Nepal is home to nearly 29,000,000 people, adherent to their own ethnic groups, religion, and faith. This is a land where various cultures and traditions have thriven in harmony over the centuries and continue to do so till date. No wonder Nepal is also referred to as the Land of Festival. There are hundreds of festivals celebrated every year in Nepal. Usually, festivals are celebrated as per the Nepalese Lunar Calendar set by astrologers. The origin of these festivals dates back centuries and is still celebrated each year with the same enthusiasm as it used to be hundreds of years ago. before jumping to Festivals in Nepal, lets understand about the religions in Nepal.
Religions in Nepal
Although officially avowed a Hindu nation up until 2007, people with varied religious beliefs have co-existed in harmony in Nepal for centuries. As considered a cultural and religious melting pot, Nepal has seen an influx of many other religions over time other than the predominant Hinduism. And yet, there hasn’t been any known records of violence in terms of religion and Nepalese are rather proud of that fact. Nepal has also been officially declared a secular country, is tolerant and respectful towards all the existing religions. Religions practiced in Nepal are Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Kiratism, and many others.
Hinduism in Nepal
Hinduism dominates the Nepalese demography. With almost 80% of the people adhering to the religion, Nepal is unofficially proclaimed as a Hindu nation. Under the regime of the Malla dynasty, who ruled over Nepal around 10th to 18th century, imposed a nationwide uniform religion to be Hinduism and it reflects on the nation’s governance to peoples’ way of life to date. This is evident from many temples and shrines dedicated to Hindu gods and deities throughout the country. Referring to the legends, a sage named Ne Muni introduced Hinduism in Nepal in prehistoric times. It is said that the first-ever king of Nepal- Bhuktaman was nominated by the sage and helped laid the foundation for the Gopala Dynasty. It is also believed the nation is named after Ne Muni and the Nepalese triangular flag has been handed to the people of Nepal by the Hindu god Vishnu himself.
Buddhism in Nepal
A predominant religion in Asia and many other parts of the world, roots back to a small city of Lumbini in Nepal being the birthplace of the Lord Buddha. As the archaeological finding suggests Siddhartha Gautama, crown prince of the Shakya Dynasty resided in his palace in Lumbini before venturing elsewhere in-order to seek enlightenment and later become Lord Buddha. The Shakyas and his immediate disciples are believed to be the source of initial dissemination of the religion and flourished in the regime of Emperor Ashoka. After the uniformity of Hinduism by the Mallas, there was a gradual decline and most of its practices were dwarfed by Hinduism. According to the 2011 census, it is estimated that 9% of people follow Buddhism, a decline from 10.7% estimated in the 2001 census. It’s followers consisting mainly of Tibeto-Burman-speaking ethnics, the Newars.
Islam in Nepal
Islam comes third with 4.4% of the total people adhering to religion. The first Muslims to arrive in Nepal were Kashmiris, Persians, Afghans, and Arabians who were traders, courtiers, ammunition manufacturers and some also worked as musicians for the kings of Nepal. The present-day Muslims are the direct descendant of these people and some were Kashmiri merchants who arrived as late as the 1970s and Tibetian Muslims who arrived in the country post-1959 after the communist takeover in China. The most concentration of Muslims can be found in the Terai region of Nepal sharing cultural similarities with North-Indian Muslims.
Kiratism in Nepal
Kiratism is an ancient religion assumed to have been originated in Nepal. With 3% of the total population practicing Kiratism, its major followers are the indigenous Himalayan tribes- Limbu, Rai, Sunwar, and Yakkha. Each tribe has its own distinctive religious texts (Kirat Mundhum), rituals, traditions, and beliefs. Their festivals include Udhauli and Ubhauli marking the onset of winter and summer. This religion mainly worships their ancestors (Kul Devtas)and the nature and Gods like Sumnina-Paruhang and Tegra Ningwaphumang, a shapeless entity. Kiratism combines the beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism, Shaivism, and animism. Kiratism also has direct roots in Hinduism and there is a clear mention and acknowledgment in the religious Hindu texts and scriptures.
Christianity in Nepal
Other Religions in Nepal
Festivals in Nepal
Dashain
Vijayadashami, also known as Dashain is the biggest and the longest festival of Nepal. It is also written as ‘Bijaya Dashami’ which is also known as ‘Bada Dashain’. The festival is widely celebrated all over the Nepal and worldwide by Hindu religious community. Vijayadashami or Dashain is also known as Dussehra or Dashera in some state of India as well as Indian community around the globe.
It is primarily a festival for Hindus but people of every religion, faith or ethnic groups celebrate it as it has emerged as a part of the culture rather than a religious domain. Although, the way of celebration may vary according to various ethnic groups. This festival is celebrated to rejoice the triumph of victory over evil.
This festival is observed for fifteen days. Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of the festival. Families worship Ashta-Matrikas (8 Tantrik Goddesses) and nine avatars of Durga, one on each day. On the tenth day, families and relatives gather and put Tika and receive blessings from the elders. This usually spread over a span of 5 days. This festival also cherishes the power of femininity and annihilation of evil. The last day of the festival falls on full moon day and is called Kojagrat Purnima.
Dashain Festival : Everything you Should know about
Vijayadashami, also known as Dashain is the biggest and the longest festival of Nepal. It is also written as ‘Bijaya Dashami’ which is also known as ‘Bada Dashain’. The festival is widely celebrated all over the Nepal and worldwide by Hindu religious community. Vijayadashami or Dashain is also known as Dussehra or Dashera in some state of India as well as Indian community around the globe.
It is primarily a festival for Hindus but people of every religion, faith or ethnic groups celebrate it as it has emerged as a part of the culture rather than a religious domain. Although, the way of celebration may vary according to various ethnic groups. This festival is celebrated to rejoice the triumph of victory over evil.
This festival is observed for fifteen days. Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of the festival. Families worship Ashta-Matrikas (8 Tantrik Goddesses) and nine avatars of Durga, one on each day. On the tenth day, families and relatives gather and put Tika and receive blessings from the elders. This usually spread over a span of 5 days. This festival also cherishes the power of femininity and annihilation of evil. The last day of the festival falls on full moon day and is called Kojagrat Purnima.
