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From Citizendium, the Citizens' Compendium

Nepal is a multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-ethnic country. As a result, the number of festivals exceeds that of the days in a year. For some foreigners, these festivals are mysterious, colorful and pleasant. They emerge from the depth of the socio-cultural aspects of life. The festivals have mythological, religious and historical backgrounds. The ceremonies, as a whole, reflect a way of life, unique in its own place. They mirror the value system established by age long socio-cultural and religious conventions; they strengthen the social and family relations; they show the awe and reverence of the unknown people; they make it clear how Nepalese people pay homage to every element of nature; they mark the change of seasons and rejoice sowing seeds and harvesting.

The original annual dates for the festivals were fixed according to the lunar calendar long ago, so they do not coincide with the solar calendar now used in Nepal; similarly, they do not coincide with the Gregorian calendar.

Various aspects of the festivals are not possible to explain in detail, due to lack of space here. Some of the important ones are described in brief.

Nava Barsa (new year day) Bisket of Bhaktapur The official New Year, according to the solar calendar, is celebrated throughout the kingdom. The day falls in mid April. New Year day is celebrated with merriment. People exchange best wishes to each other and organize music and dance programs.

In Bhaktapur, a historical town, 12 km east of Kathmandu, the new year day is celebrated in grand manner observing religious rituals. The festival is called Bisket and it has its origin in the ancient history, legends and mythology. Some linguists believe that the word Bisket originated from two Newari words ‘bi’ for snake and ‘syako’ for slaughter. People relate different stories about the festival. However, they are more or less similar. To sum up the differential stories, serpent demons and the marriage of an extraordinary princess believed to have taken place in the pre- historic time.

On the day before New Year, about eighty feet long huge pole, lingam made of a shorn tree, is erected with the efforts of thousands of people. The symbols of two dead serpents also are hung on the pole. In the afternoon of the New Year’s Day, an enormous crowd gathers around the pole and celebrates the festival with great cheers and rejoicing. It symbolizes the end of the old year.

Mata tirtha puja (Looking upon Mother’s face) Mata Tirtha puja begins on the last no moon day of April or early May. On this occasion every Nepali visits his/her mother. As it is the day to show respect, affection and reverence to the mother formally, all sons and daughter offer her various delicious dishes and bow with deep respect and affection to receive her blessings. She blesses them touching their foreheads with her hand.

Married sons and daughters living out, return once to their house, where they were born and the whole country rejoices in festive atmosphere; elegantly dressed men and women carrying baskets of delicious foods are seen everywhere.

Rato machhendranath (The chariot ride of Red Machhendranath) The festival starts on the last week of May or early June. It is celebrated to offer worships to Machhendranath, the merciful patron god of the valley of Kathmandu and the god of harvests. This spectral festival reflects important aspects of socio-cultural life of the valley and it lasts for several days.

Rath of tremendous size, about 48ft tall, is prepared at Pulchok and hauled through the city of Patan in several stages and it is finally taken to Jawalakhel in an auspicious moment carefully calculated by astrologers. The festival culminates when the sacred waistcoat (BHOTO) is displayed for the entire populace to behold.

There are many myths related with the festival. However, the most influential one suggests that the festival is celebrated to commemorate the arrival of Lord Machhendra to protect the people of valley from a fearful draught. The deity is believed to have brought rain with the help of serpent deities.

Baishak purnima (The full moon of Lord Buddha’s Birth) Purnima, the day of the full moon, in late April and early May, is the greatest festival of the Buddhists and most of the Hindus, as the day is believed to have heralded the ‘triple Blessings-‘Buddha’s birth, his enlightenment and his entering to Nirvana.

The stupa of Swoyambhunath in Kathmandu, erected some 2000 years ago by the Buddhist monk, becomes the centre of ceremonial activities during the festival. Butter lamps and electric bulbs illuminate the whole area. Thousands of Buddhist devotees from the different parts of the country come to the place to spend night fasting in Buddha’s name and chanting prayers for the enlightenment.

Sithi Naka or Kumar Sasthi (The Birthday of warrior-God Kumar) This festival is celebrated in late May or early June to mark the birth day of Lord Shiva and Parvati’s son Kumar, the great warrior god, who is believed to have ended the anxiety of 33 millions gods by defeating Danavas, the demons.

The actual festival procession ‘jatra’ is held on the day following his birth, the seventh day of the wanning moon. His idol is taken out from the temple of Jaisidewal in north-west of Kathmandu and is kept in an ornate, gift reefed palanquin. The procession bearing the palanquin moves around the city streets, where onlookers and the devotees offer worship. The festival comes to the conclusion when the idol is kept in the temple again.

Dumji This festival is celebrated mostly by Sherpa community in the month of July. This merry-making festival is observed with great enthusiasm in Helambu and Khumbu region.

