festivals of Nepal

I t is said about Nepal that every other structure is a holy shrine and every day a festival. Well, if the number of annual festivals, both religious and national, is any indication, the saying couldn't be truer.

Festivals are an essential part of Nepalese life that garners tremendous local participation. Festivals also offer visitors a valuable opportunity not only for having fun but gaining insight into various aspects of Nepalese culture.

The religious festivals have fixed dates. Wherever or whenever you arrive in Nepal . You can be pretty sure of being at the right time for one or more special events. Some of the major and interesting festivals are presented below.

Nepal Festival Calendar

Name of the Festival	Date
Losar	January
Sweta Machhendranath Jatra	January
Maghe Sankranti	January
Swasthani	January
Shree Panchami	February
Maha Shivaratri	February
Holi or Fagu Purnima	March
Chaite Dasain	April
Shree Ram Nawami	April
Bisket Jatra	April
Naya Barsa	April
Ghode Jatra	April
Mata Tirtha Snan (Mother's Day)	May
Red Machhendranath Jatra	May
Buddha Jayanti	May
Ghanta Karna Charturdasi	July
Gunla	July
Janai Purnima & Raksha Bandhan	August
Gai Jatra	August
Shree Krishna Janmasthami	August
Gokarna Aunsi (Father's Day)	August
Teej	September
Indra Jatra	September
Dashain	October
Mani Ramdu	October
Tihar	October
Bala Chaturdarsi	November
Chhat Parva	November
Sita Bivaha Panchami	December
Yomari Punhi	December
Dattatreya Festival	6 th March 2008
Swargadwari Pyuthan Festival	29 th March -5 th April 2008
Bishu Festival	April
Dhanpalgadhi Festival	April
The Teechi	May
Matchhegaun Festival	May
Yarthung (Horse Racing)	July
Gaura Parba	September
Nepal Sambat	November
Dadeldhura Festival	November
Christmas	December
Christian New Year Eve	31 st December