Imagine stepping into Nepal in 2026, a country bursting with more cultures than you can count. It’s where Hindu chants blend with Buddhist mantras, where ancient Kirati traditions dance alongside modern beats, and where every festival is a feast for the senses. Think vibrant colors, soul-stirring music, mesmerizing dances, and flavors that tell stories.
Next year, get ready for a non-stop party that follows the rhythm of the seasons. From cozy winter gatherings to sun-kissed autumn harvests, each month is like opening a new chapter in Nepal's story. You'll meet people from all walks of life—Newars, Tharus, Gurungs, Sherpas, Tamangs, Maithils—all adding their unique spice to the mix.
This isn't just a list of dates; it's your backstage pass to understanding what makes each celebration tick. We'll peek into the history, get down to the rituals, explore regional twists, and see how these events still shape daily life. And for those of you planning a trip, especially around Kathmandu, I'll share tips on how to jump in and be part of the fun without stepping on any toes.
Whether you're a Kathmandu local who has lived these traditions or a newbie packing your bags, get ready to dive headfirst into Nepal's living, breathing culture.
As the clock strikes midnight on January 1st, Nepal throws a nationwide party for the Gregorian New Year. Kathmandu's Thamel area turns into a dazzling carnival, with fireworks painting the sky over Durbar Square. Concerts pump up the energy, and families gather for feasts of sel roti and yomari. It's a fun mix of Western vibes and Nepali hospitality, with gifts exchanged and resolutions made.
But January holds another special day: National Unity Day (Prithvi Jayanti) on January 11th. It's a day to remember King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who united Nepal back in the 18th century. Schools and offices raise the flag high, share stories of national heroes, and put on shows with folk dances like Maruni and Deuda. It's all about celebrating what brings Nepal together.
And just when you thought January couldn't get any cozier, Maghe Sankranti arrives on January 15th. This festival marks the sun's journey north, bringing an end to the chilly winter days. People cook up warm, comforting dishes like khichadi (a lentil and rice porridge), tarul (yam), sesame laddus, ghee, and chaku (molasses and sesame rolls). Families head to rivers like the Bagmati for a cleansing dip, and in the Terai region, the sky fills with colorful kites. Maghe Sankranti is all about health, warmth, and appreciating the change of seasons.
Around January 19th to 25th (the date changes with the moon), Vasant Panchami (also known as Saraswati Puja) bursts onto the scene, heralding the arrival of spring. It's a day to honor Goddess Saraswati, who embodies knowledge, music, and the arts. Students bring their books, pens, and instruments to her statues, seeking her blessings. Temples overflow with people dressed in yellow, offering flowers and sweets. Schools across Nepal come alive with Saraswati vandana recitals and cultural shows filled with classical music and dance.
Around February 12th, the Tibetan, Sherpa, and Tamang communities welcome their New Year, Lhosar. Monasteries become stages for masked lama dances (cham), families don their traditional outfits (bakhu for Sherpas, colorful chuba), and feasts of khapse (fried biscuits), thukpa, and momos are enjoyed. In Boudha and Swayambhu, prayer wheels spin faster as butter lamps flicker.
Then comes Maha Shivaratri on February 15th, drawing millions of devotees to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. People fast, chant Om Namah Shivaya, offer bel leaves, milk, and datura to Shiva lingams, and stay up all night for kirtans and jagar (devotional singing). Sadhus covered in ashes perform fire rituals, while families at home light lamps and share prasad. It's a night of intense spirituality that sets the stage for the playful Holi to come.
Holi (also known as Fagu Purnima), around March 2nd and 3rd, erupts in a riot of color and laughter. In the hills and Kathmandu Valley, people playfully douse each other with abir (colored powder) and water balloons, sing folk songs, and dance to the beat of dhimay drums. The celebration is even wilder in the Terai region, with longer festivities and grand thali feasts. Holi symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. It's a time to forgive, forget, and wash away old grudges with laughter.
On March 18th, Kathmandu's Tundikhel turns into a thrilling spectacle with Ghode Jatra. The Nepali Army puts on daring horse races and acrobatic displays. Legend says this festival is meant to ward off a demoness, but now it's a public event where crowds cheer on the skilled cavalry.