Gunla (The sacred month of Buddha) Fifteen days before and fifteen days after full moon of late August or early September comprise the sacred month or Gunla. These thirty days or holy for Buddhist population are as important as the four months of Chaturmasa for the Hindus.

This is a very interesting festival of difficult fasting, solemn prayer, religious music and singing. Soyambhunath of Kathmandu becomes the centre of all these activities.

Naga Panchami (The day of the Snake Gods) The day of the snake gods, the fifth of the brightening lunar fortnight in late July or early August is celebrated to offer worship and to show reverence to serpent gods believed to be dwelling down in Patal, the Nether world.

This festival is observed because of the belief that the snake gods, when assuaged, bring sufficient rains, prevent water fountains from draught, cure disease and guard treasures. Special offerings of milk, ghee is made to please the snake deities near water sprouts, pools, springs and streams. Picture of snake deities are drawn and pasted in front doors.

Janai Purnima Or Raksha Bandhan (The sacred thread festival) Janai purnima, full moon day of August, is the day when changing of the sacred thread. A yellow string is worn about the neck and underarm beneath the clothing of higher cast Hindus- Brahaman, the learned priestly class Chetris, originally rural and warriors.

The wearers observe certain religious rituals and undergo thorough fasting to make themselves clean and worthy enough to receive the sacred thread because wearing of such a thread symbolizes that the person has control over body, chants mantras according Vedic traditions and gives the thread to the wearers. Those incapable of being clean according to the Brahaminic values and women are not allowed to wear it.

On the same day females of every caste- Hindus and Buddhists alike- offer sacred yellow thread called Raksha Bandha to their brothers. Raksha, meaning protection and Bandhan meaning “bond” around the wrist.

Gai jatra (The procession of sacred cows) Gai Jatra, very much like a carnival, begins on the day after full moon day of August or September. Pratap Malla, a king of Malla dynasty, is said to have started the tradition of celebrating the festival in the eighteen century to console his bereaved queen that every householder is compelled to depart with his/her kin.

The eight-day festival begins when the householders, whose family members have died within the year, send a small procession consisting of people impersonating cows, a priest and a band of traditional musicians. Along the traditionally prescribed path, march of gorgeously costumed boys representing cows is closely followed by the family priest and a band of musicians. The cow procession is sent thus to arrest the departed soul to get to the heavenly abode as it is believed that it has to cross a river called Vaitarani, the river of fire, blood and pun. One should, it is believed, cross the river with the help of cows.

All households on the way offer home-brewed beer, breads and coins to the participants of the processions when it passes by presenting pantomimes of various activities like planting rice, sowing seeds, tilling land amidst the defining choir of traditional musical instruments. The frantic music slowers down as they start feast in the houses of the bereaved.

Krishnasthmi (Krishna’s eight) The eighth day of the dark lunar fortnight in late August or early September is the birth day of Lord Krishna, direct incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who together with Brahma and Shiva, complete the Hindu Trinity.

The festival begins on the seventh day of the dark lunar fortnight as the Hindu devotees throughout the kingdom begin processions carrying ornately clothed idols of Krishna. They sing ancient hymns depicting miraculous birth, extra-ordinary childhood, divine love and various deeds of valor of Krishna. Priests read out the deeds of Krishna from the religious scriptures to the devotees gathered around them.

Toward evening, people start gathering around Krishna temple nearby them, to observe the festival. Singing melodious hymns, they keep vigil through the glorious night of his birth. Krishna Mandir of Patan is the center of such religious devotees in the valley. Thousands of men, women and children keep vigil-singing songs against evil and to protect the pious teaching them the lessons of selfness performance of the earthly duties.

Gokarna aunsi (The father’s day) The no moon day in late August or early September is the auspicious day for honoring fathers. Sons and daughters offer sweets and other delicacies to their father and receive blessings. Those whose fathers have died, perform abstemious purification rites necessary to bring peace to departed soul.

On this day people flock to a sacred shrine of Shiva at Gokarna. They take bath in a river nearby and perform religious rites in honor and memory of their father and to bring peace and tranquility to the departed soul. This festival reflects the strength of family bonds in Nepal.

Teez Brata (The fasting festival for women only) This three- day festival ends on the fifth day of the waxing moon. Heavy feasting of the first day is followed by a very strict fasting of 24 hours. The fasting, which is called Teez fasting, is performed for the well-being of one’s husband. Even the unmarried girls take part in the rites with great enthusiasm because of the belief that the great god Shiva blesses them enabling them to find a good husband. According to Hindu mythology, goddess Parvati performed severe penance on the occasion to get Shiva as her husband.

The festival ends with Teez Puja, in which they invoke the gods on behalf of the husband. Women take bath in holy rivers in preparation for the Puja. Women, dressed in the bright red saris and gold ornaments, offer worship to Shiva Linga, sacred phallus. This includes the atonement of female sins. The rules for Puja - it is believed were prescribed by the goddess Parvati herself.

