Experience the heartbeat of a nation through its sacred, spectacular celebrations.
Introduction
In Nepal, time doesn’t just pass – it pulses. Each month carries with it ancient rituals, vibrant gatherings, and deeply rooted stories. With over 125 ethnic groups and multiple faith traditions, Nepal is one of the most festival-rich countries on Earth. From masked dances in remote mountain villages to grand processions in the Kathmandu Valley, every festival is a window into the soul of its people.
At Maya Trips, we believe that the best time to visit Nepal isn’t a season—it’s a celebration.
🗓 A Month-by-Month Guide to Nepal’s Major Festivals
🪔 January – Maghe Sankranti (Winter Solstice Festival)
A festival of warmth and renewal, celebrating the sun’s northward journey. Families bathe in holy rivers and share traditional foods like ghee, yam, and sesame sweets.
Best experienced in: Chitwan or the banks of the Narayani River
🎭 February/March – Holi (Festival of Colors)
Holi in Nepal is joyful, chaotic, and deeply communal. Locals and travelers alike splash vibrant powders and dance to live music in the streets.
Best experienced in: Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Terai towns like Janakpur
🕊 April – Bisket Jatra (Nepali New Year)
An energetic festival unique to Bhaktapur, featuring massive wooden chariots, tug-of-war contests, and sacred rituals to usher in the New Year.
Cultural tip: Watch the chariot battle in Taumadhi Square – pure adrenaline and ancient tradition.
🪷 May – Buddha Jayanti (Buddha’s Birthday)
Pilgrims and monks gather in Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. Butter lamps are lit, mantras chanted, and peace celebrated.
Don’t miss: A full-moon night meditation in a monastery garden
🎉 August – Teej Festival
- Teej: A vibrant women’s festival dedicated to Goddess Parvati, where women dress in red, sing devotional songs, and fast for marital bliss and the well-being of their families. Streets echo with traditional music and dance.
Where to go: Pashupatinath or Basantapur to witness the energy, devotion, and red-clad processions.
🎉 August – Janai Purnima & Gai Jatra
- Janai Purnima: Men renew sacred threads in a rite of purification.
- Gai Jatra: A satirical parade where families honor the departed with humor and masked dances.
Where to go: Kirtipur or Bhaktapur for immersive processions
🛕 September – Indra Jatra
Kathmandu’s most iconic street festival. Spanning 8 days, it honors Indra, the god of rain, with masked dances, living goddess Kumari’s appearance, and wild festivities.
Travel tip: Stay near Basantapur to catch the nightly processions and traditional music.
🪔 October – Dashain
Nepal’s biggest and most widely celebrated festival, marking the triumph of good over evil. Families reunite, fly kites, and receive tika blessings from elders.
Experience it: In a village homestay – participate in goat feasts and swing rides (ping)
🌼 November – Tihar (Festival of Lights)
Five days of lights, music, and reverence – for crows, dogs, cows, and finally, sisters and brothers. Houses glow with oil lamps and rangoli patterns.
Highlight: Join a Deusi-Bhailo music group as they sing door to door!
🏹 December – Yomari Punhi
A Newari festival celebrating the rice harvest and the iconic yomari dumpling. Families come together to make and share sweet treats filled with molasses and sesame.
Perfect for: Cooking with locals in Patan or Bhaktapur
🧭 Why Travel During Festivals?
- Raw cultural immersion: See Nepal at its most expressive and communal
- Participatory joy: You’re not just watching—you’re dancing, eating, and blessing
- Timeless rituals: Witness traditions that have endured for over a thousand years
- Community connections: Festivals open doors—both literal and emotional
✨ Experiential Festival Journeys with Maya Trips
We design festival-based itineraries that combine:
- Homestays with families who are celebrating
- Cultural briefings so you understand the meaning behind the rituals
- Opportunities to participate authentically, not as an outsider
📧 Email info@mayatrips.com or
Or fill out our form to customize your plan.
Maya Trips – an experiential travel brand.
