Nepali Festival Calendar 2083

April 19, 2026

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Nepal is the land of an array of festivities, and this is not an understatement. A country of days and deities; various religious days and religious deities are the life and blood of the Nepali people. Not a single month passes without the observance of a festivity of one sort or another, nor is there a single locality without the site or route of a religious deity. It is estimated that 90 % of the festivals in Nepal have a religious origin. Thus, the festivals often begin with religious ceremonies, build with a spontaneous social spirit, and end with friendly feasts and fun. This has been the Nepalese way of celebrating since time immemorial.

It is worth noting that the same day/festival is sometimes celebrated by various cultural groups in different socio-cultural contexts, each calling it by a different name.

Here is a comprehensive list of festivals celebrated either nationally or in specific regions of the country by ethno-religious groups.

Note: Almost all of the Nepalese festivals follow the lunar calendar; the dates of most of the festivals vary every year.

Here is the Festival Calendar for the Year 2083 BS. (2026/27 AD)

Festival	When	Where	Why	Public Holiday
Nepali New Year	Baisakh 1, 14 April	Nationwide	First day of the New Year 2082 BS	Yes
Mother's Day (Mata tirtha aaunsi/ Aama ko mukh herney din)	Baisakh 4, 17 April	Nationwide	Children pay homage to their mother, and if she’s passed on, a prayer to her spirit is made at Matatirtha Pond on the outskirts of Kathmandu, or at the Pashupatinath Temple.	No
Parshuram Jayanti	Baisakh 6, 19 April	Nationwide	Marks the birth anniversary of Lord Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.	Yes (Sunday)
Loktantra Diwas	Baisakh 11, 24 April	Nationwide	Commemorating the end of the monarchy and the establishment of a democratic republic.	No
Labour Day	Baisakh 18, 1 May	Nationwide	Marks the International Labour Day. It also marks the starting of Rato Machendranath Jatra.	Yes
Buddha Jayanti	Baisakh 18, 1 May	Nationwide	Birth, Enlightenment & Demise day of Shakyamuni Buddha.	Yes
Ubhauli Parba	Baisakh 18, 1 May	Kirati community	It is a celebration of gratitude to nature for a good harvest and the beginning of the summer season.	Yes
Ganatantra Diwas	Jestha 15, 29 May	Nationwide	Commemorates the declaration of Nepal as a republic and the end of the 240-year reign of the Shah kings.	Yes
Dahi Chiura Khane Din	Asadh 15, 29 June	Nationwide	Celebrated by eating yoghurt and bitten rice,the have which supposedly cures skin disease. This day is also officially marked as rice planting day. However, rice planting depends upon the arrival of the monsoon.	No
Bhanu Jayanti	Asadh 29, 13 July	Nationwide	Celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of the first poet of Nepal, Adikabi Bhanu Bhakta Acharya.	No
Tharu Guria Parba/ Shrawan Sankrati	Shrawan 1, 17 July	Tharu community	The Guria Parba is a traditional Tharu festival symbolizing protection from diseases and respect for nature. It highlights community unity, agricultural traditions, and the strong bond of love and care between brothers and sisters.	No
Gatha Muga Chahare	Shrawan 1, 17 July	Newar Community	Throughout the city, reed effigies, bound together by straw ropes, are erected at various intersections and These effigies, known as Gathaamuga Khyaa, or simply "Ghantakarna"	No
Hari Sayani Ekadashi/ Tulsi ropne din	Shrawan 9, 25 July	Nationwide	On Harishayani Ekadashi, Hindus plant and worship Tulasi as a form of Lord Vishnu. The worship continues for four months until Haribodhini Ekadashi, marking the end of Chaturmas.	Yes (Saturday)
Guru Purnima	Shrawan 13, 29 July	Nationwide	Celebrated to pay respect and gratitude to the teachers and spiritual guide	No
Kheer Khaney din	Shrawan 15 31 July	Nationwide	It is typically observed during the month of shrawan when the rice harvest is complete, and families have an abundance of fresh grains.	No
