Festivals of Nepal
The rich cultural heritage of Nepal is best expressed in the many large and small festivals that occur throughout the year. Nepal is a land of Festivals. For Nepalese, festivals are not merely the annual spectacles, but also a part of their rich cultural heritage. Festivals effectively bind together the Nepalese people. There are many kinds of festivals; some honor certain Hindu and Buddhist gods or goddesses, and some recreate important events from ancient mythology and epic literature, whereas some herald the seasons or mark important times in the agricultural calendar. Others are observed in honor of family ties.
Dashain and Tihar are the most celebrated festival in Nepal.
The major festivals celebrated in Nepal are as follows:
Dashain (Bijaya Dashami)
During the month of Kartik (late September and early October), the Nepalese people indulge in the biggest festival of the year, Dashain. Dashain is the longest and the most auspicious festival in the Nepalese annual calendar, celebrated by all the Nepalese of different caste and creed throughout the country. The fifteen days of celebration occurs during the bright lunar fortnight ending on the day of the full moon. Thorough out the kingdom of Nepal the Goddess Durga in all her manifestations are worshiped with innumerable pujas.
Tihar
This festival of lights that falls between October/November is the second biggest festival after Dashain. This festival lasts for five days and people worship Laxmi – the Goddess of Wealth. All the houses are cleaned and decorated with the belief that Goddess Laxmi will enter the house that is the cleanest and people light candles, oil lamps and other lights and the whole place looks illuminating.
Lhosar – Tibetan New Year
New Year – Nepali New Year
Saraswati Puja – Festival of Saraswati(Goddess of Knowledge)
Shivaratri (Maha Shivaratri) – Night Festival of Lord Shiva
Holi – Festival of Colors
Ghode Jatra – Festival of Horses
Buddha Jayanti – Lord Buddha’s Birthday
Gai Jatra – Cow Festival
Krishna Janmastami – Lord Krishna’s Birthday
Teej – Festival of Women
Indra Jatra
Mata Tirtha Snan – Mother’s Day
Ghanta Karna Chaturdasi
Janai Purnima
Gokarna Aunsi – Father's Day
Maghe Sankranti
Shree Ram Nawami
Bagh Jatra
Bhairav Kumari Jatra
Chaite Dashain
Gaura Parva
Gunla
Guru Purnima
Rato Macchendranath Jatra
Mani Rimdu
Mata-yaa
Neel Barahi Pyakhan
Rath Yatra
Sita Vivaha Panchami
Tamu Dhee
Tansen Jatra
Taya Macha
Yomari Punhi
Bisket Jatra
Lakhe dance
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