Nepal Festival Guide: A Complete Cultural Calendar for Tourists

Nepal is famous for mountains and the Himalayas, but Nepal has more to offer than the Himalayas and trekking trails. Nepal is a country known for its religion and culture. There are many people from different religions, and they have their own cultures that have been passed down by their ancestors, and they celebrate their own festivals.

Throughout the year, many festivals are celebrated in Nepal, and tourists from other countries can enjoy and take part in these celebrations. Each festival gives travelers a chance to experience Nepalese culture up close. If you are planning to come to Nepal or if you are in Nepal in 2026, mark your calendar to join these amazing celebrations.

These are the major festivals you can join.

January/February

If you are planning to visit Nepal or if you are in Nepal during January/February, you can enjoy:

Maghe Sankranti

Maghe Sankranti marks the end of the coldest part of winter and the beginning of longer, warmer days as the sun starts moving northward. Maghe Sankranti falls around January 14. After this day, days start getting longer, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.

Devotees take baths early in the morning, believing it will wash away their sins and bring blessings for health and prosperity.

Special foods like sesame seeds (til), molasses (gur), yam (simalu or aloo), and beaten rice (chiura) are served during Maghe Sankranti. These traditional treats are believed to bring warmth, good luck, and strength to start the new season, and enjoying them is a key part of the festival experience for both locals and visitors.

Best places to celebrate: Kathmandu Valley, Dharan, Pokhara, and the Terai.

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is a festival to honor Lord Shiva and his union with Goddess Parvati. It falls around mid-February. Devotees visit Lord Shiva’s temples and offer flowers and milk to Lord Shiva. The festival is a time for devotion, meditation, and seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual growth. During Maha Shivaratri, devotees often fast or eat light vegetarian meals, including fruits like bananas and coconut, milk, yogurt, and simple rice or lentil dishes, and they also consume small amounts of bhaang as part of traditional rituals.

Best places to celebrate: Local temples all over Nepal, especially the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.

February/March

If you are planning to visit Nepal or if you are in Nepal during February/March, you can enjoy:

Tibetan Lhosar (Tibetan New Year)

Tibetan Lhosar is mainly celebrated by Tibetan and Sherpa communities and Buddhist people to cleanse the negativity of the past year, welcome new beginnings, and pray for health, happiness, and prosperity.

People visit stupas and monasteries for prayers and rituals and gather to perform traditional dances, music, and cultural programs.

Best places to celebrate: Boudhanath, Bhaktapur, and Tibetan settlements around Kathmandu.

March/April

If you are planning to visit Nepal or if you are in Nepal during March/April, you can enjoy:

Holi

Holi is one of the main festivals celebrated by Hindus in Nepal and India. Holi is celebrated as a mark of the victory of good over evil and to welcome the arrival of spring. It also honors devotion, love, and the playful spirit of life. It is a festival of color where people celebrate by throwing colored powders at each other.

Best places to celebrate: Streets of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other cities.

Bisket Jatra

Bisket Jatra is mainly celebrated by local Newar communities in Nepal. It is celebrated by carrying huge chariots of gods pulled through the streets. People perform folk dances and local drum performances, along with playful tug-of-war between chariots. Families and neighbors gather to enjoy the festive atmosphere, share food, and take part in the city-wide celebrations, making it a colorful and energetic experience for everyone.

Foods to try: Newari food around Bhaktapur.

Best place to celebrate: Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

September/October

If you are planning to visit Nepal or if you are in Nepal during September/October, you can enjoy:

Dashain

Dashain is Nepal’s biggest and longest festival, mainly celebrated by the Hindu community of Nepal. Dashain is celebrated to mark Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon king Mahishasura, or Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, showing that good always wins over evil. People put tika and Jamara.

Special foods prepared during Dashain include meat, sel roti, and sweets.

Best place to celebrate: All over Nepal (mainly in Hindu homes).

Tihar

Tihar, the Festival of Lights, is a five-day festival that comes after Dashain. People worship animals and siblings. Animals such as crows, dogs, cows, and oxen are worshipped for four days, and on the last day, Bhai Tika is celebrated, where brothers and sisters bless each other. People play Deusi Vailo at night while enjoying the lights.

The special foods mainly served during Tihar include sweets, sel roti, fruits, and festive meals.

Best place to celebrate: Kathmandu, Pokhara, and villages across Nepal (mainly in Hindu homes).

November

If you are planning to visit Nepal or if you are in Nepal during November, you can enjoy:

Indra Jatra

Indra Jatra is celebrated to thank Lord Indra for good rainfall and a good harvest. It is mainly celebrated by the Newar community. It is also a fun festival with dances, music, and chariot processions, especially to honor the living goddess Kumari.

Special foods prepared during Indra Jatra include chatamari, bara, momo, and other Newari festive foods.

Best places to visit: Basantapur, Indra Chowk, and Kumari Ghar in Kathmandu.

Conclusion

Nepal’s festivals are full of life, color, and tradition. Join the locals, enjoy the food, and experience the culture up close. Mark your calendar for 2026 and don’t miss these amazing celebrations!