Baraha Jayanti	Shrawan 30, 15 August	Nationwide	Baraha Jayanti is celebrated to honor the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Baraha (the wild boar). It marks the event when he saved the Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha during the Satya Yuga.	Yes (Saturday)
Naag Panchami	Bhadra 1, 17 August	Nationwide	Hindus worship Naag (serpents) whose burrows are unlivable due to overflow of water during monsoon, with a request not to enter their house or harm their family members.	No
Janai Purnima/Rakchya Bandhan/Quati khaney din	Bhadra 12, 28 august	Nationwide	People tie a sacred thread on the wrist for protection, those wearing Janai will change them on this day. It’s also an auspicious day for Shamans of hilly Nepal, plus a day to celebrate siblinghood, sisters tie a rakhi bracelet on brothers’ wrist.	Yes
Gai Jatra	Bhadra 13, 29 august	Kathmandu Valley	It is celebrated mainly in the Kathmandu Valley by the Newar people.The festival is celebrated in honour of their immediate relatives who have died during the previous year. Various groups of children dressed up as cows and in other religious drags are organized throughout various cities.	Yes (Saturday)
Krishna Janmasthami/Gaura Parba	Bhadra 19, September 4	Nationwide	Major festival marking the birth of lord Krishna.	Yes
Kushe Aunshi/ Buwa ko Mukh Herne Din (Father’s Day)	Bhadra 26, September 11	Nationwide	Children pay homage to their father and if he’s passed on, a prayer to his spirit is made at Gokarna or at the Pashupatinath Temple.	No
Dar Khane Din	Bhadra 28, September 13	Nationwide	Dar khane din is the first day of Hartalika Teej where women enjoy good food and a good time. On this day, women who are to fast on the day of Teej eat a heavy, healthy food to have the energy to fast.	Yes (Sunday)
Haritalika Teej	Bhadra 29, September 14	Nationwide	Married women fast pray for the long life & good health of one’s husband, whereas unmarried women fast in hopes of getting a suitable match like Lord Shiva.	Yes (Women only)
Ganesh Chaturthi	Bhadra 29, September 14	Nationwide	The birth anniversary of the Elephant-Headed Lord, Ganesh	No
Rishi Panchami	Bhadra 30, September 15	Nationwide	Women and also girls who had their menses make a special bath in the mornings and worship the Sapta Rishi (7 Holy Sages) and their wife Arundhati, asking forgiveness for the sins they have committed during the 4 days of the monthly cycle.	No
Bishwakarma Puja	Asoj 1, 17 September	Nationwide	The birthday of Bishwakarma, the Divine Architect in Hindu Mythology.	No
Sambidhan Diwas (Constitution Day)	Asoj 3, 19 September	Nationwide	A day celebrated to commemorate the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal 2072 BS (2015).	Yes (Saturday)
Indra Jatra	Asoj 9, 25 September	Kathmandu valley	The eight-day long Newari festival to worship Lord Indra and his mother Dagini concludes on this day. It is celebrated to ensure the upcoming harvest.	Yes, (Kathmandu only)
Chepang Chhonaam Parba	Asoj 10, 26 September	Chepang community	Chonam (Nwagi) is the major festival of the Chepang community in Nepal. It is an annual harvest celebration that expresses gratitude for new crops and brings people together through rituals and shared feasts.	Yes (Saturday)
Sorah Shraddha	Asojh 11, 27 September	Nationwide	This day marks the beginning of sixteen days of Ancestor worship right before Dashain. People perform rites to all the deceased as far back as seven generations.	Yes (Sunday)
Jitiya Parba (Jiwit Putrika)	Asojh 18, 4 October	Madhesi Mothers of Terai region	Mothers of Terai region (Southern Nepal) worship God Jitmahan Gosain and fast for 24 hours for the well-beinga of their living Children.	Yes (Saturday)
Ghatasthapana	Asojh 25, 11 October	Nationwide	First day of Dashain Festival. On this day, people plant Jamara seeds that are reaped and given as blessings to junior family members along with tika on the Dashain day. This also marks the beginning of Nauratha or Navaratri, when nine different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped every day.	Yes (Saturday)
