush (December - January)

Yomari Punhi

In this festival, the Yomari is offered to the goddesses at various temples. In kathmandu valley Goddess Annapurna is worshiped. Yomari is a sweet of rice-flour dough shaped like a fig and filled with molasses and sesame seeds. On this festival, in the evening, kids go around the neighbourhood begging for the Yomari. The festival, Yomari Punhi, is also as thanks giving day.

Janmadhyo Nhawaran

In this festival the sacred bathing ceremony of god Janma-dyo takes place. The holy water, which is used to bathe the deity, consists of butter, honey, milk, curd, and sugar. Priests collect the bath water and sprinkle it over the devotees as blessings. After finishing the ritual wash, the image is put in the sun and painted carefully to give it a fresh look and then he is given a new silken robe.

Magh (January - February)

Maghe Sankranti

This festival is celebrated to worship the god Vishnu who is thanked for his efforts in making the days longer and warmer from the Magh month. In this festival, Devotees take bath in holy rivers, eat pulaow (rice cooked with lentils, dried fruits and peas). This festival is observed on the first day of Magh Month. In the Kathmandu Valley, Newars celebrate the festival as Ghya - Chaku sanlhu by partaking the ritual dish containing butter (ghya), molasses (chaku), sesame seedcakes and yam.

Swasthani Puja In this festival, the Swasthani scripture is read every evening for a month. Worshipping Swasthani will bring together parted relations, remove curses, and result in limitless gifts. Goddess Swasthani is the ultimate gift grantor; if insulted, she can make life miserable. By worshipping Swasthani, Parbati attained Lord Shiva as her husband.

Falgun (February - March)

Maha Shiva Ratri This festival, taking place at Pashupatinath temple is dedicated to the god Shiva, the God of Destruction. On the day, one will find almost impossible to visit the Pashupati temple which remains jammed literally! The day is observed by visiting Pashupati temple, drinking and dancing. Sadhus - the replica of Lord Shiva enjoy the day by smoking cigars and sweets. This is the grandest and most prominent among the numerous festivals, which is celebrated in the honor of Lord Shiva. On this day, people offer rice, vermilion, fruits, flowers and coins and priests in turn give back a small portion of Chandan Tika (made from Sandalwood), which is considered a gift from Lord Shiva, and a sign of his blessing. Many of them undergo one or more days of fasting.

Fagu Purnima or Holi Fagu Purnima also known as Holi, is the Festival of color and rejoice, occurs in the springtime on the day of the full moon in the Nepalese month of Falgun. It marks the demise of the demoness Holika by the hands of Lord Vishnu. In Kathmandu, at Durbar Square a ceremonial pole, known as "Chir" is set up which announce the beginning of the festival and at the end of the festival; the 'chir' is taken down and burnt. In Helambu, the village of Tarkeghyang has a colorful festival celebrated with dancing and singing until the late hours.

Lohsar Lohsar is the festival of Sherpas and Tibetans, who welcome the near year by celebrating this festival in which one can see feats, family visits, songs and dance in monasteries and colourful prayer flags decorating streets and rooftops and the colours seem especially brilliant at the Bouddhanath and Swayambhunath stupas. Crowds of celebrants at this place bring in the New Year by throwing tsampa (roasted barley flour) into the air.

Basanta panchami / Saraswati Puja This day is dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of music and learning, and the second consort of Lord Vishnu. On this day there is a gathering at her shrine behind Swyambhunath Stupa and at Kathmandu Durbar Square .Students believe that a visit to the goddess's shrine on this day will ensure that their examination sare good and whatever they study will be easy to remember. Buddhists worship the deity as Manjushree.

Chaitra (March - April)

Chaite Dashian Chaitra Dashain is also called a small dashain in contrast to October's big Dashain But It is celebrated for only one day.In this festival also, many goats and buffaloes are sacrificed to the goddess Durga at the 'Kot Square'. Red vermillion powder, family blessings, animal's sacrifices etc. are essential to praise the victory of Ram, the hero of the epic Ramayana, over the evil king Rawan. In this festival the devotees visit the RAM and Durga temples to perform puja.

White Machendranath Jatra The goddess White Machendranath is also known as the Janma -Dyo, the Buddhist deity of compassion. The main feature of this festival is a weeklong chariot procession of Seto (white) Machchhendranath. The procession starts at Durbar Marg and winds through the market squares to end at Lagan, to the southern end of the city where the shrine of the mother of this deity is located.

Ram Navami The diety Ram is consider as the seven incarnation of Lord Vishnu,and the festival is celebrated as The birth anniversary of Lord Ram. On this day flock of devotees crowds the Ram shrines throughout the country. The most spectacular event can be seen in Janakpur,a historic and holy city in south eastern Nepal which is named after Ram's father in law, King Janak. Deity Ram is the hero of great Hindu epic Ramayan.

Ghode Jatra One of the great festivals of Nepalese, Ghode Jatra, takes place to satisfy the demon who is believed to be buried under the soil of Tundikhel. In Kathmandu, The festival is celebrated as a purely stunt show such as jumping, motor cycling, horse riding, gymnastics and sky diving which is performed by the Nepalese Army. In Patan version of the Ghode Jatra festival, a horse is made to drink liquor and the townspeople chase the intoxicated animal through the city streets amidst much shouting and clapping. There is an official holiday for this day in Kathmandu Valley.