The festival represents the victory of Lord Durga over the Demon 'Mahishasur' as well as the Lord Ram's victory over the Ravan. The festival as a whole is the celebration of victory of virtuous over evil.
The festival falls in Ashoj and Kartik (September and October), starting from Shukla paksha(bright lunar fortnight ) Ghatasthapana and ending on Kojagarat Purnima, the full moon. This festival is celebrated till 15 days. During this festival people carry out many ceremonies and traditions. School, colleges, governmental offices and non-governmental offices remains closed during this festival.
Highlights of Dashain
- Flying kites, the most important part of this festival. Flying kites on Dashin considered as a way of reminding not to send rain during this festival. We can see various colorful kites on the sky during this festival and people on the roof of their house as well as in ground and shouting out 'change cheat', this phrase is usually used when one cuts the other persons kite string.
- Playing cards, during this festival older people of the community plays cards whereas children's are busy flying kites.
- Wearing new clothes, during this festival people desires to buy and wear new clothes. During this festival maximum of shops and malls gives highly discount which makes shopping more attractive.
- Various delicious items of foods used to cooked in each house.
- Bamboo swings, also known as 'ping' in Nepali. Swings are constructed by the members of community with the various typical methods which presents the best of local culture, tradition and fun.
- Butcher animals, more than thousands of animal including Buffalo, he goat, ducks, chicken, butchers every year, specifically in lord Durga and Kali temples. It is believed that goddesses become happier by such sacrifices. Also believed that the festival will be unsuccessful without meats. 'Astami and Nawami' (8th and 9th days) are the major days when sacrifices reach a peak.
- Homes are cleaned and well decorated to welcome goddess.
- People put Tika and Jamara by family and relatives and gets blessing on the 10th day of festival.
Why is dashin celebrated as the biggest festival of Nepal?
Dashain is the only festival of Nepal which is celebrated by every community. Dashin is all about togetherness of family, relatives, and friends sharing gifts and greetings. This festival is celebrated for the victory of good over evil. Dashain holds many religious back story behind its celebration. During Dashain people worship Goddess Durga, 'The Universal Mother' for resonating power. Goddess Durga has killed demon naming 'Mahisasur' and save the world from sin. And behind this, Lord Rama has killed another demon namig 'Ravan' with the help of goddess Durga. And this religious back story gives us a great lesson that sins can't exist anymore in front of virtue. So Dashain is being celebrated as the biggest festival of Nepal.
How do Nepalese celebrate Dashain till 15 days?
During this festival each day plays a vital role. Some of the key days of this festival are as follows:
Day 1. Ghatasthapana
Ghatasthapana is the first day of Bijaya Dashami. On this day family member will plant Jamara ( usually barely seeds like wheat , maize ) in moist sand. On the 10th day of Dashain will grow to yellow grass. And it is used with tika.
Day 7. Phulpati
Phulpati an assortment of flowers leaves and fruits. On the seventh day 'Saptami' people offer phulpati to Goddess Durga as per tradition all over the country. It is believed that if we welcome phulpati on our home we will be rewarded with wealth and prosperity.
Day 8. Maha Asthami
The eighth day of Bijaya Dashami is known as Maha Asthami and the night of this day is called as Kal Ratri (black night). On this day , the blood thirsty goddess kali appeased by the sacrifices of animals like Buffalo, goats, hens and many more.
Day 9: Maha Navami
Mahanawami, 'the great nith day' the last day of Navaratri. The ceremonies reach at the top on this day. It is believed that the defected Demon army tries to save themselves hiding in animals and fowls body so this day is also known as demon hunting day. 'Vishvakarman' the god of creation is worshipped on this day. It is believed that worshipping vehicles on this day avoids for the year.
Day 10. Bijayadashami or Vijayadashami Tika
This is the major day of this festival. On this day people put tika ( a mixture of rice, yogurt and vermilion) and Jamara (yellow maize and wheat plant) from their family and relatives on the forehead and take Ashirwad (blessings) and Dakshina (small amount of money). Family and relatives visit each other to exchange gift and greetings and this system continues for five days till the full moon.
Day 15. Kojagrat Purnima
'Kojagrat Purnima' the last of Dashin festival lies on full moon day. On this day, people used to awake whole night and worship the lord of wealth goddess 'Laxmi', believing goddess Laxmi decades on earth and showers with wealth and prosperity to those who awake whole night.
Tihar
Tihar is a typical Nepali festival, which is widely remembered as Dipawali or Diwali around the world. Tihar also called as Yamapanchak, also known as Festival of Animals including Dog, Cow and Crow as well as Festival of Lights and Festival of Brothers & Sisters. Apart from that, people celebrate worshipping Laxmi Mata, the Goddess of Prosperity and Yama, the God of Death.
During The festival Nepalese people try to returns their home back if they are living in other cities or abroad. All the people, especially children and young people enjoy shopping new cloths other luxurious items for them. Houses in Villages and cities are decorated with lights. Traditional lamps (Diyo or Diya), candles, and modern electric lights are lit inside and outside of the houses. During the night time entire city as well as village looks like a shiny diamond. People gather to chant and dance which brings back smile on everyone’s face.
Everything you should know about Tihar/Diwali in Nepal
Nepal celebrates many festivals in a single year and there are other festivals too which are celebrated between every 2 to 12 years. Among them the second most popular festival is Tihar after Dashain. Tihar is a combined word for 5 days festival which soon comes after 15 days long Dashain Festival. All 5 days have different names and celebrated worshiping different characters respectively. Tihar is celebrated from Trayodashi or Kartik Shukla Dwitiya (ancient Hindu calendar) which occurs in October/November every year.
Tihar is a typical Nepali festival, which is widely remembered as Dipawali or Diwali around the world. Tihar also called as Yamapanchak, also known as Festival of Animals including Dog, Cow and Crow as well as Festival of Lights and Festival of Brothers & Sisters. Apart from that, people celebrate worshipping Laxmi Mata, the Goddess of Prosperity and Yama, the God of Death.