Phulpati (Saptami)	Asojh 31, 17 October	Nationwide	Seventh day of Dashain. People bring in nine different types of Phulpati (flowers and leaves) home to include in the veneration of Saptami puja.	Yes (Saturday)
Maha Ashtami	Kartik 1, 18 October	Nationwide	Eighth day of Dashain. People worship tools and vehicles, sacrifice animals at home and at Goddess Durga temples.	Yes (Sunday)
Maha Navami	Kartik 3, 20 October	Nationwide	Ninth day of Dashain People worship tools and vehicles, sacrifice animals at home and at Goddess Durga temples.	Yes
Dashain/ Bada Dashain/ Vijaya Dashami	Kartik 4, 21 October	Nationwide	Tenth day and main day of Dashain It is a joyous day when families visit each other to receive Tika and Jamara blessings. They make merry by playing cards, singing, dancing, while hosting a big feast. Linge Ping (bamboo swing) is very famous in this season. It is believed that one has to mount a Linge ping (traditional bamboo swing) and forbid touching earth at least once on this day.	Yes
Kojagrat Purnima/ Purnima Brata	Kartik 8, 25 October	Nationwide	Fifteenth/ concluding day of Dashain. A day to worship Goddess Laxmi (goddess of wealth) and make vigil all night.	Yes (Sunday)
Dhanteras	Kartik 20, 6 November	Nationwide	To commemorate Tihar, the festival of lights, people on this day buy precious metals and worship it on the Laxmi puja day.,	No
Kaag Tihar	Kartik 21, 7 November	Nationwide	The first day of Tihar, the festival of lights. This day involves the worship of crows as they are the messenger of the death-god Yama.	Yes
Kukur tihar	Kartik 22, 8 November	Nationwide	In Nepalese culture, it is believed that dogs are the guardians of the afterlife, and honoring them on this day ensures safe passage for departed souls. So this day is celebrated to honor their loyalty	Yes (Sunday)
Laxmi Puja	Kartik 22, 8 November	Nationwide	It’s the main day of Tihar when Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune, is worshipped at night. Houses are cleaned and decorated in hopes that Laxmi will stop by and bless the family members.	Yes (Sunday)
Gai Puja	Kartik 23, 9 November	Nationwide	Cows are worshipped in the mornings to thank them for the food essentials they provide.	Yes
Gobardhan Puja/Mha puja	Kartik 24, 10 November	Nationwide	People worship the Ox for their contribution to farms throughout the year. This day also commemorates the day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill on his pinky finger to save the Gopala (cow herders) people from torrential rain. Maha Puja, meaning “worship of the self,” is a Newari festival celebrated on this day, marking the Newari New Year. It honors the self through rituals, mandalas, and family gatherings to promote purity and prosperity.	Yes
Bhaitika	Kartik 25, 11 November	Nationwide	Last day of Tihar. It is celebrated to strengthen sibling ties. Sisters on this day perform special worship for brothers’ long and healthy life and also pray to Yama that no brother-sister are separated by death on this day.	Yes
Chhat Parba	Kartik 29, 15 November	Terai (Southern Nepal)	The biggest festival in Terai, Southern Nepal, involves the worship of the Sun-god and his sister Chhati Mai.	Yes (Sunday)
Haribodhini Ekadashi/Tulsi Bibah	Mangsir 4, 20 November	Nationwide	Haribodhini Ekadashi marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu after his long sleep since Harishyani Ekadashi. It is closely associated with the worship of the Tulsi (basil) plant. On this day, Tulsi is specially worshipped, and rituals like Tulsi Vivah symbolize devotion and prosperity.	No
Guru Nanak Jayanti	Mangsir 8, 24 November	Sikhs	Celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru.	Yes
World Disability Day	Mangsir 17, 3 December	Disabled Community	The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, marked on December 3, promotes inclusion, acceptance, and equal rights for people with disabilities. It raises awareness about accessibility and encourages a more inclusive society where everyone can participate and thrive.	Yes (only for people with disability)
