Top 10 Festivals of Nepal in 2025

Nepal is a beautiful landscape with deep culture, high spirituality, and long tradition. The festivals of Nepal are the best part of this diverse and wonderfully hospitable country. The festivals are colorful, joyous, and dance-filled. Festivals occur throughout the year and reflect the diverse beliefs and traditions of the country.

If you plan your trip at the right time, you will be able to take part in some of the major festivals in Nepal, such as Dashain, Tihar, Holi, and Buddha Jayanti. Each one is unique and has its significance. From sacred prayers to fun and lively parades, these festivals are excellent opportunities to engage in some of the best that Nepal has to offer, whether you enjoy cultural festivities or want to be part of an energy-packed experience.

Why Festivals Matter in Nepal

Festivals of Nepal play a significant role in society by bringing people together to pray, celebrate, and spend time with their families. The major festivals in Nepal are rooted in ancient stories and are based on the beliefs and traditions of the Nepalese people. These days, it is essential to keep the culture alive and teach the younger generations about their heritage and roots. No matter where you go in Nepal, you will see people celebrating festivals through music, food, and vibrant, colorful clothes.

• Festivals play a significant role in everyday life and help maintain Nepal’s rich traditions.
•  They unite people and strengthen ties to the community throughout the nation.
• Many rituals-paying respect to gods, nature, and ancestors-exist with great cultural significance.
• Additionally, these celebrations often mark seasonal shifts and significant cultural events.
• Festivals showcase the unique combination of Hindu and Buddhist, regional, and folk traditions in Nepal.
•  For tourists, the festivals to experience in Nepal provide an excellent opportunity to engage with local culture.

Major Festivals of Nepal

1. Dashain

Dashain is the biggest and longest festival in Nepal, for 15 days, in September or October. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil. The main purpose of Dashain is to celebrate goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura. Many people clean their homes, buy new clothes, and travel to their villages to be with family.

The highlight of Dashain is receiving Tika (the mixture of yogurt, rice, and red powder) from elders and the Jamara (sacred yellow grass) as blessings for health and overall happiness. Each day of Dashain holds its significance, with the most important days being Ghatasthapana, Fulpati, Ashtami, Nawami, and Vijaya Dashami.

Families will offer prayers, prepare meals together, and in some cases even perform animal sacrifices to honor the goddess during this time. Children have time off (vacation) from school, fly kites, and swing on the traditional swings (pings). Dashain is one of the major festivals in Nepal and brings people together to celebrate love, culture, and tradition.

Highlights of Dashain Festival

• Celebrated for 15 days as the longest and most important festival in Nepal.
• Symbolizes the victory of goddess Durga over evil forces.
• Major days include Ghatasthapana, Fulpati, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijaya Dashami.
• Families come together to receive tika and jamara blessings from elders.
• Homes are cleaned and decorated; animal sacrifices are performed in some traditions.
• People enjoy swing rides, wear new clothes, eat special food, and take long holidays.

2. Tihar (Festival of Lights)

Tihar is a five-day festival marked with lights, colors, and devotion celebrated throughout Nepal. Each day of Tihar honors different beings, including crows, dogs, cows, oxen, and finally honors the special bond between a brother and sister. The third day of Tihar honors the Goddess, Laxmi in which people decorate their homes with oil lamps and candles to welcome wealth and blessings.

Bhai Tika is the fifth day of the Tihar festivals and is a reminder of the love siblings have for each other. On this day, sisters place tika and wreaths of flowers around the heads of their brothers and bless them for long life and prosperity. Brothers, in turn, provide gifts to their sisters and unwrap them to promise protection from harm. It is full of emotional and rich rituals, joyous festivities. Tihar is one of the best festivals to experience in Nepal.

Highlights of Tihar Festival

• Celebrated for 5 days, usually in October or November, right after Dashain.
• Also known as the festival of lights, honoring gods, animals, and the bond between brothers and sisters.
• Each day has a unique focus: crow, dog, cow, ox, and the final day for Bhai Tika.
• Homes are decorated with oil lamps, candles, and colorful rangoli patterns.
• People worship Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, to bring prosperity and blessings.
• Families exchange gifts, enjoy traditional food, and light fireworks during the celebration.

3. Holi (Festival of Colors) 

Holi is undoubtedly one of the most colorful and playful celebrations in Nepal. It marks the arrival of spring and invites people to share the joy of color. In various locations, people come together in the streets to throw powdered dye, splash water, sing, and dance. In a jubilant celebration, locals and visitors enjoy festivities together.