During The festival Nepalese people try to returns their home back if they are living in other cities or abroad. All the people, especially children and young people enjoy shopping new cloths other luxurious items for them. Houses in Villages and cities are decorated with lights. Traditional lamps (Diyo or Diya), candles, and modern electric lights are lit inside and outside of the houses. During the night time entire city as well as village looks like a shiny diamond. People gather to chant and dance which brings back smile on everyone’s face.
Tihar exactly looks the same like Western Christmas with the different colorful lights, tinsel decorations, colorful Rangoli, varieties of traditional sweets, big shopping, play swings & card games, and off course singing Deusi and Bhailo (traditional festive songs) and dancing. Tourists can witness happy festive moods everywhere and they also can participate with locals. Tihar ends with Bhai Tika (the fifth day of festival) where sisters put Tika on her brother's forehead, exchange gifts and feast on the variety of meals prepared by the family.
All 5 Days of Tihar Festival
Day 1. Kaag Tihar
The first day of Tihar Festival is called Kaag Tihar. Kaag means crow in Nepali language. In this day crows are worshipped offering fruits, sweets, rice, water and many others dishes at roadside on the roof or at balcony of home. Traditionally crows are believed as a messenger of negative news, especially death. Crawling of ravens and crows are understood as a symbol of sorrow and difficulties in Nepal. So they are worshipped to make them happy and avoid negative news.
Day 2. Kukur Tihar
second day of Tihar is Kukur Tihar. Kukur means dog in Nepali language. Newar community worships this day as a Kicha Puja in their language. This day people worship to the dogs believing they are the protector and guide of the good souls. In Hindu myth Mahabharat, dog it presented as the friend and guide to reach to the heaven. They are also regarded as another messenger of lord Yamraj, the decider of the death. People offer them tika, mala (garland) and delicious dishes. We can see almost all street dogs are also being worshipped throughout the day. day reflects them very important relation between human and dogs. Few people called the day as Narke Chaturdashi. Narke /Narka means hell in Nepali language.
Day 3. Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja
The third day of Tihar festival is Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja. Morning of the day is Gai Tihar and the evening is Laxmi Puja. Gai means cow in Nepali language. In Hinduism, cow is believed as goddess Laxmi. Laxmi is the Goddess of wealth. The cow also represents for the purity and prosperity. In this day all the houses looks very clean and are decorated by garlands made from Sayapatri (Marigolds), Makhamali (Chrysanthemums) and other different flowers. People offer them Tika, garlands, sweets and other delicious dishes while worshipping.
In the evening people worship Goddess Laxmi for the wealth and prosperity. All houses are cleaned and people make the way from outside to enter the goddess by colorful Rangoli. From the evening they start lighting the lamps, candles and traditional Diyas/Diyo to welcome Goddess Laxmi.
After completing the Laxmi Puja Tihar is celebrated with traditional Deusi – Bhailo, fireworks, songs and dances. Deusi is the group song and dance performed by boys and Bhailo is the group song and dance performed by girls. People gather and visit houses to play Deusi and Bhailo in groups. While singing they give blessings to the house owners. Groups are offered sweets, fruits and money in return by the home owners. People also worship goddess Laxmi at their shops, offices and workshops. Many companies offer gifts to their employees in this day.
Day 4. Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja
Gobhardan Puja, Goru Puja, and Mha Puja are celebrated on the fourth day of Tihar. Goru means Ox in Nepali language. Ox has been very important animal for mankind since the civilization at farming. So please worship them offering sweets, garlands and other dishes as well. People who follow Vaishnavism worship Gobhardan Puja worshiping Gobhardan mountain. The symbolic mountain is made by cow dung and worshipped with milk and tika prashad.
In addition, Mha Puja is celebrated by the Newari community. This is the celebration of worshipping self. They worship their own body and pray for their prosperity. This is also the new year of Nepal Sambat Calendar. Family members sit together and they create Mandap decorated by sweets, garlands, flowers and lights for each of them and worship themselves. They are offered traditional Newari dishes and wines.
Day 5. Bhai Tika
The last and the final day of the Tihar Festival is Bhai Tika. As written above, Yama Panchak is another name of the Tihar Festival. Which means Lord Yama, the god of death also goes to his sister’s (Yamuna) home annually in this day, and so Nepalese brothers reach to their sister’s home to celebrate the festival.
During the festival, brothers and sisters sit together and sisters offer brothers saptarangi tika (7 colored) on forehead, garlands, gifts, delicious dishes including traditional sweets and bless them for their healthy and prosperous life. Sisters are offered gifts and Dakshina (money) in return. Finally they sing Deusi and Bhailo song together and dance until mid-night.
Here are two videos of Bhai Tika for you all.
Losar
Losar is one of the most important festivals of Nepal. This festival is celebrated by the Buddhist and ethnic groups of Nepal like Tamang, Sherpa, Gurung, and Thakali. It literally translates to New Year and has Tibetan roots. Losar is the first day of the New Year and each community celebrates the festival in their own way. Traditional dress is worn by all ages and festivities are held in cities and remote regions. At this festival, there is a big event happening in the vicinity of Tudhikhel where you can expect cultural music, dance, and meal prepared by the locals of the tribe.
There are three Loshar festivals- Tamu Losar, Sonam Losar, and Gyalbo Losar. Tamu Losar is celebrated by the Gurung tribe. Sonam Losar is celebrated by Tamang and Yolmo tribes. Whereas, Gyalbo Losar is celebrated by Sherpas and other Tibetan communities.
Chhath Parva
Chhath is the most important festival for Hindus especially in the Terai region of Nepal. It is usually observed after Dashain and the seventh day after Tihar. Devotee fast and make offerings to the Sun gathering at banks of rivers. In Kathmandu, this festival can be observed at Kamal Pokhari and the banks of Bagmati at Pashupatinath Temple.
