The first day of Bikram Sambat — Nepal's national calendar. Celebrated nationwide with cultural programs, music, and street processions.
Birth anniversary of Lord Ram, the seventh avatar of Vishnu. Devotees fast and gather at Janaki temples, especially in Janakpur.
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.