The first day of Bikram Sambat — Nepal's national calendar. Celebrated nationwide with cultural programs, music, and street processions.
Nepal's Mother's Day, observed on the new moon (Aunsi) of Baisakh. Families visit Matatirtha pond near Kathmandu and bathe in its waters to honour their mothers, living or deceased.
Commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha. Nepal, as his birthplace (Lumbini), observes this as a national holiday.
The full moon of Shrawan. Hindu men renew their sacred thread (janai); across communities people tie a protective raksha bandhan thread on their wrists. Major celebrations at Pashupatinath, Kumbheshwar, and mountain lakes.
Festival of Cows — families who lost a member in the past year lead a cow (or a child dressed as one) in a procession. Celebrated mainly in Kathmandu Valley.
Women fast for the well-being of their husbands and pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Celebrated with red attire, traditional dances, and a feast the day before the fast.
Birthday of Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles. Devotees observe fasts, visit Ganesh temples, and offer modak sweets. Widely observed across Nepal.
Eight-day festival honouring Indra, the god of rain. The living goddess Kumari is paraded through Kathmandu on a chariot.
Ghatasthapana marks the start of the 15-day Dashain festival — the biggest celebration in Nepal, honouring the goddess Durga's victory over evil.
The main day of Dashain (Tika day). Elders apply tika and jamara on younger family members as blessings. Largest family gathering of the year.
The third and main night of Tihar. Homes are lit with oil lamps and electric lights to welcome Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
The fifth day of Tihar. Sisters apply a seven-coloured tika on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their longevity; brothers give gifts in return.
Chhath is dedicated to the Sun god Surya and his consort Usha. Devotees fast for two days and offer prayers at rivers and ponds at sunrise and sunset.
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Nepal, recognising the country's Christian community and its tradition of religious tolerance.
Gurung (Tamu) New Year. Celebrated with traditional dances, music, and community feasts marking the beginning of the new year in the Gurung lunar calendar.
Marks the sun's entry into Capricorn — the end of the cold winter month. People bathe in sacred rivers, eat sesame sweets (til ko laddu), and visit family.
Tamang New Year (Sonam Losar). Marked with traditional dances, songs, and feasts honouring the new year according to the Tibetan-based lunar calendar.