The Nepali New Year (Baisakh 1, also known as Biska Jatra) arrives on April 14th and 15th, marking the start of Bikram Sambat 2083. Families across Nepal clean their homes, put on new clothes, and exchange warm wishes (Subha Naya Barsha!). In Bhaktapur, the Biska Jatra chariot procession pulls massive wooden raths through the streets to the sound of cheers and bhailo songs. Meanwhile, in Thimi, the Sindoor Jatra sees locals showering each other with vermilion powder in lively processions.
Buddha Jayanti (usually around May 1st) is when Nepal celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Lumbini, his birthplace, glows with international pilgrims lighting butter lamps at the Maya Devi Temple. In Kathmandu, the Boudhanath and Swayambhu stupas are encircled by fluttering prayer flags. Monks chant sutras, release caged birds as an act of compassion, and hand out vegetarian khir.
From May 12th to 14th, Upper Mustang's Lo Manthang hosts the Tiji Festival. This remote and mystical event features Tibetan Buddhist masked dances reenacting the story of Dorje Sonam's victory over demons. It's a rare peek into ancient rituals influenced by the Bon religion.
Around May 31st, Saga Dawa amplifies the spirit of Buddhist merit-making, with people engaging in circumambulations, offerings, and vegetarian feasts.
Sithi Nakha (dates vary) is when the Newar community cleans wells, ponds, and streets to prevent diseases during the monsoon season. It's a practical act of devotion tied to the importance of hygiene.
Panauti Jatra (varying dates) revives historic chariot processions in Panauti town, with the deities Indreshwor and Brahmayani paraded through the streets.
Janai Purnima on August 28th is when Brahmin and Chhetri men change their janai (sacred threads) after fasting and bathing in sacred rivers like Gosaikunda. Families also tie doro, a rakhi-like thread, on wrists for protection.
Gai Jatra on August 29th brings Newar humor to the streets. Boys dress up as cows, and processions use satire skits to mock politicians and society. It's a way for grieving families to cope by finding laughter in the face of death.
Teej (also known as Hartalika Teej) around September 14th is when women dress in red saris, fast for their husbands' long lives, dance on swings (ping), and sing Teej songs. Pashupatinath Temple fills with devotees.
Indra Jatra (Yenya) on September 25th revives Kathmandu's ancient traditions. The Kumari (living goddess) makes an appearance from her palace, masked Lakhe dances whirl, and Indra's pole is raised. Bhairavnath's chariot joins the festive chaos.
Dashain, from October 11th to 25th, is Nepal's biggest and most important festival, lasting for 15 days and honoring the goddess Durga's triumph over evil. The festival begins with Ghatasthapana, where jamara barley is planted. The following days involve daily Navadurga worship, culminating in Vijay Dashami, when elders give tika blessings to younger family members. Traditionally, goat and buffalo sacrifices are part of the rituals, but practices vary. Families reunite, swings (ping) are set up, kites fill the sky, and feasts of sel roti, bara, and meat are enjoyed. Offices close, and roads are packed with people returning home.
Mani Rimdu, from October 28th to 30th at Tengboche Monastery in the Everest region, features Sherpa masked dances, fire puja, and spiritual teachings.
Tihar (also known as Deepawali), from November 7th to 11th, illuminates homes with oil lamps. Each day has a special meaning: Day 1 honors crows (messengers of Yama, god of death); Day 2 dogs (guardians); Day 3 cows and the Laxmi puja (worship of the goddess of wealth); Day 4 oxen and Govardhan puja; and Day 5 Bhai Tika (November 11th), when sisters apply tika to their brothers, exchange gifts, and share sweets.
Chhath Parva around November 15th in the Terai region sees women fasting strictly and offering arghya to the setting and rising sun from riverbanks, showing pure devotion without idols.
Haribodhini Ekadashi on November 21st marks the end of Chaturmas, when Vishnu awakens from his slumber.
Falgunanda Jayanti (November 30th, celebrated in December) honors the Kirati reformer Falgunanda.
Tamu Lhosar (late December, varying dates) celebrates the Gurung New Year with rodhi gatherings, sorathi dances, and feasts.
