Festivals and Events in Nepal

The most important festival in Nepal is that of Dashain . Ten days in end-September or beginning-October (depending on the dates on the Hindu lunar calendar) are dedicated to the worship of Durga. Through the length and breadth of Hindu Nepal and its neighbour India you would’ve seen paintings or statues of this seemingly demoniac divine being who stands astride the renegade demon Mahishasur with Her tongue bared. Durga, also called Kali and ‘Shakti’, the embodiment of Energy is The Goddess in the Hindu pantheon. The important festival of Dashain, which brings all activity but the religious and social and the socially religious to a standstill in the month of October, is dedicated to her.

Tihar follows three weeks after Dashain and animals are worshipped. Garlanded strays stroll the streets on this day. Losar is the Tibetan New Year and it’s celebrated with great gaiety in Patan, Boudhanath, Swayambhu and the Tibetan settlements in the mountains.