This celebration does vary slightly by region, with the Terai observing Holi a day later than the hilly. Holi is one of the most cherished festivals amongst the countless vibrant festivals organized in Nepal each year, and its cheerful energy and cultural significance make it one of the best festivals overall.

Highlights of Holi Festival

• Holi is the festival of colors, celebrated in March during the full moon.
• It marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.
• People throw colored powder and water at each other in the streets and open spaces.
• Friends and families gather to sing, dance, and enjoy sweets and festive food.
• Holi is one of the most joyful festivals of Nepal, celebrated with color and happiness.
• In the Terai region, it is celebrated a day later than in the hilly areas.

4. Gai Jatra (Festival of Cows)

Gai Jatra is a major festival in Nepal and especially popular in the Kathmandu Valley region. Families who lost a loved one throughout the past year participate in a procession, this often involves a cow, or sometimes a child dressed as a cow. In Nepali belief, the cow helps the departed soul safely pass from this life onto the afterlife.

In addition to the rituals, people dress in silly costumes and perform skits on the street, providing a comical touch to temper sadness with laughter. This interesting combination of tribute and comedy makes it somewhat unique among Nepal’s long-lived cultural traditions.

Highlights of Gai Jatra Festival

• Gai Jatra, also known as the Festival of Cows, is celebrated mainly in Kathmandu Valley.
• It usually takes place in August, during the month of Bhadra according to the Nepali calendar.
• The festival honors those who have lost loved ones during the past year, helping families overcome grief.
• People dress in colorful costumes and parade through the streets with cows or cow images.
• It is one of the unique festivals of Nepal that mixes mourning with humor and celebration.
• Families believe the festival helps souls reach the afterlife peacefully.

5. Indra Jatra  

Indra Jatra is a vibrant and interesting festival to experience in Nepal. This festival occurs in September and lasts for eight days in the Kathmandu Valley. This festival is a celebration in honor of Lord Indra, the god of rain and heaven, and to give thanks for rain and pray for a bountiful harvest.

During this festival, the people celebrate with a ceremonial pole that is erected, oil lamp lighting, and sacred dances. The highlight is the chariot procession of the living goddess Kumari carried and pulled through the ancient streets of Kathmandu. The squares fill with colorful masked dances and cultural performances. Indra Jatra is a festival that encapsulates spirituality, tradition, and celebration with the essence of the Nepali heart.

Highlights of Indra Jatra

• Indra Jatra is one of the oldest and most popular festivals of Nepal, celebrated mainly in Kathmandu.
• It usually takes place in September, during the month of Bhadra.
• The festival honors Indra, the god of rain and king of heaven, praying for good weather and a good harvest.
• People celebrate with masked dances, chariot processions, and traditional music throughout the city.
• Kumari, the living goddess, is also worshipped during this festival.
• Indra Jatra brings the community together to enjoy culture, faith, and festive spirit.

6. Biska Jatra

Biska Jatra is one of the most lively and fascinating festivals in Bhaktapur celebrating the Nepali New Year in April. Even though it is not associated with the lunar calendar, it is culturally representative and is one of the major festivals of Nepal. Biska Jatra believes to end the old year and is within the symbol of beginning a new year.The festival is nine days long, and it is famous for its wild chariot-pulling activities. 

Locals from throughout the locality pull massive wooden chariots down narrow streets as a symbolic battle. Throughout the crowd are important rituals, music, and gatherings. Biska Jatra is in a category of its own for festivals to witness in Nepal, because there is no other festival that expresses such raw excitement and promotes community involvement, and clearly ranks very high among the major festivals in Nepal to witness.

Highlights of Biska Jatra

• Biska Jatra is celebrated in April, marking the Nepali New Year in Bhaktapur.
• It is one of the most exciting and lively festivals of Nepal.
• The festival symbolizes the end of the old year and the start of the new year.
• People participate in chariot processions and traditional rituals.
• The celebration includes pulling large chariots through the streets.
• Biska Jatra brings the community together with music, dance, and joy.

7. Teej

Teej is the most spiritual festival to experience in Nepal, and it is celebrated by women, Hindu women across Nepal. Teej is celebrated in September during the monsoons when the festival is at its best. Teej honors Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. During Teej, women pray for the good health of their husbands and happiness in their families. Many women fast for a long, healthy, and happy married life.