Nepal's 2026 festival calendar is a vibrant tapestry woven with resilience, devotion, and joy. In Kathmandu, many of these festivals come together, turning the streets into a living stage of culture. If you're planning a visit, remember to respect local customs: dress modestly at temples, ask before taking photos of people, and accept invitations to join feasts. These celebrations remind us that time in Nepal is measured not just by calendars but by shared moments of humanity. May your 2026 be filled with the colors, lights, and blessings of this amazing country. Namaste!
| Date (2026) | Festival / Celebration | Type / Notes |
| January 1 | New Year’s Day (Gregorian) | Nationwide modern celebration; parties, fireworks in cities like Kathmandu. |
| January 11 | National Unity Day (Prithvi Jayanti) | National observance; honors King Prithvi Narayan Shah, unity tributes, cultural programs. |
| January 15 (Thursday) | Maghe Sankranti | Hindu traditional winter festival; feasts with yams, sesame, lentils; sun's northward turn. |
| January 19 (approx.) | Sonam Lhosar / Vasant Panchami (varies) | Himalayan Buddhist New Year (Tamang/Sherpa) and Saraswati Puja; spring, learning blessings. |
| February 12 (approx.) | Lhosar (Tibetan/Sherpa/Tamang New Year) | Himalayan Buddhist communities; feasts, dances, prayers. |
| February 15 (Sunday) | Maha Shivaratri | Major Hindu festival dedicated to Shiva; fasting, night vigils at Pashupatinath Temple. |
| February 18 (approx.) | Gyalpo Lhosar (if applicable) | Additional Losar variant in some communities. |
| March 2 (approx., Monday) | Holi / Fagu Purnima | Festival of colors; playful in hills, vibrant in Terai; good over evil, spring arrival. |
| March 18 | Ghode Jatra | Horse festival in Kathmandu; army races in Tundikhel to ward off evil. |
| April 14–15 (Tuesday–Wednesday) | Nepali New Year / Biska Jatra (Baisakh 1, 2083) | Nationwide New Year; chariot festivities in Bhaktapur; family joy, new beginnings. |
| April 14–15 | Sindoor Jatra | Colorful New Year celebration in Thimi (Bhaktapur); vermilion powder processions. |
| May 1 (Friday, approx.) | Buddha Jayanti | Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, parinirvana; major pilgrimages to Lumbini, stupas lit. |
| May 12–14 (approx.) | Tiji Festival | Tibetan Buddhist masked dance festival in Upper Mustang; good vs. evil themes. |
| May 31 (approx.) | Saga Dawa | Buddhist festival; celebrates Buddha’s key life events; merit-making, processions. |
| June (dates vary) | Sithi Nakha | Newar water & street cleaning festival; hygiene, disease prevention before monsoon. |
| June (dates vary) | Panauti Jatra | Chariot procession in historic Panauti town; deities paraded. |
| August 28 (approx.) | Janai Purnima | Sacred Thread festival; Brahmin/Chhetri change janai, rakhi-like threads, pilgrimages. |
| August 29 (approx.) | Gai Jatra | Cattle festival & humor procession (Newar); satire, coping with loss through laughter. |
| September 14 (approx.) | Teej / Hartalika Teej | Women’s fasting & celebration; red saris, swings, prayers for marital bliss. |
| September 25 (approx.) | Indra Jatra (Yenya) | Ancient masked street festival in Kathmandu; Kumari procession, Lakhe dances. |
| October 4 (approx.) | Jitiya (Tharu / Maithil) | Children & maternal fasting festival; well-being prayers. |
| October 11–25 (Sunday–Sunday) | Dashain | Nepal’s biggest festival; Durga victory, family reunions, tika blessings, swings, sacrifices. Key day: Vijay Dashami (Oct 21). |
| October 28–30 (approx.) | Mani Rimdu | Monastic masked dance festival in Everest region (Tengboche); spiritual teachings. |
| November 7–11 (approx.) | Tihar (Deepawali / Yam Panchak) | Festival of lights & animal worship; crows, dogs, cows, Laxmi puja; homes illuminated. |
| November 11 (approx.) | Bhai Tika | Blessings of brothers & sisters (Tihar finale); tika, gifts, sibling bonds. |
| November 15 (approx.) | Chhath Parva | Sun worship (Terai & Janakpur); rigorous fasting, riverbank offerings. |
| November 21 (approx.) | Haribodhini Ekadashi | End of Chaturmas austerity; Vishnu awakens. |
| November 30 (approx.) | Falgunanda Jayanti | Kirati cultural celebration; honors reformer saint. |
| Late December (dates vary) | Tamu Lhosar | Gurung/Sherpa New Year; cultural dances, feasts, rodhi gatherings. |