Chhath Parva, also called as Chhat Puja is another festival celebrated in Nepal on October/November month, just right after the Tihar festival. Chhat is the main festival of Maithila region or in Maithili culture which is located in Nepal and India. Mithila is also known as Videha, Tirhut, Tirabhukti and Mithilanchal. It is believed that this festival is mentioned in both religious books of Hindus, Mahabharat and Ramayan. It’s a geographical and cultural region in Nepal and India with natural boundaries of rivers and hills. The region is bounded by the Mahananda River in the east, the Ganga in the south, the Gandaki River in the west and by the foothills of the Himalayas in the north. Seven major rivers flow through Mithilanchal, which are: Mahananda, Budhi Gandaki, Gandaki, Kosi, Bagmati, Kamala and Balan.
Chhat Festival lasts for 4 days which starts from Kartik Shukla Chaturthi to Kartik Shukla Saptami of Hindu calendar. Some people called as a Surya Sasthi for Chhat festival. Surya means sun in native languages. Actually the Sun is worshipped during the festival for the prosperity considering the sun as the god or source of every energy. It can also be said that the festival is a thanks giving day to Lord Surya (the sun) for sustaining life on this earth. The festival includes taking holy bath at ponds or Rivers, fasting, standing and worshipping to the sun and offering Prashad and Argh to the Sun, in both occasions – at the time of rising and setting.
Holi or Fagu Purnima
Also known as the festival of colors, Holi is one of the most popular festivals in Nepal and India and is gradually catching on all over the world. Holi is the welcoming of a warm and cozy spring after the harsh winter. On this day, people from all ethnic groups, religions, faith, and gender gather out on the street and put colors on passer-by as a token of love. Holi is also celebrated in remembrance of the victory of virtues against the wicked.
In Kathmandu, Holi can be often seen being celebrated with colors, water balloon fights, open concerts, dance parties on the streets and also private events hosted at fancy venues. On this day businesses are closed and the whole Kathmandu valley emerges lively with festivities. The natives visit their relatives and friends, put color and enjoy the day with big feast and drinks. One can walk leisurely on the streets, put colors on people, participate in water balloon fights and interact with the locals.
Legend Behind Holi | Why is Holi Celebrated?
The origin of Holi can be traced back to Mahabharata- a famous Hindu epic, where there have been mentions of how Holi came to be a prominent and important festival among Hindus. As per the legend, King Hiranyakashipu was against the worshipping of Lord Vishnu and forbade anyone to do so either. However, his own son, Prince Praladha, an adherent devotee of Lord Vishnu directly opposed and rejected the morals of his father. This infuriated the king. The king ordered his sister Holika to burn the prince alive on the full moon night. But under the blessings of Lord Bishnu, the prince was unhurt by the fire. Instead, the king’s sister Holika got burnt into ashes. When the prince emerged from the fire, unscathed, people witnessing the event showered him with flowers and colorful water to acclaim the victory of virtues against evil.
Celebration in Kathmandu
Holi in Nepal starts one week before the actual day of Holi. A long bamboo pole (Lingo) adorned with various pieces of colorful fabric (Chir) is erected on the premises of Kathmandu Durbar Square. This tradition itself dates back centuries and signifies the official start of the festival.
In Kathmandu, Holi can be often seen being celebrated with colors, water balloon fights, open concerts, dance parties on the streets and also private events hosted in fancy venues. On this day businesses are closed and the whole Kathmandu valley emerges lively with the festivities. The natives visit their relatives and friends, put color and enjoy the day with big feast and drinks.
One can walk leisurely on the streets, put colors on people, participate in water balloon fights and interact with the locals. People of Nepal are known for their kindness and friendly nature. With that on the mind, do not get alarmed if any unknown passer-by approaches you to put colors on you and initiate water balloon fights, its just a part of the festivities.
Best Places in Kathmandu for Holi
With the festival engulfing the entire Kathmandu Valley, there are certain areas where one can witness a high concentration of crowds and events.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square- If the number 1 on the list as it has a particularly high concentration of people overwhelming its premises. You can witness dance parties happening on the streets, eat local cuisine and drink local drinks like Chhyang.
- Thamel- The backpackers' point, comes second where one can roam the streets, eat lunch in good restaurants and enjoy the day with a little less crowd as compared to other places on the list.
Patan Durbar Square comes third on this list where you can witness the reminiscence of ancient kingdom come alive with the crowd, colors, and festival. You can witness various dance parties on the streets, water balloon fights whilst admiring the beauty, the city of Patan has to offer.- Tudhikhel is the open ground in the middle of the city. It is closed from both Kathmandu Durbar Square and Thamel. With dance parties and music, people in numbers flock there to celebrate Holi.
Suggestions for Holi
Be prepared, it is going to be crowded!
- Wear a white T-shirt. It looks particularly beautiful after it has been dyed by the colors.
- Take out your cameras and prepare to shoot the most colorful day of the year. However, make sure to protect your lenses.
- Facial cleanser and shampoos are essential to get rid of the colors after the carnival.
- Do not carry valuables like jewelry, important documents, and other expensive items because there might lie a chance of getting them lost in the crowd.
- Do not accept any sweets or drinks as it may be mixed with Bhang- a hallucinogenic plant. However, it is a part of the festival and you can witness people enjoying themselves on these sweets and drinks.
Mha Puja
Mha puja translated to- worshipping of oneself, is an important festival for the Newar community of Nepal. It is celebrated on the fourth day of Tihar. This day is also a New Year as per the calendar of Nepal Sambat.
Mha Puja is celebrated by performing a ritual puja to cleanse and purify one's body, mind, and soul. Family members sit in a row on the floor with Mandalas drawn in front of them. Then various rituals are performed and the body that they live in is thanked.
Teej
Teej is a Hindu festival and is celebrated by married women for their husband’s long health and prosperity. This festival is observed for three days. On the first day, women hold a day-long fasting and pray for their husbands' prosperity and good health. The next two days are followed by ritual Puja dedicated to Lord Shiva.
At this festival, women wear a red sari and are adorned in beautiful ornaments. This festival is celebrated by singing and dancing to commemorate womanhood. In the evening, the fast is broken with fruits and sugar water with their husbands.
