Nepal is not just recognized for its breathtaking views and superb valleys; it is also widely known because of its festivals and culture. Further, each community in Nepal enjoys life in different and unique ways. How can you miss out on the fun and amazement these people have during their festival times? Most of the traditions followed are centuries old with the people respecting them throughout the lane.
Talking of the festivals, they take you through a cultural tour boasting of the Hindu religion’s significance. Likewise, become part of the Nepalese fiesta to understand the customs of the people living on the land. Traveling to Nepal during the festival time adds up to the enjoyment and festivities to make the whole experience memorable.
10 Most Famous Festivals Celebrated in Nepal:
1. Bisket Jatra
Commemorated at the Nepalese New Year, the Bisket Jatra is such an important festival in Nepal. Similarly, a grand rally is organized in Bhaktapur. The day marks the end of the serpents, ideally known as Bisyau Jatra. On the special occasion day, a grand tug of war competition is held between the eastern and western parts of the country.
A huge pole is taken raised by the riverside and is pulled by the massive crowd to mark the New Year. Besides, the locals can be seen dancing, playing, and throwing colors at each other. The one thing to watch is the grand chariot parade of Lord Bhairav and Goddess Bhadrakali.
2. Maha Shivratri
On this auspicious day, thousands of pilgrims gather at the Pashupatinath Temple and even other Shiv Temples to offer their prayers. The temples are decorated beautifully with lamps, and flowers with the devotees fasting during the whole day. Further, they pray to the Shiva Linga at night. The Shiva Lingas are washed properly with holy water and Panchamrit and are offered beetle leaves, mango leaves, etc.
The evening prayers and aartis look so gorgeous with Diyas lighted everywhere. You can see a huge fair at the Pashupatinath Temple with Sadhus singing, dancing, and buying traditional stuff. The best part is the holy bath at the Bagmati River. Read Also: Maha Shivratri 2022: Date, Puja, Story, Celebrations & More.
3. Janai Purnima
Also known as Nepalese Raksha Bandhan, it is yet another popular festival in Nepal. Likewise, the sacred thread festival is celebrated during the Sawan month. The men sacrifice their old thread and wear a new one. Secondly, Kwati, a traditional dish is prepared using nine beans is prepared.
Sisters tie the threads or Daro to their brothers praying for their good luck. The entire family gathers during the festival to exchange blessings and gifts. During the Janai ceremony, holy chants are whispered. Read Also: The Currency of Nepal (Traveler tips for Money Exchange)
4. Gai Jatra
The festival of cows is widely celebrated to commemorate all the people dead. Furthermore, age-old traditions believe that cows help the dead people to reach Yama, the God of death. The cows are decorated, even those found on the streets, and they are fed well. The families of the deceased join the processions and they feed food packets to all other people. The men wear women’s dresses and sing to reduce pain and grieving.
People come out to the streets for the Ghinta Ghisi dance along with the mask dance. Further, you can see the small kids dress up like cows and Gods and taking over the streets with their innocence. Read Also: 7 Best Religious places to visit in Nepal
5. Teej
Teej is one festival only for the womenfolk in Nepal, both married and non-married women. Likewise, the festival is a 3-day long festival where on the 1st day, the women enjoy the “Dar” Khana before starting fast. The second day marks keeping fast for the long lives of husbands and the unmarried girls pray for good husbands. The third day marks worshipping Goddess Parvati and breaking fast with Chokho, Karkalo ki Tarkari made in pure ghee.
Women wear deep red saris and they sing many songs about womanhood. Various sweets are prepared at home by women.
6. Dashain
The Dashain Festival is the longest 15 days festival held in Nepal. Further, it is the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahisasura. The Nepalis also celebrate it for the good harvest and fertility of the land. The 7th day is an auspicious one organized with Phulpati or sacred flowers. The Brahmins carry the Kalash with Jamara and Bamboo stalks directly from Gorkha to Kathmandu.
The 8th and 9th days see animal sacrifices and Vijayadashami is celebrated on the 10th day. Friends and families meet to exchange gifts and blessings. Many cities see kite flying events. The nine avatars of Durga and worshipping of Ashta Matrikas can be seen.
7. Tihar
Tihar Festival is celebrated right after the Dashain festival for the whole 5 days. It is the Festival of Lights, with worshipping Goddess Laxmi. Diyas and lanterns are lighted near idols for prosperity and success. It marks the end of the evil days to bring the good times to the picture. Besides, apart from Laxmi, people worship crows and dogs on the 3rd day along with oxen on the 4th day.
The 5th day is Bhai Tika where sisters put Tilak on their brother’s foreheads for their long life. The houses are decorated wholeheartedly with the Govardhan Puja on the 4th day.
8. Buddha Jayanti
Buddha Jayanti is the national festival of Nepal celebrated with immense grandeur. Further, Lord Buddha is believed to have been born in Lumbini on this day. All the Buddhist temples are decorated with the best butter lamps. Buddhists and monks offer their prayers and chant sacred scriptures.
People prefer eating vegetarian food and refrain from drinking alcohol. Besides, the womenfolk visit Viharas with Kheer prepared in all the households.
9. Indra Jatra
Many communities celebrate Indra Jatra to pray for a good harvest in the coming years. Likewise, the Nepali households display pictures of Akash Bhairab and family members taking Raksi, the Nepali liquor. It is called Indra Jatra for the masked dances of devils, and demons, and displaying of various Gods and Goddesses.
Majira Lakhey, Sawa Bhakku, and Devi Pykhan are some forms of Goddesses. Further, Indra Jatri is followed by Kumari Jatri where the unmarried girls are driven in the chariots. There are flag pole displays or the elephant mask dance shown on the streets.
10. Fagun Purnima
The festival of Nepal is celebrated every year by the Nepali community. Further, It is a two-day festival in Nepal, the Fagu Purnima on the 1st day and Holi on the 2nd day. Locals use “Chir”, a bamboo pole decorated with colorful strips for prosperity. During Fagu Purnima, people collect firewood for lighting bonfires to celebrate the death of Holika.
Nepalese also play Holi with dry colors and water sprays. People consume lassi mixed with Bhang during the Holika Dahan.
Conclusion
Check out the calendar while planning to visit Nepal. Apart from a trip to Nepal for natural beauty, also go to Nepal for feeling the cultural loveliness of the place.
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