Nepal's 5 most incredible cultural festivals

Nepal is known for its distinct culture and bright, vivid festivals. Despite its small size, the Himalayan nation is home to a diverse population of nationalities and ethnicities, each with its own traditions and celebrations. The majority of Nepalese festivals have religious overtones, and some are based on significant events from ancient mythology and epic literature. Nepalese people have a wide range of beliefs and customs as a result of their ethnic backgrounds. Despite this, everyone comes together to celebrate the major festivals.

Dashain and Tihar

Dashain and Tihar are Nepal’s two most important and popular festivals. According to Hindu mythology, Dashain celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over the wicked Mahishasura. Tihar, on the other hand, is a festival of lights and color dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the Hindu divinity of wealth and fortune. Despite the fact that these holidays are associated with a certain religion, their symbolic significance is deeply ingrained in Nepalese culture. People of all ethnicities celebrate Dashain and Tihar with equal enthusiasm and excitement, regardless of their religious beliefs. The two festivals take place in the autumn and are the longest festival holidays.

Buddha Jayanti

The Lord Buddha’s birthday is celebrated on Buddha Jayanti. Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal, in 623 BC as a prince of the Shakya dynasty. Lumbini is currently part of the Kapilvastu district. Nepal honors Buddha Jayanti as one of its major festivals because it is the birthplace of Buddha. It occurs on the night of the full moon in either May or June. On this blessed day, peace-loving and Buddhist communities travel to Lumbini, Nepal, to visit Buddha’s birthplace. On Buddha Jayanti, Buddhist monasteries, chaityas, and gumbas are also decorated and swarmed with tourists.

Gai Jatra

The cow carnival is what the phrase Gai Jatra means. However, the celebration is held to remember loved ones who have died. On the street, people sing, dance, and dress up as cows. It is an event held to help people cope with the loss of a loved one.

Gai Jatra has its origins in Nepal under the reign of The Malla. According to legend, when a Malla queen was grieving the loss of her son, the monarch sent out a procession of people who had lost loved ones to show the queen that she was not alone. Gai Jatra has now become one of Nepal’s most popular events.

Janai Purnima and Rakshya Bandhan

In Nepal, Janai Purnima is a noteworthy festival. On this holy full moon day, Hindu men renew their holy thread called ‚Janai,‘ which is known as Janai Purnima. People also go to Shiva temples, and a large Mela is conducted in various holy spots, such as Gisaikunda near Rasuwa, which attracts a large number of devotees.

Other than that, families get together to eat sprout lentils, which are known in Nepali as ‚Kwati.‘ Rakshya Bandhan, a ceremony in which sisters tie a thread on their brother’s hand and get gifts, is also part of Janai Purnima. However, there is a deeper purpose to the ritual; it is a celebration and prayer to deepen the love and respect between sisters and brothers.

Teej

Teej is an important holiday celebrated by Nepalese women all over the country. Teej is celebrated by women wearing red sarees, tikas, and bangles, and singing and dancing for days. It is historically significant for married ladies who visit their mothers‘ houses. Women who follow Dar fast for an entire day without foods and drinks, singing and dancing in groups. Unmarried women pray for a good husband and marital joy while fasting, whereas married women pray for their husband’s lifespan and prosperity. The sight of ladies of all ages, young and elderly, dancing for hours in the heat, rain, and without a drop of water or sustenance for a whole day is captivating.

We are confident that we have sparked your interest in Nepal. So don’t wait to plan your trip with us. An amazing vacation with a balanced combination of adventure, culture, and nature that shows you the country from a unique perspective: 14 days Nepal round trip| TripLegend.

And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more travel inspiration.