Festivities are held in the vicinity of the Pashupatinath Temple and see an influx of people coming there to celebrate the Teej Festival.
Haritalika Teej: Festival of Women
Teej is a short form of Haritalika Teej, it is a Hindu festival and is celebrated by women especially by married women for their husband’s long health and prosperity and the unmarried girls also follow Teej ceremonies to pray for a good husband marking a day of reunion of God Shiva and Goddess Parwati. This festival is observed for three days.
Nowadays, The Teej Festival is presented as a Women’s Festival, Political Parties and activists demand equal rights after wishing women marking the festival. Teej or Haritalika Teej is a three days festival but unofficially it starts few days or weeks earlier since women are busy for shopping and they travel to their birth-home to celebrate the festival with their maternal families and relatives.
The first day of Teej Festival: Grand Feast in the Evening
Married daughters arrive to her Mother’s home; Sisters arrive to her brother’s home marking the festival. When evening falls, reunion of the family and relatives start a grand feast in the evening, it is called ‘Dar’ in Nepali. After having delicious foods and drinks, they start chanting & dancing devotional songs and personal songs.
The typical tradition is, brother or dad goes to his sister/daughter’s home to bring her home to celebrate the festival and after having ‘Dar’ in the evening, all neighbors (whole villagers if it is in a typical village)gather in a home and start performing songs and dances. The newly married girls make her compulsory visit to her parents and everyone listen her very carefully when she starts her performance. She will tell everything to her maternal families about her situation, condition of her new home, about her husband and entire family and relatives through the performance. Yet, marriages are arranged and organized by parents in Nepal. The couple gets very less chance to know each other in the arrange marriages.
The Second day of Teej Festival: Fasting and Praying
The Second day of Teej festival is a fasting day. After bathing early in the morning, women hold a day-long fasting (some men are also fasting today) and pray to lord Shiva for their husbands' prosperity and good health. They wear red Sari, beautiful Jewelries and go to the nearest Shiva temples for rituals and worshiping (puja).
The Pashupatinath temple is the main attraction among women in Kathmandu valley but there are other small Shiva temples in Kathmandu as well as whole Nepal.
In the evening, the fast is broken with fruits and sugar water with their husbands. They again served another grand feast. Chanting and Dancing followed throughout the day.
The Third day of Teej Festival: Holy bath and Final Puja
The third day of Teej Festival is known as Rishi Panchami. After the holy bath at nearest rivers with red muds on the roots of sacred Datiwan, they also brush with Datiwan and are ready for further puja. Then women gather in a Shiva temple or somewhere under the giant tree of Peepal they worship Ganesh and Seven Sages, Sapta Rishi. What they have wished yesterday shall be fulfilled from today onwards after completing these puja today.
the Puja is completed, they start traditional performance again till the midnight. Many dishes including some traditional cuisines are serviced.
Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri literally translates to ‘The night of Shiva’ and Shivaratri is seen as one of the most important festivals for Hindus all over the world. Shiva is the supreme lord and the god of destruction, destruction of darkness and ignorance, as per the doctrines of Hinduism. It is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the month Magha, based on the Hindu Lunar Calander, just before the arrival of spring. Or on February 21st, 2020.
The festival of Maha Shivaratri can be seen being concentrated majorly on the perimeters of the Holy Pashupatinath Temple at Kathmandu with glimpses of celebration spread all over the country. With hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visiting the temple from all over Nepal and from countries like India, Malaysia, and Singapore, the ambiance becomes extra exuberant with colors, music, chants, and naked Sadhus- yoga practitioners. This year Nepal is expecting a crowd of 1.3 million people. On this day, devotee offer milk, a special intoxicating flower called Dhaturo, green leaves named Belapatra to Shiva and chant ॐ नम: शिवाय (Om: Namaha Shivaya). The devotee prays to Shiva all night fore light over darkness.
History of Shivaratri
According to Hindu mythology, a poison came out of the ocean during Samundra Manthan. To protect the people, Lord Shiva drank the poison which didn’t kill him but burnt and changed his skin around the throat into the color blue. That is why he is also referred to as NilaKantha: which literally translates to “Blue-Throated”. Yet another legend has it, Brahma and Bishnu, both supreme lords had a heated argument over each other's ascendence which angered Shiva. And in order to punish the lords, he turned into a form of a massive fire that expanded over the length of the universe. The race was on between Brahma and Bishnu to exhibit their powers and went on to find the end of the fire but couldn't. Brahma, not willing to accept the defeat resorted to a lie, which angered Shiva that made him curse Brahma, that no one would pray him for eternity. On this day, all government institutions, offices and businesses are closed to honor Shiva.
Celebrations and rituals
The celebration is mostly centered around the Pashupatinath Temple where thousand of pilgrims of multiple nationalities gather to honor Lord Shiva. The temple of Pashupatinath is also considered to be a guardian of the Kathmandu Valley. Maha Shivaratri is a celebration unlike any other, where you can witness people of all ages, gender, color, and nationality come and honor the divine. Although the gates of the temple are only opened to Hindus, one can easily roam the vicinity of the temple which is equally lively. As the name suggests, the celebration is done at the night time but events can be witnessed throughout the day. At night, crowds gather for Aarati with music and chants which will definitely awestruck anyone witnessing the event.
With the expectation of a large crowd this year, proper management and tactics are in place for the successful celebration of the festival. The streets are closed for vehicles maintaining a “Walk-only” zone to easily control the flow of people coming for Pujas and Darshans. Also, the perimeters of the temple are cleaned thoroughly with sanitation in mind. For curious visitors other than pilgrims, one can freely roam the vicinity exploring many shrines and temples and interact with Naked Yogies covered in ash and smoking marijuana, who will definitely pose for a photograph, and experience the authentic Hindu culture and tradition.
The official ceremony starts at midnight with priests offering flowers, milk, and other items to Lord Shiva. People bathe in the sacred river of Bagmati and head into the temple for prayers. The events are spread throughout the night with live hymns and recitals of sacred texts and scriptures.
