What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear about Nepal?
Most people would say the mountain panorama of Everest or the snow-tipped peaks of the Himalayas. But this vibrant country is way beyond that!
Apart from the beauty of the Himalayas and richness in natural resources, Nepal is also known for its distinct culture and colourful, majestic festivals. This Himalayan nation is home to people of various cultures and ethnicities with varying beliefs and cultures, giving rise to several festivals in Nepal – happening all around the year.
For passionate travelers and avid explorers, Nepal offers a unique opportunity to experience its true heritage and feel the real heartbeat of Nepali culture with its festivals celebrated by everyone, from the urban crowds to the tranquil villages.
To give you a closer look at Nepal traditions and celebrations, we have curated a list of the most extravagant festivals celebrated in Nepal throughout the year.
Vibrant Festivals in Nepal You Must Experience
With more than 120 ethnic groups and languages, the cultural scene in Nepal is extremely diverse. This rich diversity is reflected by the nation’s festivals, traditions, cuisines, and rituals. For travelers visiting Nepal, witnessing these festivals is a way to uncover Nepal’s true cultural essence and cherish an unforgettable experience.
So, here are some of the most vibrant, largely celebrated festivals in Nepal that you must experience once in your life;
Teej – The Women’s Festival
July 26–27, 2025
Teej is a women-centred festival in Nepal, dedicated to the goddess Parvati (consort of Lord Shiva), and typically falls in the month of Bhadra. This festival includes fasting, dance, prayers, and songs to honour the goddess and seek blessings for their married life, well-being of husbands, and prosperity for families.
In Nepal traditions and celebrations, Teej is a significant festival for married women, who visit their maternal homes and feast on traditional meals called Dar.
Naga Panchami – Worshipping Serpent Deities
July 29, 2025
Naga Panchami is a festival devoted to honoring serpent deities, known as Nagas. It falls on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Shravan.
According to Nepal traditions and celebrations, in Naga Panchami, people pay homage to snakes by offering prayers, milk, honey, and other items to snake idols or snake pits known as Naga Ghara. Additionally, they draw snake symbols on walls and doorways, believing it will safeguard them from snake bites and bring prosperity.
Janai Purnima – Threaded Celebrations
August 9, 2025
Janai Purnima is one of the most auspicious festivals in Nepal. This festival falls in the month of Shravan and on a full moon day, where men renew their holy thread called ‘Janai’ and visit Shiva temples to offer prayers.
Further, Janai Purnima also includes Rakshya Bandhan, a ceremony where sisters tie a thread (Rakhi) on their brother’s hand and receive gifts. But this tradition has a deeper meaning; it is a prayer to strengthen the love and respect among siblings.
Gai Jatra – The Cow Carnival
August 10, 2025
Gai Jatra, which translates to “Fair of Cows,” is a traditional and culturally significant festival celebrated in Nepal either in August or September, primarily in the Kathmandu Valley, mainly among the Newars.
The most distinctive feature of this festival is the procession of cows, often accompanied by people dressed in colorful costumes and unconventional attire. Experiencing this festival is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Kathmandu.
Krishna Janmashtami – Lord Krishna’s Birthday
August 16, 2025
Celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, this festival falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada, usually in August or September.
Devotees observe fasts, sing devotional songs, and participate in midnight rituals and elaborate temple celebrations to mark the divine birth of Lord Krishna. People following Nepal traditions and celebrations believe that celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth with devotion brings blessings, joy, and spiritual enlightenment.
Indra Jatra – Witnessing the Living Goddess
September 6, 2025
Indra Jatra is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. This week-long festival, which usually falls in September, is dedicated to Lord Indra, the Hindu god of rain, and Kumari, the living goddess of Kathmandu.
The highlight of Indra Jatra is the Kumari Jatra, where the living goddess in the form of Kumari is paraded through the streets of Kathmandu in a grand chariot. Tourists can witness these celebrations from their hotels in Kathmandu easily.
Dashain – Nepal’s Longest Festival
September 22–October 2, 2025
Dashain, also known as Vijaya Dashmi, is the longest and most significant festival in Nepal, celebrated for 15 days in September or October. This festival is marked by tika, blessings, and public holidays across the country. Large families often book a luxury event venue to reunite during this festival and share joyful moments.
Vijaya Dashami is celebrated for the victory of good over evil. During this time, goddess Durga, who killed the demon Mahishasur, is worshipped.
Tihar – The Festival of Lights
October 19–23, 2025
The most captivating, vibrant, and culturally important festival of Nepal is Tihar. Celebrated for five days in either October or November, each day marks a unique traditional significance. These five days are celebrated as;
Day 1: Kaag Tihar- Crows and ravens are worshipped with offerings of grains, seeds, and sweets placed on the roofs or out on the streets.
Day 2: Kukur Tihar- On this day, all dogs, whether pets or strays, are offered treats and worshipped with a tika and garlands of marigold.
Day 3: Gau Tihar and Laxmi Puja- This is the most important day, signified by worshipping cows and goddess Laxmi, the patron goddess of Tihar.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja- Also known as Goru Puja, this is the day when the ox and the holy Govardhan mountain are worshipped and celebrated.
Day 5: Bhai Tika- The last day of Tihar is marked as Bhai Tika, where sisters worship their brothers to strengthen their eternal bond as siblings.
Houses are adorned with intricate rangoli designs, marigold garlands, colourful lights, and oil lamps (called Diyas), creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The lighting of diyas symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, and good over evil.
Experiencing Festivals in Nepal With Hotel Anuttara
The vibrant festivals in Nepal paint a majestic picture of the Himalayan culture through their unique blend of traditions, spirituality, and community spirit. From Dashain’s 15-day grandeur to Tihar’s illuminating nights, these celebrations reshape everyday life into magical experiences and bring families closer together.
For travelers looking to take a closer look at authentic Nepalese culture and experience the major festivals like never before, Hotel Anuttara – a rising star among hotels in Kathmandu offers the perfect opportunity.
By staying at our hotel, you get to experience festivals happening around in the city, understand their cultural significance, and create unforgettable memories.
