Petrina Darrah
Posted: May 2, 2023
Nepal is a country known for its vibrant and diverse culture and traditions, and festivals are an important part of this culture. Throughout the year, various festivals are celebrated in Nepal, each with its own unique significance and traditions. From the biggest festivals that are celebrated nationwide to the regional festivals that are celebrated only in certain parts of the country, Nepal offers a wide range of festivals for travellers to experience and enjoy.
One of the biggest festivals in Nepal is Dashain, which is celebrated over 15 days in late September or early October. Dashain is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, and it honours the goddess Durga. During the festival, people clean their homes and put up decorations, and they visit their family and friends. One of the most important traditions of Dashain is the tikka ceremony, in which elders bless the younger members of their family with tikka, a red mixture of rice, yoghurt, and vermilion powder.
Tihar, also known as the festival of lights, is another major festival in Nepal. It is celebrated over five days in late October or early November. Each day of the festival has its own significance and traditions. For example, on the first day, people worship crows, which are considered to be messengers of the gods. On the second day, they worship dogs, who are considered to be loyal and faithful animals. On the third day, they worship cows, who are considered to be sacred animals in Hinduism. On the fourth day, they worship oxen, who are considered to be symbols of strength and hard work. And on the final day, they celebrate brother-sister relationships.
Holi, also known as the festival of colours, is a spring festival that is celebrated in late February or early March. During Holi, people throw coloured powder and water on each other, and they celebrate with music and dancing. The festival is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, and it is also associated with the Hindu god Krishna.
Teej is a festival that is celebrated by women in Nepal, typically in August or September. It is a celebration of the union of Lord Shiva and Parvati, and it is also a celebration of women’s strength and devotion. During Teej, women dress up in their finest clothes and jewellery, and they fast and pray for the health and long life of their husbands.
Bisket Jatra is a festival that is celebrated in Bhaktapur, a city in the Kathmandu Valley. It is a celebration of the Nepali New Year, and it is also associated with the god Bhairab. During the festival, a huge chariot is pulled through the city, and there are also various other events and traditions that take place.
Indra Jatra is a festival that is celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley, typically in September. It is a celebration of the god Indra, who is the king of heaven in Hindu mythology. During the festival, a wooden pole called a linga is erected in the centre of the city, and various dances and performances take place.
Maghe Sankranti is a festival that is celebrated in the Terai region of Nepal, typically in mid-January. It is a celebration of the winter solstice, and it is also associated with the god Vishnu. During the festival, people take holy baths in rivers and lakes, and they eat traditional foods like sesame sweets and lentil soup.
Chhath Puja is a festival that is celebrated in the Terai region of Nepal, typically in October or November. It is a celebration of the sun god, and it is also a celebration of the harvest. During the festival, people fast and offer prayers to the sun god, and they also take holy baths in rivers and lakes.
Lhosar is a festival that is celebrated by the Tibetan community in Nepal, typically in February or March. It is a celebration of the Tibetan New Year, and it is also associated with the lunar calendar. During Lhosar, people dress up in traditional clothes, and they celebrate with music, dancing, and food.
If you’re planning a trip to Nepal, experiencing a festival is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the country. Here are some tips for experiencing festivals in Nepal.
Festivals in Nepal are often celebrated on specific dates, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly. Check the dates of the festivals you want to experience, and plan your itinerary around them.
Festivals in Nepal are deeply rooted in tradition and culture, so it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. Be mindful of what you wear and how you behave, and follow local customs and traditions as much as possible.
Festivals in Nepal are often community celebrations, so don’t be afraid to participate in the festivities. Join in the dancing and singing, try the local food, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Learn about the significance: Festivals in Nepal have deep religious and cultural significance, so take the time to learn about the meaning and history behind each festival. This will help you appreciate the celebrations even more.
Hiring a local guide is a great way to learn more about the festivals and the local customs and traditions. A local guide can also help you navigate the crowds and find the best places to experience the festivities.
Another great way to experience festivals in Nepal is by volunteering with a local organisation, such as GVI. GVI offers volunteer programs that allow travellers to participate in community development projects while also experiencing local festivals and traditions. By volunteering with GVI, for example, you could help build a school or a community centre, while also participating in a festival celebration with the local community. This can be a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and traditions of Nepal while also giving back to the community.
Nepal is a country that is rich in culture and traditions, and festivals are an important part of this culture. From the biggest festivals that are celebrated nationwide to the regional festivals that are celebrated only in certain parts of the country, Nepal offers a wide range of festivals for travellers to experience and enjoy. By immersing yourself in the festivities and learning about the local customs and traditions, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the culture and history of Nepal. So, plan your trip accordingly, respect local customs, participate in the celebrations, learn about the significance, and hire a local guide to make the most of your festival experience in Nepal.
By Petrina Darrah
Discover the rich and diverse flavours of Nepal's traditional cuisine, from momos to dal bhat, and learn how to experience it while volunteering in Pokhara with GVI.
Petrina Darrah
Posted: May 21, 2023
