Travel guide · Nepal
Festivals of Nepal and When to See Them
Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Indra Jatra and more — when Nepal's biggest festivals fall and how they shape your trip.
Nepal celebrates an extraordinary number of festivals, blending Hindu and Buddhist traditions across the year. The biggest are Dashain and Tihar in autumn, but Holi, Indra Jatra, Buddha Jayanti, Losar and Teej all add colour — and most follow the lunar calendar, so dates shift each year.
The short answer
The two unmissable festivals are Dashain (Sep–Oct) and Tihar (Oct–Nov), which dominate autumn and can disrupt transport. For colour and crowds, time your visit for Holi (Feb–Mar). Always confirm exact dates close to your trip, as they move with the moon.
Festival calendar
| Festival | Rough timing | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Holi | Feb–Mar | Festival of colours; powder and water thrown in the streets |
| Buddha Jayanti | Apr–May | Buddha's birthday; processions at Lumbini and Swayambhunath |
| Teej | Aug–Sep | Women fast, dance and wear red for marital well-being |
| Indra Jatra | Sep | Kathmandu chariot festival with the living goddess Kumari |
| Dashain | Sep–Oct | 15 days of family reunions, tika and feasting |
| Tihar | Oct–Nov | Festival of lights honouring crows, dogs and siblings |
| Losar | Feb (Tibetan) | Tibetan and Sherpa new year in mountain communities |
How festivals affect travel
- Closures: Banks, offices and many shops shut during Dashain and Tihar.
- Transport: Buses and flights sell out days in advance as people travel home.
- Atmosphere: Cities glow with lights and decorations, especially during Tihar.
Plan around these dates with our guide to the best time to visit Nepal. Festivals also bring out special dishes — see Nepali food and drink — and you can find the best restaurants in Kathmandu for a festive meal out.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest festival in Nepal?+
Dashain is the longest and most important festival, a 15-day Hindu celebration usually falling in September or October. Families reunite, animals are sacrificed, and elders place a rice-and-vermilion tika on younger relatives' foreheads.
When is Holi celebrated in Nepal?+
Holi, the festival of colours, falls on the full moon in late February or March. The hills celebrate one day and the Terai the next, with crowds throwing coloured powder and water — wear clothes you do not mind ruining.
Do festivals affect travel in Nepal?+
Yes. During Dashain and Tihar many shops, banks and offices close, buses fill up days ahead, and Kathmandu empties as people head to home villages. Book transport and rooms early, but enjoy the lively, festive atmosphere.
Why do Nepali festival dates change each year?+
Most follow the lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates shift by a couple of weeks each year. Always check the exact date close to your trip rather than assuming a fixed week.
