23 Oct 2024 Nabin Baniya
Celebrating Diversity and Heritage During Festivals in Nepal
As you might all know or heard, Nepali people celebrate festivals more than a day in a year. Nepal is a multilingual, cultural, and religious country where different castes and religions co-exist together to form a perfect balance in society. Due to the diverse religions, every religion has its festivals in Nepal to celebrate.
Every main festival has its date and month and we all Nepalese celebrate those festivals throughout the country. There are also some festivals which are only celebrated in specific places or areas in the country. Every festival resembles their caste as well as religion.
Some of the famous festivals that are celebrated by every Nepalese throughout the country are Dashain, Tihar, Loshar, Teej, Holi, Gai Jatra, and so on. These festivals are celebrated by every religion in the country and can also be declared the national festivals of the country.
Why Festivals are Important in Nepal
Festivals in general have significance for promoting cultural unity and identity. Festivals play a vital role in passing down ancestral beliefs, culture, and traditions. They help us bind together and stand out from the rest of the countries. Nepal is a multicultural and multilingual nation, and celebrating festivals helps us promote diversity and inclusivity.
One can foster a sense of pride and ownership in the community by contributing to celebrating our festival. It can improve the image of the nation and strengthen ties between locals and their hometowns. Festivals help us pass down the historical and cultural knowledge to our new generation.
It helps us create a sense of brotherhood and unity among the diverse ethnic groups of Nepal. They serve to keep these traditions alive and relevant by offering an environment for presenting traditional crafts, music, dance, and other forms of cultural expression.
Major Festivals in Nepal
Dashain Festivals in Nepal
Dashain is one of the most important and nationwide festivals which is celebrated by everyone around the country. This festival falls during the autumn (mostly October) which provides you with the best weather throughout the year with the clearest view of mountains along with chill and warm weather.
During this festival season, it is also considered the best season for trekking in Nepal. During this season skies are clear so you will be able to witness the views of mountains and mountain ranges.
Nepalese people celebrate this festival by worshipping the Hindu goddess Durga. According to Hindu mythology, on the ninth day of Dashain goddess Durga fought with the demon, and on the tenth day of Dashain the demon named “Mashisasur” was defeated.
Dashain is celebrated for 15 days where on the tenth day (Dashami) all the family gathers together and the oldest one provides blessings and offerings (tika, yogurt, rice, and red vermilion with Jamarna) on the forehead to all the smaller family members.
Tihar Festivals in Nepal
Tihar is also one of the most important festivals of Nepalese which comes after Dashain. We celebrate Tihar in October. Tihar is also known for the festivals of light and flowers whereas we decorate our houses with beautiful flowers and lights.
Tihar is celebrated for 5 days and every day has its purpose and meaning for the festival. On your very first day of Tihar, Kaag Tihar (crows worshipping) is celebrated. People worship Crows by providing food as offerings.
On the third day, Hindus worship beloved Dogs at Kukur Tihar where people offer food and tikas to our dogs and also to the street dogs. During the fourth day, also known as Govardhan Puja, Cows are worshiped. On the very last day of the festival, people celebrate Bhai Tika where the sisters put on tika and provide blessings to their brothers.
Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is a major festival for Hindus where they worship the God Shiva. On this day the devotees visit the nearest Temples and worship god by chanting prayers, fasting, and meditating. Devotees wake up the whole night by singing songs and praying to the god Shiva.
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most famous and holiest temples where devotees from neighboring countries visit on this day to worship the god, Shiva. Pashupatinath temple organizes one of the biggest programs during this special day throughout the year.
Shree Krishna Janmashtami
One of the major festivals celebrated by the Hindus, celebrating the birth of the eighth avatar of Vishnu, Lord Krishna. This festival is also called Krishnashtami, Janmashtami, or Gokulashtami. At Shravana Masa, people honor and celebrate the birth of Krishna on the eighth day (Ashtami), of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha).
Hindus observe Janmashtami by visiting temples dedicated to Krishna or Vishnu, fasting, singing, praying together, cooking and eating special meals, and holding night vigils. Janmashtami is celebrated to remind one of the significance of leading an honest life in which one’s deeds are consistent with universal principles.
As mentioned in the Bhagvat Geeta, Lord Krishna imparts his knowledge of morality, life, duty, and the way to enlightenment to his followers. Remembering Lord Krishna, Janmashtami urges us to explore this sea of knowledge further and use it in our day-to-day activities.
It is the festival of love, laughter, and togetherness and reminds people about the victory of good over bad. It provides spiritual enlightenment and spreads a positive aura amongst its believers.
Buddha Jayanti
For Buddhist people, the most important festival is Buddha Jayanti. Celebrated at May’s full moon, Buddha Jayanti honors the Buddha’s enlightenment and demise. On this auspicious day, devotees from all over the nation assemble early in the morning to worship and circumambulate the temples traditionally.
