Everything festive in Nepal traditionally beings with something religious and movies with spontaneous spirit in to a pleasant family feast. This is because, for Nepali’s, religion has always influenced and has been the core of Nepali culture.
Most of the festivals celebrated in Nepal are religious. However, they can be generally divided into four sections keeping in mind the main aspects of the festivals emphasized.
Religious
These festivals are specially designed to honor a certain god or goddess. For instance, Bada Dashian, the festival of Devi Durga, the universal mother Goddess also known as Kali.
Historical
The historical festivals are celebrated to keep alive memories of events of importance. Gaijatra, was introduced by Jaya Prakash Mall.
Agricultural
Since Nepal is an agricultural country there are different festivals like Laxmi Puja which mark the different seasons of harvesting, planning etc.
Seasonal
The different seasonal festivals are celebrated in order to mark the beginning of special seasons. Holi or Fagu is the festival inspired by spring, the season of colours.
Legendary
The different seasonal festivals are celebrated in order to mark the beginning of special seasons. Holi or Fagu is the festival inspired by spring, the season of colours.
These festivals are based on legends than on any reliable historical record. Ghantakarna is a festival, which is also based on a legend. It is celebrated as a great relief from the death of a most dreaded legendary monster Ghantakarna.
One of the interesting ways to understand the beauty and richness of Nepali culture is through its Festivals. During festivals in Nepal, cultural dances , songs and performances are practiced. These cultural treasures make the festivals interesting and entertaining. People find more joy participating in performances and watching others perform and so, no festivals are idle gatherings. Instead, they are lively and purposeful.
FESTIVAL CALDENDAR
Nawa Varsa
Nepali New Year ( Bisket)
Venue: Bhaktapur Date: The first day of the first month of the year Baishakh (mid April)
Budhha Jayanti
The birthday of Lord Budhha Venue: Lumbini–the birth place of Buddha,Bouddha,Swayambhu and Patan Date: The full moon day of baishakh (April)
Sithi
A day chosen for cleaning ponds and wells combined with the worship for the mother earth and Kumara, the six headed god of warfare. Venue: Jaisideval in down town Kathmandu Date: The 6th day of dark Jestha ( June)
Ghantakarna
It is a festival designed to celebrate the death of a demon. Venue: the crossroads more colorful in the countryside. Date: the 14th of dark Shrawan. ( July/ Aug.)
Naga Panchami
It is a day chosen to worship the naga 9Sacred snakes) and pray for the protection from the flood and other water related fears. Venue: Taudaha & Pashupati Date: The 5th day of bright Shrawan. ( July/ Aug.)
Janai Purnima
A festival to change the sacred thread with the worship of Lord Shiva Venue: patan Kumbheswar Date: The full moon day of Shrawan (Aug.)
Mataya
The Buddhist festival of lights commemorating the victory of Budhha over Mara (vice) Venue: Patan Date: The 2nd of dark Bhadra (Mid. Aug.)
Krishnastami
The birthday of Lord Krishna Venue: Patan Durbar Square and Krishana Tempels in the country. Date: The 8th of Dark Dhadra (Aug.)
Gokarna Aunshi
The celebration of a father’s day with the worship of Shivalinga at Gokarna Venue: Gokarna temple on Bagmati Date: The last of dark Bhadra (Aug.)
Teej
The three day long festival for women Venue: pashupati, Patan- Krishna temple & Sankhu Date: From 2nd to the 5th bright Bhadra (Aug.)
Indrajatra
The weeklong festival to honour the Hindu rain god indra. Venue: All over the Kathmandu valley, especially old Roral Palace, Kathmandu Date: From 12th to the last day of bright Bhadra (September)
Dashian
The longest Hindu festival of Nepal, Traditionally celebrated for two full weeks with the animal sacrifice to Durga the Universal Mother Goddess. Venue: Important Hindu temples all over Nepal, Hanumandhoka Palace, Kathmandu/ Date: It begins on the first day of bright Aswin (Sept/ Oct.)
Deepawali or Tihar
The 5 day long festival of lights, honoring Yama, God of Death.
1st day is to worship a crow information of yama.
2nd day is Dog’s day, dog is the agent of yama
3rd day is the day to worship laxmi is the goddess of wealth.
4th day is the self-respect day also a day for draught animal, axen.
5th day is the brother’s day. Venue: The family house Date: it begins on 2nd day of dark Kartik and Continues until the 3rd of bright Kartik (Oct./ Nov.)
Ghodejatra
Festival of horse, Army day Venue: Tundikhel Date: 14th dark forth night of Chaitra (March)
Janbaha Deo Jatra
A week long chariot festival of white Machhendranath, the Buddhist god of compassion. Venue: The old section of Kathmandu Date: 8th of bright forth night of Chaitra
Chaite Dashain
Venue: Important Hindu temples dedicated to Durga Date: 11th bright forth night of chaitra
Rato Machhindranath Rath Jatra
About a month long festival of Buddhist rain god. Venue: Patan City, the old section, Bungmati Date: Begins on 1st day of bright fortnight of Baishakh (May, June)
Mani Rimdu
2 days long festivals Venue: The monastery of Thame, one day walk to the west of Namche Bazaar the main hub-bub of the highest Sherpaland. Tengboche Monastery. Date: April/ may
