Nepal is a land of festivals, with celebrations happening almost every month of the year. From the epic 15-day Dashain festival to the colorful chaos of Holi, these cultural events offer travelers an incredible window into Nepali life, traditions, and spirituality.
This guide covers the major festivals of 2026 with dates, traditions, and tips for experiencing them as a visitor.
2026 Festival Calendar
| Festival | Date (2026) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Maha Shivaratri | February 26 | Pashupatinath, Nationwide |
| Holi | March 14 | Nationwide (biggest in Kathmandu) |
| Nepali New Year | April 14 | Nationwide |
| Buddha Jayanti | May 12 | Lumbini, Buddhist sites |
| Janai Purnima | August 19 | Nationwide |
| Teej | September 6 | Pashupatinath, Nationwide |
| Indra Jatra | September 10-18 | Kathmandu |
| Dashain | October 2-16 | Nationwide |
| Tihar | October 28 - Nov 1 | Nationwide |
| Chhath Puja | November 5-8 | Terai region |
Major Festivals
Dashain — The Festival of Victory
Dashain is Nepal's biggest and most important festival, celebrating the victory of good over evil. The 15-day celebration sees Nepalis return to their villages, kites fill the sky, and families gather to receive blessings from elders.
- Days 1-9: "Navaratri" nights of goddess worship
- Day 10: "Vijaya Dashami" — main celebration day with tika blessings
- Day 15: "Kojagrat Purnima" — full moon feast
Traveler Tip: Many businesses close, and domestic transport is heavily booked. Plan ahead, but experiencing Dashain with a local family is unforgettable. Read our best time to visit guide for more seasonal tips.
Tihar — The Festival of Lights
Tihar (Deepawali) is Nepal's most visually stunning festival. Houses are decorated with oil lamps and colorful rangoli, and each day honors a different being — crows, dogs, cows, oxen, and finally brothers/sisters.
- Day 1: Kaag Tihar — Crows are offered food
- Day 2: Kukur Tihar — Dogs are worshipped with garlands
- Day 3: Laxmi Puja — Goddess of wealth, main celebration
- Day 4: Govardhan Puja — Oxen worship
- Day 5: Bhai Tika — Sisters bless brothers
Traveler Tip: Evening walks through decorated neighborhoods are magical. Visit Kathmandu Valley for the best Tihar atmosphere.
Holi — The Festival of Colors
Holi celebrates spring's arrival with colored powders, water balloons, and joyous chaos. The main celebration is in Kathmandu's Basantapur Durbar Square, where thousands gather to drench each other in color.
- Celebrations: Colored powder, water balloons, music, dancing
- Best locations: Basantapur, Thamel, Pokhara Lakeside
- Duration: Primary celebration is one day, but festivities span a week
Traveler Tip: Wear clothes you don't mind ruining! Colors can be permanent. Keep cameras in waterproof bags and leave valuables at your hotel.
Maha Shivaratri — The Great Night of Shiva
Maha Shivaratri draws hundreds of thousands of devotees to Pashupatinath Temple, including sadhus (holy men) from across South Asia. The temple complex comes alive with bonfires, chanting, and devotional music throughout the night.
- Main venue: Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu
- Highlights: Sadhus, all-night vigil, ritual bathing
- Note: Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple but can observe rituals from surrounding areas
Buddha Jayanti — Buddha's Birthday
Buddha Jayanti celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death (Parinirvana) of Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in Nepal's Lumbini. Buddhist pilgrims from around the world gather at sacred sites.
- Main venues: Lumbini, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath
- Celebrations: Processions, prayers, butter lamp offerings, meditation
Indra Jatra — Kathmandu's Living Goddess
Indra Jatra is Kathmandu's most spectacular street festival, featuring the Kumari (living goddess) being pulled through the streets in a chariot. The week-long celebration includes masked dances, religious processions, and the famous chariot of Kumari.
- Location: Kathmandu Durbar Square and surrounding streets
- Highlights: Kumari chariot, Lakhe dance, beer distribution (!)
Travel Tips for Festival Season
- Book accommodation early: Hotels fill up during Dashain and Tihar — book 2-3 months ahead
- Expect closures: Many businesses, banks, and government offices close during major festivals
- Transport challenges: Domestic flights and buses are fully booked as Nepalis return to villages
- Join locals: Many hotels and tour operators can arrange festival experiences with local families
- Dress appropriately: Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites
- Ask before photographing: Especially during religious rituals
- Try festival foods: Sel roti (ring bread), meat dishes, and sweets are festival specialties
Experience Nepal's Festivals
Let us plan your trip around Nepal's vibrant festival calendar for an unforgettable cultural experience.
Plan Festival TripBonus: Buddhist Festivals
If you're interested in Buddhist culture, these additional festivals are worth experiencing:
- Losar (Tibetan New Year): February — celebrated by Sherpa and Tibetan communities
- Mani Rimdu: November — spectacular masked dance festival at Tengboche Monastery (Everest region)
- Gunla: August — month-long Buddhist celebration in Kathmandu Valley
Planning to trek during festival season? Check our guides on Everest Base Camp and best time to visit Nepal.