Devotees present butter lamps, rice, flowers, cash, and other items on this day. There are several prayer services held on Buddha Jayanti. Even though the country has a Hindu majority, its inclusiveness is demonstrated by the respect shown for Buddha and his teachings.
Buddha Jayanti is a time when people celebrate Nepal’s rich religious and cultural diversity. By encouraging people to reflect on their thoughts and behaviors, the festival promotes a society that is more understanding and caring.
It is majorly celebrated in most of South, Southeast, and East Asia. The four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, considered as Buddha’s major teachings, offer helpful direction for living a balanced and contented life.
Teej Festivals in Nepal
Teej also known as Haritalika Teej is celebrated for 3 days by women, especially following Hinduism by fasting. This festival honors Goddess Parvati, who, following her devotional prayer, reunited with Lord Shiva. The celebration usually takes place in early September or August, which corresponds with the Nepali month of Bhadra.
For days, ladies dressed in red sarees, red bangles, and red tikas sing and dance to traditional folk tunes. Traditionally married women only celebrated Teej but these days it is very common among unmarried ladies as well.
The first day of Teej is known as ‘Daar Khaney Din’ where married women are invited to their home to enjoy a lavish fest along with their family. Followed by a strict fast avoiding food and liquids for a whole day. Rishi Panchami, the third day, is devoted to purification and cleansing. Rituals are performed by women to make up for misdeeds and obtain blessings for a morally upright life.
Holi Festivals in Nepal
Holi commonly known as the festival of color is popularly celebrated all over the nation. It means that good has triumphed over evil. We can observe on Full Moon Day in the month of Purnima, also known as Falgun.
It is stated that with the assistance of his sister Holika, the wicked king Hiranyakashipu attempted to murder his son Pralhad. Holika has been blessed with fire resistance. Pralhad was on her lap as she stepped into a flaming pyre. However, Holika was reduced to ashes while Pralhad, a sincere follower of Lord Bishnu, escaped unharmed.
This is why it signifies the victory of good. With this colorful celebration, winter comes to an end and spring begins. With water balloons and colored powder in hand, people assemble in public areas, streets, and temples to celebrate the primary event of Holi. Both friends and strangers battle fiercely, smothering each other in water and coating each other with colorful powders.
Saraswati Puja
Saraswati Puja also known as Shree Panchami or Basanta Panchami is celebrated worshipping the 4- handed Goddess sitting on a lotus. Goddess Saraswati is regarded as the goddess of divine knowledge, wisdom, art, music, and culture.
Like any other God/Goddess, the white swan is her bahaan (vehicle). In her hands are a garland, a book, and the Veena, a plucked string instrument that is considered her weapon.
Saraswati Puja is celebrated in Nepal by offerings of Garlands, Tika, and Sweets and singing Saraswati Bandhana.
Intellectuals, artists, and students all value Saraswati Puja. People who attend the festival passionately pray to the goddess for wisdom, success in school, and success in the arts.
Gai Jatra Festivals in Nepal
Popular gai Jatra is a festival commonly celebrated by the Newar community of Kathmandu. Gai Jatra is observed to honor departed family members and to express the family’s sorrow. People use it as a means of remembering those who have died within the past year.
According to Hinduism, cows are responsible for escorting the souls of the dead to the afterlife. Families who have lost loved ones march through the streets with a cow or a child dressed as one during the celebration.
Gai Jatra is thought to have been initiated in the 17th century by Pratap Malla, the ruler of Kathmandu. History holds it that the king wanted to comfort his grieving queen after learning of his son’s passing.
In an attempt to assist the grieving families in coping with their loss, he ordered all the families who had lost a loved one during the year to participate in a procession and parade a cow through the streets.
Losar Festivals in Nepal
Buddhist communities such as the Tamang, Sherpa, Gurung, and Thakali celebrate the event. Buddhism and Losar are somewhat interchangeable. “Char” signifies new, and “Lo” indicates year.
Usually, this festival is celebrated in January, February, and December. Prayer flags are used to adorn important Buddhist stupas, such as Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, during the Losar festival.
The twelve Lhos (year signs) of the eastern astrological system are Cat, Mouse, Dog, Tiger, Deer, Sheep, Cow, Bird, Garuda, Serpent, Horse, and Monkey. In the past, when there was no calendar, people used these Lhos to determine their ages.
There are mainly three types of Losar celebrated:
- Tamu Losar
- Sonam Losar
- Gyalpo Losar
Sonam Losar
“Mang” denotes warriors, and “Ta” denotes horses. Sonam Losar is a holiday celebrated by the entire Tamang community in Nepal. The Tamang people are indigenous to Nepal. Unlike other ethnic groups, they are very used to their own language and culture.
Houses are regularly cleaned, painted, and decorated during Losar. The “Tamang Selo” is a special dance. They dance to the rhythm of Damfu, a unique drum-like instrument coated in goat leather while wearing traditional attire at events, feasts, and parties.
