Nepal is a multi ethnic and multilingual country which is home to over 100 ethnic communities. The cultures and festivals of one community are distinct and unique from the other and often administered according to their own calendar. This is to say that Nepal observes festivals all year round. October and November is the period when most festivals occur in Nepal. January, February and March is also another period of increased festivities. Dashain & Tihar, Lhosar, Chhath, Shiva Ratri, Indra Jatra, Rato Macchendranath etc are the biggest and colorful festivals in Nepal.

Tourists can easily participate and observe these festivals, but make sure to note the dates of the particular festival you are interested in Annual festival dates are often set as per ethnic calendars and is often laid out a month or two prior to the beginning of Nepali New Year.

To help you plan you travel for festivals, below is a list of some major festivals and their probable dates:

Feb/Mar              Shiva Ratri, Fagu Purnima (Holi), Nala Machhedranath Snan, Ghode Jatra, Seto Machheranath Jatra

April/May            Bisket Jatra, Tiji, Kirat Diwas, Rato Macchendranath, Buddha Jayanti

June/July             Panauti Rath Yatra, Bhanu Jayanti, Gathey Mangal, Ramadan, Nag Panchami

August/Sept      Gaura Parba, Teej, Gai Jatra, Krishna Janmashtami, Praja Sonam Festival, Jitiya Jatra, Pachali Bhairab Jatra ect         

Oct/Nov               Dashain, Tihar, Chhath Parba, Dhala Puja, Tulsi Ekadasi, Mani Rimdu festival, Bala Chaturdashi etc.

Dec/Jan                                Lhosar, Set Machhendranath, Maghe Sakranti, Shree Panchami etc.