Festivals in Nepal begin with religion, ending as social event. There are more than 50 major festivals in a year celebrated by Nepalis. Although most of these festivals are religious some have historical significance, while others are seasonal celebrations.

The dates of most festivals are fixed by famous astrologers after consulting the lunar calendar. The biggest and most popular festivals are: Dashain, a celebration of Goddess Bhagabati's victory over evil Mahisashur; and Tihar, a celebration of lights dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.

It is not hard to catch colorful processions in different streets of the Valley almost every other day of the week. Cultural acts of dances and songs are integral parts of some celebrations while some celebrations are just quiet family gatherings. Grand celebrations like Ghode Jatra and Gai Jatra entertain participants and spectators every year.

Baisakh Purnima

Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The anniversary of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death is observed on a full-moon day in May every year. People celebrate the occasion by paying homage to Buddha. Lumbini and Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath in Kathmandu are thronged with devotees during Buddha Jayanti.

Buddha Jayanti

This is the triply auspicious anniversary of Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death (due to discrepancies between solar and lunar calendars. Tibetans celebrate approximately one month later). Prayer flags are replaced, stupas newly whitewashed and every temple thoroughly cleaned. Buddhists gather for morning puja at Swayanbhunath then move to Boudhanath in the afternoon to see a Buddha image paraded on an elephant.

Gunla

A holy month for Newar Buddhists who celebrate special pujas at Swayambhunath every morning. For one day the Buddhist bahal & Vihar in Kathmandu and Patan display their art treasures and on the same day local people as well as Buddhists come to visit the arts & hold a huge procession holding incense and lights in and around the holy Buddhists places.

Janai Purnima

On this full moon festival high caste Hindu men change their sacred thread. Everyone else receives a protective sacred yellow thread, tie around the wrist, from Brahmans. Festivities center on Patan's Kumbeshwar Mahadev temple where thousands gather to worship the sacred linga.

Gai Jatra

The "Cow Festival" is the Nepalese equivalent of Halloween when recently bereaved families honor the soul of their dead by sending a cow out on parade - either real, an effigy or a costumed small boy. Groups of these cows parade the streets accompanied by costumed men and liberal quantities of home brewed alcohol.

Krishna Jayanti

Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, god of love. Processions display pictures narrating the events of his life and at night women gather at Patan's Krishna Mandir to chant prayers, sing hymns and light lamps.

Teej / Rishi Panchami

Exclusively women's celebrations known for fasting and purification. Teej begins with a late night communal feast as the women of a household prepare for the following day's strict fast. The fast symbolizes the 3,600 years of austerities performed by the goddess Parvati in order to attract her husband, Shiva. The day begins with women gathering at Pashupatinath for a ritual bath in the Bagmati River then, adorned in their finest wedding sari and jewelry, they dance in praise of Shiva. Two days later they gather again, at the Shiva temple at Teku, for another ritual bath to purify them from the sin of accidentally touching a man while menstruating.

Indra Jatra

The quintessential Nepali festival, Indra Janta marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of harvest. In Kathmandu there are nightly masked dances and costumed dramas and ancient images of the god Bhairab are displayed. Within this festival is the festival of Kumai Jatra when thousands gather to see the arrival of the king and the appearance of the goddess Kumari who is pulled about the city in her gilded chariot on three consecutive nights. At the end she reaffirms the king's right to rule for another year.

Maha Shiva Ratri

Shiva Ratri which literally means the Night of Lord Shiva, is celebrated by all Hindus in the month of February. Religious fairs are organized at several places. Thousands of devotees throng Pashupatinath Temple for a 'darshan' of Lord Shiva on this day.

Bisket Jatra (Nepalese New Year)

Celebrated in the second week of April most jubilantly in Bhaktapur where it coincides with a 10-day local festival. Images of Bhairab and Bhadrakali are pulled though the city streets in their chariot and a 25-meter victory pole is hoisted then sent crashing own to dispel evil spirits.

Dashain

Dashain is the most important festival among Nepalis. The entire population of Nepal celebrates the festival that falls between mid September to mid October. Nepalis celebrate Dashai by buying new clothes, eating good food and visiting family members. Card games are very popular during this time. Various fairs and celebration events are organized during the Dashain fortnight in both villages and cities.

Tihar

Tihar is the festival of lights. This five-day celebration of Tihar falls in October or November and is celebrated with equal joy by all Nepalis. Houses are illuminated at night and special sweets of different varieties are prepared. Tihar, like Dashain, is a series of family events. Goddess Lakshmi is remembered and offered worship on Lakshmi Puja Day.

Dumji

Dumji is one of the sared ceremonies of the Sherpa community. It is celebrated in the month of July. Dumji is celebrated by the Sherpas in Namche region. The Sherpas of Kathmandu and Helambu regions also participate in dancing on this day.

Lhosar

Lhosar which falls on a new-moon day in February is celebrated by Tibetan-speaking population. Songs and dances are organized in Kumbu region of Nepal. On this day devotees throng Bouddhanath in Kathmandu for celebration and worship.

Holi

The festival of colors.Riotous throwing of water and colored powder welcomes spring.