Fairs and Festivals of Nepal

Being the closest neighbor of India, Nepal has had a constant history of cultural exchange with the country, and boasts of a vibrant Hindu past. The sharing of culture and tradition is thus evident in the festivals of Nepal. The most important of these festivals are Dipawali and Holi.

Tihar Festival
The Dipawali or Lakshmi puja is celebrated as 'Tihar' in Nepal. The festival of Tihar is considered auspicious in the country, and is celebrated by both ethnic Nepalese and Madeshis, the inhabitants of India. Holi is celebrated as ‘Fagun Purnima’ in Nepal. The festival of colour is celebrated with sheer enthusiasm and locals are seen sprinkling colored waters on each other. Other Hindu festivals such as Shivaratri, Magh Sankranti and Shri Panchmi are also celebrated with great pomp and show. The Buddhist festival of Buddha Purnima and Buddha Nirvana is widely celebrated as well.

Bisket Jatra
Among the local festivals of Nepal is the Bisket Jatra, famous as Nepali New Year. A grand rally is organized in Bhaktapur, at the beginning of Nepali Bisket month. The festival is also known as Bisyau Jatra, as it marks the end of serpents. Tongue piercing is a very common ceremony during Bisket Jatra.

Gai Jatra
Gai Jatra, or the festival of cows, is another widely celebrated festival of Nepal. Gai Jatra is one of the most unique festivals of Nepal, where cows are decorated and toured around the streets and lanes. As per the locals, cows can help the deceased reach Yama, the God of death. Mask dance is a common sight during the Gai Jatra.

Dashain
Observed for 15 days, the Dashain festival is also one of the most widely celebrated festivals of Nepal. The festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the devil Mahishasura, and is celebrated with worships, feast, fairs and family gatherings.

Other major festivals of Nepal
Among other ethnic Nepali festivals are, Mata Tirtha Snan (Mother's Day), which is the most famous and widely celebrated festival. This festival falls in the month of Baisakh, the first month of the official Nepalese calendar. A festival called Gokarna Aunsi dedicated to father is also celebrated with much enthusiasm. The Nepalese community all over the world also celebrates a festival called Bhai Tika, based on Rakhi in India.