The hub of marijuana smokers
Although marijuana is considered to be illegal in Nepal, the festival of Maha Shivaratri is an exception because it holds significance in Hindu doctrines. Yogies and ShaduBabas can be witnessed smoking marijuana but it is often considered to be off-limits for the general public with loosened law. Therefore, tourists and Nepalese can be seen smoking marijuana with the Babas and Sadhus on the premises of Pashupatinath Temple.
But be careful before taking sweets or Lassi- a type of milkshake on this day. Although it may taste amazing, it may be mixed with local hallucinogenic plants called ‘Bhang’ and can have severe effects on the inexperienced body. Also, make sure not to carry valuables like passports, credit cards and other items of expensive jewelry.
Buddha Jayanti
Buddha Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day of the Nepalese calendar in the month Bhaishak (April/ May). This day is also known as Vesak day and has a triple significance related to Lord Buddha. On this very day, Lord Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and finally achieved Nirvana. It is the most important festival for Buddhists all over Nepal and is celebrated with great passion.
Monasteries conduct prayers and various rituals to celebrate this day. Stupas and Buddhist shrines are whitewashed and decorated throughout Nepal. Thousand of pilgrims all over from the world come to visit Lumbini, Swyambhunath, and Bouddhanath stupa. Gifts, donations, and presents are given to the monastery and to the people in need as a part of Swea. The evening is illuminated with hundreds of butter lamps in monasteries and stupas.
Ropain Festival
Ropain Festival or Ashar 15 signifies an important day in the agriculture country of Nepal. This day is a celebration for rice plantation. The seedlings that are sowed with pre-monsoon rainfall, is transplanted with paddies on that day. The farmers work all day in the sun, rain, and mud. This festival is a positive outlook for all those factors. People sing, dance, splash around the mud, have fun with friends, prepare tasty meals and end the day.
Janai Purnima
full moon day festival is about reciting Vedic Mantras and changing of the sacred thread. It is also one of the most important for Hindus of Nepal. People visit temples and get a welfare thread tied on their wrist. People also visit Shiva Temple, bathe on rivers and perform ritual Puja dedicated to Lord Shiva. In Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple and Kumbheswar Mahadev Temple in Patan Durbar Square see an influx of people on this day.
Teechi (Tiji) Festival
Tiji festival is celebrated by the indigenous Buddhists of Lo-Manthang (Upper Mustang). The name is an abbreviation of the word ‘Tempa Chirim’ which means the victory of Lord Buddha’s incarnation ‘Dorjee Sonnu’ over a demon named Man Tam Ru who fed on human beings and caused storms and droughts. The Tiji festival usually takes place on the last week of May for 3 days. Masked dances are performed by the monks of Lo-Manthang in the ‘Choedhe’ monastery.
Tiji, also known as Teechi is a 3 days long festival held in the ancient settlements of Lo Manthang. Mythologies surrounding the festival reveals how the Tiji festival was instigated to prevail victory over the evil being the true purpose of the celebration. As per the legend, in the ancient times, the current regions of Mustang was being destroyed by a demon who spread diseases and took away waters. A reincarnation of Buddha- Dorje Jono fought and defeated this demon and the festival celebrated his victory over the wicked with prayers and colorful dances.
Dorjee Jono, also known as Dorje Phurba, Vajrakila or Vajrakumar is a name of a deity in Vajrayana Buddhism, an archaic Buddhist practice in Nepal and India. The Buddhist masters Padmasambhava, Vimalamitra and Shilamnju from Nepal went on to introduce and disseminate this practice in Tibet around 8th century CE, where it branched into many lineages. Padmasambhava instructed steps for the sacred dance of Vajrakila at Samye Monastery in Tibet. Chhode Monastery in Upper Mustang is famous for this particular dance rituals.
However, the festival of Tiji didn’t start until the 17th century. When the King of Mustang Samdup Rabten invited Shakya Trizin Ngawang Kunga Sinam to come to Lo Manthang, he stayed at the Chhode Monastery and performed the sacred Vajrakila ritual for the wellbeing of the people and to vanquish all evil elements of Mustang. Since then, the festival has come to be and the Chhode Monastery has been celebrating this sacred dance in Lo Manthang, over three days and in the courtyard of the Mustang Royal Palace. Originally it was performed at the end of the twelfth month of the Tibetan Lunar calendar, but nowadays this has shifted to the third month (May) of the Tibetan Lunar calendar.
The main dancer (Tsowo) completes a three months retreat before the main event. The event is attended by the Royals of Mustang, local villagers and people from all seven provinces of Upper Mustang, which is accompanied by many sacred rituals. Tiji or Teechi, pronounced as per the Lobo dialect (native to the indigenous people of Mustang) is a part of meditation practice based o the Tantric text related to Vajra Kumar (Vajra Kila).
There are two kinds of activities leading up to the meditation: first being peaceful dance steps, followed by the conquering of the negative elements, depicted in Mele, the second phase-the dance. The dance ritual has three main parts. In the primary stage of the ritual dance, there is a total of 15 steps. Then in the main part, various ‘celestial palaces’ and ‘deities’ are signified in two steps. In the final stage, there are ways to clear away eternal and nihilistic views and to provide propitiousness Different poses of dance represents different meditation process in a symbolic way and all the difficulties in life are believed to have been cleared by seeing these steps with faith and respect.
Upper Mustang and its cultural and traditional aspects have been in close ties with those of Tibet. Due to the proximity to Tibet and influences, it can be witnessed predominantly. Once an independent kingdom, Mustang had remained in secrecy until it became a dependency of the Government of Nepal and was opened to the public. The last king of Mustang, Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista died in 2016. His ancestors were the direct benefactors to establish Lo Manthang as the Buddhist Kingdom and built much of Lo Manthang as we know today.
Bisket Jatra
This festival is centered around the legend of mating between God Bhairav and Goddess Bhadrakali and the creation of the world and everything in it. The God Bhairav is the fierce form of Lord Shiva and Bhadrakali, the kind, the warmth of a mother.