Tamu Losar
The Gurung people commemorate Tamu Losar, especially those who live around Mount Annapurna and Mount Dhaulagiri. Gurungs have unique dances and music, such as “Kauda” and “Salaijo,” just like the Tamang group.
On this Tamu Losar, people wear specially made clothing with gold jewelry or adornment made of precious stones. Women wear Kachhad, which is similar to a miniskirt, while males wear Bhangra, which is a white cotton shirt-like clothing that opens like a bag at the back and crosses the chest.
To celebrate Losar, people travel to Tudikhel in Kathmandu. The 15th of Poush signifies the end of winter and the beginning of spring, which adds to Tamu Losar’s beauty as the seasons change.
Gyalpo Losar
The Sherpa community celebrates Gyalpo Losar. According to the English calendar, the Tibetan New Year is observed in February. Losar starts on the first day of the first of the twelve lunar months that make up the calendar. Painting and decorating homes, gumbas, monasteries, and creating Khapse are the first steps in preparing for the festival.
Amazing, delicious treats are prepared in various ways, and scented sticks are burned. Every year, friends, family, and relatives come together to celebrate Losar. Friends and relatives will remain up late to greet one another in the New Year, and “Tashi Delek” will take over the customary greeting as the clock strikes midnight.
Festivals Discounts
Booking an adventure during the festival’s time is very beneficial for all adventure lovers around the globe. There will be many discounts and Add-on services during the festivals. In Nepal also there are many festivals and events. Most of the Trekking operators and agencies provide attractive deals around the festivals. Magic Himalaya Treks also provides some discounts and offers during the Different Festivals in Nepal.
Biggest Festival Dashain Discounts
Dashain is the Biggest one among Festivals in Nepal. Dashain Festivals mostly fall on September or October month every year. Magic Himalaya Treks offers 10% to 20 % on booking during the festival’s time. We give 10% discounts on Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, or Manaslu Trekking. We do a 20% discount on treks and tour such as the Ghorepani poon hill trek, Everest three high pass trek, or the Upper Mustang trek. Magic Himalaya Company also provides Group discounts for families as well as group bookings,
Tihar Festivals Discounts
Tihar is the second biggest festival in Nepal among many Festivals in Nepal. This festival falls from October to November after the biggest festival Dashain. During these festivals also many people give discounts and offers on different treks. Magic Himalaya Treks Company also provides 10% to 15% discount offers during the Tihar festival. This time of year is the perfect time for a trek due to clear skies and festive atmosphere on different parts of the Village that go through the different villages during the trek. Those having a trek at this festival will get some sort of gift from our team. Due to less people also get better accommodations in Kathmandu as well as trekking. Book the Everest base camp trek via Jiri or Kanchanjunga base camp trek and grab these discount opportunities from the company.
Nepalese New Year discounts
Nepalese New Year falls in mid-April and this is another period when your operator offers many interesting deals to attract many bookings and treks. The discount Might go on ranges depending on the treks and tours you book. Magic Himalaya Treks provides Massage packages after the trek that comes during the Nepalese New Year. Gokyo Valley Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Kathmandu city tour, and Annapurna Circuit Trek are those with 12% Discounts at this time of year.
Christmas and English New Year Discounts
The Christmas and English New Year fall from December to January time. Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December whereas the New Year is on January first. This is the cold time and many people do not prefer trekking this time so you will find the trail undisturbed and fresh with fewer crowds. Magic Himalaya Treks offers the New Year and Christmas dinner if there is a client during this period of time. We also celebrate the occasion with cakes and drinks. Magic Himalaya Treks also offers an 11% Discount during this time and will make your journey memorable. We recommend doing the Gokyo Everest base camp Trek, Gosainkunda pass trek, Jomsom Muktinath trek as well as the Kathmandu city tour.
Holi @ Spring season Discounts
Holi is another interesting festival celebrated in Nepal. March is the month when we celebrate this occasion in Nepal. This festival is able to attract many people and travelers. Magic Himalaya treks provide attractive discounts. This is also the right time to trek due to the blooming Rhododendrons flowers along the trekking route. Magic Himalaya treks will provide special Holi celebration events in Kathmandu or on a trek. We also provide discounts on large group bookings.
If you are planning to do a trek in Nepal then don’t forget to grab the opportunities for discounts and different things with Magic Himalaya Treks Company.
Conclusion
All the festivals celebrated in Nepal have their cultural importance and beliefs. Celebrating festivals helps us educate ourselves about our culture and traditions. It promotes unity and helps us promote our culture and traditions throughout the world.
Hence, every festival celebrated helps us pass down our beliefs to the next generation. We must act responsibly to our beliefs and must promote them in any way possible.
Nabin is a seasoned trekking and hiking guide, and the proud operator of Magic Himalaya Treks, Nepal’s premier company for Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek, and other thrilling adventures. With a wealth of experiences and valuable insights, Nabin’s website offers comprehensive information on trekking in Nepal.