Teej is a 3-day festival in Nepal that consists of fasting, visiting temples, and singing and dancing with long-term friends. Women wear red clothing, sing bhajans, and dance together in groups in temples and homes. Teej is a beautiful celebration of faith, culture, and feeling for so many reasons, making it one of the most cherished festivals in Nepal.

Highlights of Teej festival

• Teej is a major festival celebrated by women across Nepal, usually in August or September.
• It honors the goddess Parvati and celebrates marital happiness and the well-being of husbands.
• Women fast, pray, and dress in red saris during the festival.
• Traditional songs and dances are performed in groups, creating a festive atmosphere.
• Teej is one of the important festivals of Nepal that strengthens women’s social bonds.
• Many women visit temples and seek blessings for a happy and long married life.

8. Buddha Jayanti

Buddha Jayanti is one of the most peaceful and meaningful celebrations in Nepal. As one of the major festivals in Nepal it celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. This holy day is remembered in the month of May in Baisakh full moon. Devotees gather together to celebrate Buddha’s learning about peace, wisdom, and compassion.

Individuals travel to holy places such as Lumbini, Boudhanath, and Swoyambhunath to offer butter lamps and prayers. Monasteries and schools hold special programs and collective prayers/gatherings. The peaceful and respectful atmosphere of Buddha Jayanti resonates within one’s heart, which draws individuals closer to inner peace.

Highlights of Buddha Jayanti

• Buddha Jayanti celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha.
• It usually falls in April or May, on the full moon day of the month of Baisakh.
• The festival is marked with prayers, meditation, and lighting butter lamps at Buddhist temples.
• Devotees visit important Buddhist sites like Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.
• Buddha Jayanti is one of the peaceful and spiritual festivals of Nepal.
• People also listen to teachings of Buddha and take part in processions and cultural programs.

9. Lhosar (Tibetan New Year)

Lhosar is the Tibetan New Year recognized by multiple ethnic groups in Nepal, with customs and timing that vary. The Gurung community celebrates Tamu Lhosar in December, enjoying food, dance, and gatherings with family and friends. The Tamang group observes Sonam Lhosar in January or February, marked by songs, music, prayers, and rituals.

The Sherpa and Tibetan communities celebrate Gyalpo Lhosar in February or March, including ceremonies at monasteries and masked dances. Lhosar is one of the unique festivals of Nepal that reflects the rich cultural diversity of the country.

The Magar people also celebrate Maghe Lhosar, typically a celebration in the December/January period. Celebrations often consist of cultural programs and food festivals. Although the time of the celebration may vary, each version of Lhosar carries with it a common theme of joyfulness, renewal, and a respect for cultural identity. Lhosar unites families and communities as they embrace the coming New Year as an opportunity to be hopeful, healthy, and happy.

Highlights of Loshar

• Losar is the Tibetan New Year celebrated by Tibetan, Sherpa, Tamang, and Gurung communities in Nepal.
• It falls in February or March, based on the lunar calendar.
• People clean their homes, burn incense, and offer prayers for peace and good luck.
• Monasteries hold special rituals, chants, and traditional masked dances.
• Families prepare festive foods like Khapse and gather for cultural shows and celebrations.

Dog Festival in Nepal

One of the most heartwarming festivals in Nepal is during Tihar, known as Dog Festival, or Kukur Tihar. On this special day, dogs take the spotlight as a tribute to their loyalty, protection, and companionship. There are colorful garlands everywhere, tika marks on dogs’ foreheads, and delicious food spread throughout the streets and homes. As part of the vibrant festivals of Nepal, Kukur Tihar beautifully reflects the bond between humans and animals. In 2025/2082, the Dog Festival falls on Kartik 3, October 20.

The festival reflects the respect that the people of Nepal have for animals, especially dogs, who are terminology ‘protectors or companions’ for the Nepali people. Families will invite numerous street dogs, their pets, and on the other end of it, guard dogs to participate in the day of celebration together. Overall, it is a celebration of love, smiles, and wagging tails! An amazing, enjoyable festival that celebrated the bond humans have with their beloved four-legged friends.

Highlights of Dog Festival (Kukur Tihar)

• Celebrated on the second day of Tihar, also known as Kukur Tihar.
• Dogs are honored for their loyalty, protection, and role as messengers of Yama, the god of death.
• People place tika on dogs’ foreheads, offer flower garlands, and give them special food.
• Both pets and stray dogs are treated with love and respect on this day.
• It is one of the most touching and meaningful animal-related festivals of Nepal.
• In 2025 (2082 B.S.), the Dog Festival falls on Kartik 3, which is October 20.