On this day, 2 chariots, one of Bhairab and one of Bhadrakali is pulled on the streets of Bhaktapur. A huge crowd gather on the street to pull the chariot on the beats of drums. People dress in traditional clothes and masked dances are performed. On the midnight, the chariot of Bhadrakali is repeatedly rammed against Bhairav’s chariot to mimic the display of their explosive copulation. A giant tug-of-war is performed between the east and the west side of the city. It is believed that whichever sides win, will be the most prosperous for the following year.
Gai Jatra
Gai Jatra Festival, ‘Gai’ refers to cow and ‘Jatra’ roughly translate to carnival. Cows also represent Laxmi- the goddess of wealth in Hinduism. It is believed that she guides the departed souls to the gates of heaven. This day is also the day for practical jokes, pranks, and colorful processions. People who have lost their family members dress in comical attire and roam the city and take solace in the that that the cow has safely transported the souls to their afterlife journey.
Gai Jatra, also known as Festival of Cow is one of the festivals in Nepal which celebrated across the nation and Nepalese community all over the world. ‘Gai’ refers to cow and ‘Jatra’ roughly translate to carnival. Cows also represent Laxmi- the goddess of wealth in Hinduism. It is believed that she guides the departed souls to the gates of heaven. This day is also the day for practical jokes, pranks, and colorful processions. People who have lost their family members dress in comical attire and roam the city and take solace in the that that the cow has safely transported the souls to their afterlife journey.
Gai Jatra often falls in Shraban/Bhadra month of Nepali Calendar (August to September in Solar Calendar) on the first day of the waxing moon and lasts for a week. The festival is celebrated mainly by Newar communities across the world and other local communities of Kathmandu valley also celebrate the festival similarly as Newars. During the festival, people from child to old age wear odd customs, looking funny to honor those family members who died. If one family member died, he/she will be honored and remembered in Gaijatra for three years. Artists also celebrate the festival making fun of people and contemporary society, especially political leaders & politics by stage programs, caricatures, articles, cartons, and songs with satire in a comic style.
The tradition started from Kathmandu, when King Pratap Malla (1624–74 A.D.) of Kantipur (Now Kathmandu) lost his child, and his wife, the Queen went on tragic misery. He wanted to make her understood that every family goes through this tragedy each year. So, he urged everyone to come out and march with cow in the street with odd customs and painting on faces to mark the remembrance of departed souls to show the reality to his wife. But some people believed that, when King Pratap Mall was ruling the Kathmandu, when people get aged then they used to be inactive in daily life due to the fear of the death so he started the festival to make them understood about the reality and live fearless with fun till the end of the life.
Lakhe Nach or Lakhe Dance also starts from Gaijatra till Krishna Janmaastami. Lakhe Dance is a typical cultural dance, wearing lakhe customs and masks, dancing in the street.
In recent years, LGBT communities also march like a carnival festival marking Gaijatra in their style in Kathmandu demanding equal rights.
Ghode Jatra
Ghode Jatra (the horse parade) is held in the vicinity of Tudikhel and brings people of Kathmandu to witness the event. It is celebrated during the month of Chaitra (March- April). There is no religious significance to this festival. It is believed that a demon spirit was buried under the grounds of Tudikhel and the horse parade ensure that that demon does not escape its burial site. Various parades, athletics, and acrobats can be observed by the Nepalese Army at this festival.
Indra Jatra
This festival is celebrated to honor Indra- the god of rain. It is celebrated for 8 days in the vicinity of Kathmandu Durbar Square. This festival was initiated by King Gunakamdev in the 10th century and in the 18th century, the Kumari Rath Yatra was also added to the celebration.
On this festival, chariots of Goddess Kumari, Bhairav, and Ganesh are pulled across different parts of the city accompanied by musical bands and masked dances.
Mani Rimdu Festival
Mani Rimdu Festival is the series of sacred ceremonies and events of empowerment spread over a period of 19 days. This festival is observed from the first day of the tenth month of Tibetian Lunar Calander (following the full-moon in autumn) which falls between October and November as per the English calendar. The sequence of events concludes with three days of public festival. It is celebrated by the Buddhist at Tengboche, Thame and Chiwong Monasteries of Solukhumbu in Nepal to mark the founding of Buddhism by Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava. Lamas and Sherpas gather at the monastery for five days conducting various tantric processes and prayers to ensure the welfare of the world. Demons are vanquished and the righteous are awarded. Monks in the monastery are adorned in elaborate Buddhist robes and wear wonderfully designed hand-painted masks.
Grand shows are put upon by the monks of the monasteries on three different occasions. Masked dances, Buddhist Dance Dramas and Tantrik rituals are some of the events on display that gather a multitude of crowds from all over Nepal and the world. Many treks are organized to coincide with this festival.
Activities surrounding the festival
Mani Ramdu is divided into six preparations:
- Sand Mandala (Dul-Tson-Kyil-Khor) creation
- The Empowerment (Wong)
- Dances (Chham)
- Ser-Kyem
- The Fire Puja (Jinsak)
- Chhingpa
Sand Mandala (Dul-Tson-Kyil-Khor) creation
Sand Mandala or Dul-Tson-Kyil-Khor is a sacred Tibetan art of sand painting. It is a sacred and most treasured art of Medicine Buddhism. The construction of Mandala is a gradual process of the intricate and painstaking task in which monks place each grain of colored sand in a perfectly designed Mandala layout. Mandalas in Sanskrit means ‘Circle’ and the deeper understanding of the Mandala represents the wholeness and harmony that exists among the hearts of the Tibetan Buddhist Universe.
This particular Mandala symbolizes the palace of Garwang Thoze Chenpo (Lord of the Dance) around which defensive blades are placed to represent deities. The bowl of Rilwu pills (spiritual medicine) is placed above the center of the Mandala. ‘Buddha of Kindness’ is the main idol of the Mani Rimdu. Monks chant the mantra- ‘OM AH HUNG RHI, OM MANI PADME HU’ for thousand of times during the ceremony before the three days public festival. During their meditation, the monks imagine the kindness flowing in the form of Mantras into the Mandala and into Mani Rilwu Pills. Thereby, kindness release out of the Mandala to anyone attending the ceremony.