Vivah Panchami	Mangsir 28, 14 December	Terai region	This festival commemorates the wedding of Lord Ram and Sita and is celebrated with high fervor, especially in Janakpurdham, Nepal, often involving traditional processions and rituals.	Yes, only in Janakpur for a week.
Udhauli parva	Poush 9, 24 December	Nationwide	Kirati clan celebrates Udhauli Parba to commemorate the setting in of winter.	Yes
Yomari Punhi	Poush 9, 24 December	Newari community	The Newar clan celebrates Yomari Punhi by making a special sweet called Yomari, to mark the end of the harvesting season of the year.	No
Christmas Day	Poush 10, 25 December	Nationwide	Celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.	Yes
Tamu Loshar	Poush 15, 30 December	Nationwide by Gurungs	A New Year celebration of the Gurung Community.	Yes
Tol Lhosar	Poush 24, 8 January	Himalayan region	Tola Lhosar, the oldest of the three Lhosars, marks the New Year and the cycle of time. Celebrated mainly in Himalayan regions like Humla, Jumla, Dolpa, and Manang, it brings communities together with joy and tradition. The word “Lhosar” means New Year, symbolizing renewal, happiness, and harmony with nature.	No
Maghe Sankranti/ Maghi	Magh 1, 15 January	Nationwide	The first day of the Sun’s transit into Makara Rashi, (Capricorn) marking the end of the month with the winter solstice. A very special day for the Tharu community of Southern Nepal and also the Magars of Hills.	No
Sri Swasthani Brata Katha Prarambh	Magh 8, 22 January	Kathmandu	This day marks the beginning of a sacred and month-long ritual when devotees read the holy scripture of Goddess Swasthani every day and observe fast.	No
Sahid Diwas	Magh 16, 30 January	Nationwide	To pay homage to the 4 martyrs of the country.	Yes (Saturday)
Sonam Loshar	Magh 24, 7 February	Tamang Community	A New year celebrated by the Tamang Community.	Yes (Sunday)
Basanta Panchami/ Saraswati Puja	Magh 28, 11 February	Nationwide	This day officially heralds Spring. Students worship the Goddess of wisdom, Saraswati, and children of age 3 also learn their first alphabet on this day with the Goddess’s blessings.	Yes (mostly limited to educational institutions only)
Prajatantra Diwas	Falgun 7, 19 February	Nationwide	National Democracy Day honors Nepal’s struggle to achieve and protect democracy. It remembers the sacrifices of the people and highlights the need for justice and good governance.	Yes
Sri Swasthani Brata Katha Samapti	Falgun 8, 20 February	Kathmandu	A month-long sacred festival of Goddess Swasthani concludes on this day. Devotees break their fast and celibacy with a big ritual.	Yes (Saturday)
Maha Shiva Ratri	Falgun 22, 6 March	Nationwide	Birth anniversary of Lord Shiva. Devotees throng the Pashupatinath temple and other Shiva temples and fast for Him to seek blessings for one’s family.	Yes (Saturday)
Naari Diwas	Falgun 24 8 March	Nationwide	Also known as ‘“International Women’s Day.” On this day the potential of women and girls to transform our economies and societies is honored and celebrated.	Yes (only to women)
Gyalpo Loshar	Falgun 25, 9 March	Sherpa Community	A New year celebrated by the Sherpa Community.	Yes
Fagu Purnima/Holi	Chaitra 7, 21 March	Hills and Himalayas	Festival of colours/ Spring Festival is celebrated joyously throughout the nation by smearing colours on people’s faces and throwing water balloons at each other.	Yes in Hills and Himalaya region
Fagu Purnima/Holi	Chaitra 8, 22 March	Terai Only	Festival of colours/ Spring Festival is celebrated joyously throughout the nation by smearing colours on people’s faces and throwing water balloons at each other.	Yes in Terai region
Ghode Jatra	Chaitra 23, 6 April	Kathmandu	Horses are paraded at Tundikhel grounds in presence of the President, Prime Minister and other dignitaries. The Newars celebrate it by paying homage to local goddesses and organizing a feast in the family.	Yes, (Kathmandu only)

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