Nepal Festival Dates 2025 

Nepal is a country full of colorful festivals year-round, all of which are celebrated during a specific time and for a specific cultural importance. This table will provide you with all the major festivals in Nepal for 2025, as well as their exact date in the English and Nepali calendars. Use this as a guide to plan a visit to experience Nepal’s cultural richness at the right time.

Festival	Nepali Date (Bikram Sambat)	English Date (2025/2026)
Dashain	Ashwin 6–21 (2082)	Sept 22–Oct 7
Tihar	Kartik 2–6 (2082)	Oct 19–24
Maghe Lhosar	Magh 1 (2082)	Jan 25
Sonam Lhosar	Magh 5, 2082	Jan 19
Gyalpo Lhosar	Falgun 6, 2082	Feb 18
Maha Shivaratri	Falgun 3, 2082	Feb 15
Holi	Falgun 18, 2081	Mar 2
Bisket Jatra	Baisakh 1, 2082	Apr 14
Buddha Jayanti	Baisakh 29, 2082	May 12
Gai Jatra	Shrawan 25, 2082	Aug 10
Indra Jatra	Bhadra 21, 2082	Sep 6
Teej	Bhadra 10, 2082	Aug 26

Festival Traditions and Rituals of Nepal   

Festivals of Nepal are full of joy, tradition, and family time. People clean their homes, decorate them, wear traditional clothes, and enjoy tasty food. They visit temples, offer prayers, light oil lamps, and spend time with loved ones. Each festival has its own customs, like Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Teej, and many more. These traditions make the festivals of Nepal special and help bring people together through culture and celebration.

Simultaneously, the ways people celebrate can vary by geographic region. Some traditions change based on ethnicity or geographical region. For example, Holi in the Terai is observed with water and bright colors, while Holi in the hills has a greater emphasis on dry colors and music. Lhosar has different variations for the Tamang, Gurung, Sherpa, and so on. These regional ways of celebration create a unique character to some of the many festivals to be experienced in Nepal, which makes all the celebrations that you can discover worthwhile.

Common Traditions Across the Festivals of Nepal

• Home purification and decoration with flowers, leaves, and rangoli
• Lighting oil lamps (diyo) and placing them at doors and windows
• Worship and offerings to gods, ancestors, animals (like dogs and cows), or nature
• Fasting and feasting, often with family or the whole community
• Wearing traditional clothing, often bright red, white, or gold, during major occasions
•  Receiving tika and blessings from elders, especially during Dashain and Tihar
• Devotional music and group dancing, like singing Teej songs or Deusi-Bhailo
• Charity and giving, especially food or clothes to the needy during festival times

Regional and ethnic differences in celebrations:

• Lhosar has four versions—Sonam (Tamang), Tamu (Gurung), Gyalpo (Sherpa), and the (Maghe) Magar Loshar—each with distinct dates and rituals
•  Holi is wild and playful with water in the Terai, but more peaceful and musical in the hilly regions
• Tihar includes special worship of animals—especially dogs, cows, and crows—across Nepal but rituals vary slightly by group
• Maghe Sankranti is a New Year celebration for Tharu and other Madhesi communities, while others treat it as a winter solstice event
• Chhath is deeply rooted in Maithili culture in the southern plains and is celebrated with great devotion near rivers and ponds
•  Indra Jatra is grandly observed in Kathmandu Valley by Newars with masked dances and chariot processions, not commonly celebrated elsewhere.

How to Experience Festivals in Nepal

If you want to enjoy Nepal’s festivals properly, aim to visit during the festival dates. Going on a guided tour can help immerse you in the local styles of celebration or even some of the special program events, while keeping you safe at the same time. Many tours will take you to temples, cultural shows, and give you access to special ceremonies (puja).

However, one of the best ways to enjoy the festivals of Nepal is to attend celebrations in a smaller town or village, where the traditions often feel more authentic. If you stay with a local family, you might have the opportunity to take part in their rituals, share meals, and learn the stories behind the festivals. Not to mention, you’ll engage directly with locals. By doing so, you will deepen your experience and gain a memorable insight into Nepal’s vibrant culture.

Conclusion

From the snowy mountains to the lively cities, festivals are a core part of Nepali life. They unite people through happiness, custom, and spiritual devotion. Whether you’re participating in sacred worship during Shivaratri or celebrating the colors of Holi, experiencing the major festivals in Nepal allows you to truly connect with the heart and soul of the country.