The Wong is the opening day of public festival and is celebrated on the full-moon day of the tenth month of Tibetan Lunar Calander. The sacred Mani Rilwu (sacred pills) and Tshereel (pills for long life) are given to everyone attending the festival.
The dances take place on the 2nd day of the Mani Rimdu festival. It is a dramatic representation of Buddhist teachings in the form of dances. Symbolic demons are vanquished, chased away or transformed into the protector of Dharma. The main theme of the dance is to fight off negative forces and establish peace. During the dance, the monks are believed to have become divine beings. The dances convey the simplest and the philosophical teachings in the understandable way so that it remains engraved in the minds of on-lookers.
At Ser-Kyum, tea offerings are made to Dharma guards such as Mahakala. It consists of 2 pieces: a smaller raised offering bowl and a larger raised dish-shaped bowl.
The Fire Puja is performed on the yard of the monastery after the dances. Fire Puja is an offering for the Agni (Gods of Fire) and to the gods of Mandalas. The harm is visualized as dissolving into the grain of sand and butter is burnt. Afterward, the sand mandals in the monastery are dismantled and offered to the serpent gods (Nagas).
The next dance represents the Four Protecting Ghings, defending against the demons attacking the Buddhist faith. Colored masks hide the face of the dancers that displays a constant smile. The dancer moves to the beat of the drums and scares children in the audience for fun.
The Dakini dance is performed delicately. Slow-motion dance steps accompanied by the soft tinkle and beats of the bell which are played by five young priests. The dancer is without masks and portrays female spiritual figures; the partners of Padmasambhava. It is believed that they come from the sacred and holiest land of Shangdok Palri and reside in the Mandala. They announce the arrival of Guru Rinpoche at the Mani Ridmu. Two of the Ghings are male and carry cymbals, while two are female and carry drums. The males represent skillful means and females represent wisdom. These two aspects are represented graphically as ‘Torma’- made from barley flour and decorated with colored butter. It starts by symbolizing the body of the deity and by the end of the ceremony, symbolizes the enlightenment itself. It is placed in front of the mandala on its own shrine, at the heart of the temple.
Krishna Janmastami
Krishna Astami, Krishna Ashtami or Shree Krishna Janmastami is another festival of Nepal which is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna all over the world. Krishna has been presented as a dark-skinned god, one of the manifestations of Lord Vishnu. There are many Hindu mythology books describing the power and love of Lord Krishna. As per Mahabharat, Krishna was the Charioteer of brave warrior Arjun, he was not only directing the chariot but he was the mentor, tutor and the leader behind the curtain to lead the victory of Pandav against Kaurav. Bhagbat Geeta is a holy book of Hindus, which is a collection of ‘Questions-Answers’ of Arjun and Lord Krishna at battle ground where Lord Krishna teaches the world through Arjun about Life, Karma & Death. This war is presenting as ‘Truth triumphs over untruth’
lord Krishna was born at midnight on the eighth day (Asthami or Astami in Sanskrit/Nepali) of Dark Moon (Krishna Pakshya in Sanskrit/Nepali) of August at Prison of Kansa, as his parents were kept in the prison because Kansa was informed by Rishi, the sage that he is going to be killed by his sister’s 8th son (Lord Krishna). People celebrate the day worshiping lord Krishna, at midnight they chant and dance praying lord Krishna.
The crowd of devotees can be seen in every Krishna temples of Nepal to celebrate the birthday of lord Krishna. Krishna Mandir at Patan Durbar Square is the center of attraction in Kathmandu Valley. They celebrate the whole day including night exchanging happiness on marking of arrival of lord Krishna. Many devotees keep them fasting for the day and make offerings to the needy ones around their home and temples.
Small children are presented as a Krishna, painted their faces in School or Home, different styles of pictures of Lord Krishna are carried, Lakhe dance and other traditional songs including Teej songs are chanted and danced accordingly in all over Nepal. Krishna Janmastami also indicates to the people of Teej festival which will be celebrated within 10 days from today.
Major Festivals that are celebrated throught the year
January
- 12th Jan – Tol Losar
- 15th Jan – Maghe Sakranti/ Makar Sakranti
February
- 10th Feb – Sonam Losar
- 14th Feb – Saraswati Puja
March
- 8th Mar – Shivaratri
- 11th Mar – Gyalpo Losar
- 24th Mar – Fagu Purnima/Holi in Hill Area
- 25th Mar – Holi Festival in Terai
April
- 8th Apr – Ghode Jatra
- 13th Apr – Nepali New Year, Biska Jatra
- 16th Apr – Seto Machhindranath Jatra, Chaite Dashain
- 17th Apr – Ram Navami
May
- 11th May – Rato Machhindranath Jatra
- 23rd May – Buddha Jayanti
August
- 5th Aug – Gu La Parva
- 19th Aug – Janai Purnima
- 20th Aug – Gai Jatra
- 21st Aug – Ropai Jatra
- 26th Aug – Krishna Janmastami, Gaura Parwa
September
- 6th Sep – Teej
- 17th Sep – Indra Jatra
- 25th Sep – Jitiya Parwa
October
- 3rd Oct – Ghatasthapana (Dashain Start)
- 12th Oct – Vijaya Dashami (Main day of Dashain)
- 31st Oct – Kukur Puja ( Tihar Start)
October
- 3rd Nov – Bhai Tika (Main day of Tihar)
- 7th Nov – Chhat Puja
December
- 2nd Dec – Gadhimai Festival Start, ends on 15th Dec
- 15th Dec – Udhauli Parwa and Yomari Punhi
- 25th Dec – Christmas
- 30th Dec – Tamu Losar
January 2025
- 14th Jan – Maghe Sankranti
- 30th Jan - Sonam Losar
There are more festivals than the number of days in a year in Nepal. Apart from these mentioned festivals, there is numerous sum of other important festivals celebrated by various ethnic groups and communities throughout Nepal. Shepherd Holidays can arrange all your trips in Nepal giving you the best festive experience at any time of the year.