Indra Jatra and Kumari Jatra (Procession of king of the gods and Kumari) This eight-day festival formally begins on the twelfth day of the waxing moon in September. On the first night of the beginning of the festival, those who have lost their family members within one year, go around the town burning incense and putting lamps along the routes.

In the morning of the first day of the festival, Royal priest and the court astrologers direct people to erect a huge tall pole as the symbol of Indra’s standard in front of the Hunaman Dhoka Palace and worship it.

Soldiers in traditional dresses and other soldiers join the celebration. As the pole is tugged and pulled, many guns roar in salute, music blares and the on looker’s reaches fever pitch.

Idols of Indra are brought from the temples and placed on high scaffolds. Similarly, large wooden marks of Vairava are displayed. Religious dances and like Devinach, Lajipat Lakhe, Vhairava and Bhakku and Mahakali Nach are performed according to the religious rituals.

In the same week, chariots of Ganesh, Vhairava and living Goddess Kumari are hauled in the streets of Kathmandu. His Majesty the king comes to pay homage to Kumari just before the start of the Chariot pulling.

Bada Dashain (Durga Puja) Dashain, also called Vijaya Dashami, is celebrated during the bright lunar fortnight and ending. It is regarded as the greatest and the grandest of all the festivals in Nepal. People of all casts and creeds celebrate it with equal enthusiasm.

The festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of goddess Durga over hideous demons, Mahisasur or the Rama over the Ravana. Thus, the festival is the symbol of the victory of good over evil. During the festival various forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped, animal sacrifice are made, blessing from the elderly kinsfolk sought and public parades, traditional processions and pageants are held.

The first day of the festival begins with Ghatasthapana, establishment of the holy pot and on the days that follow, various forms of Durga, Bhavani, symbolic of power, are worshipped. The concluding day is called Tika on which the elders of the family put Tika to their junior members and to other relatives who come to seek blessings.

On the day of Tika, many people go to Narayanhiti Royal Palace to receive Tika and blessing from their Majesties the King and Queen.

Tihar and laxmi Puja (Festival of lights) Tihar, also known as Dipwali and Yama Panchak, is celebrated for five days. Dip means light. So the festival is called festival of lights. All the houses, even the street corners, are illuminated by butter lamps and electric bulbs. The five days are called Yama Panchaka as they are dedicated to the worship of Yama, the God of Death. The festival begins with worship of crow and concludes with Bhai Puja (worshipping brothers).

The first day of Tihar, also called Kaag Bali, is the day of the crow. Crow is believed to be the messengers of Yama. people offer food to this bird. The second day is for the dogs. Dogs are worshipped according to the religious ritual. The animal is garlands and feed with various delicacies. The holy crow is worshipped on the morning of the third day and the goddess of wealth in the evening. This is followed by Gobardhan Puja performed to commemorate Krishna’s of lifting of the mountain Gobardhan to protect people from a terrible rain and flood. The festival comes to the conclusion when sisters pray Yamaraj for the longevity of their brothers and put tika on brother’s foreheads and garland of Marigold around their necks.

Bala cahturdashi This festival falls on the fourteenth day of the dark lunar fortnight in late November or early December. It is observed to bring peace to the departed soul of the ancestors and to honor the memory who, through no fault of his own but because a fearful demon, was killed.

Thousands of pilgrims from the various parts of the country gather around the temple of Pashupatinath on the day before the festival and perform penance and keep vigil throughout the night. On the next morning, they scatter ‘a hundred varieties of seeds’ in Kailash forest of Pashupati believing that if they saw seeds now their dead ancestors would reap the fruit.

Vivaha Panchami This festival falls on late November or early December. It is celebrated to commemorate the memory of the marriage of Sita and Rama. The purpose of the incarnation of Rama was to kill Ravana, the ten-headed demon. This marriage has special significance in the Hindu mythology.

Thousands of pilgrims visit Janakpur, where the temples of Rama and Sita are situated. On the first day of the weeklong festival, they dress the idol of Rama as a bridegroom and carry in a form of Hindu wedding ceremonies. Not only the Nepalese but also the pilgrims from India in large numbers take part in the procession.

Mani rimdu Mani rimdu , very important festival of the Sherpas, falls on the full moon day of Mangsir ( November- December). Masked lamas of Khumbu region perform various rituals amidst dancing and singing.

Dumji Dumji is celebrated in all the Sherpa communities during Ashad (June-July). In this festival Lamas perform rituals. All the Sherpas, including Lama, dance with the mixed feelings of solemnity and mirth.

Loshar Loshar, the Tibetan New Year’s day, falls on the first day of the bright lunar fortnight. On this day, the Buddhists of Nepal perform traditional forms of dances that have an unusual rhythm. The festival continues for weeks during which heartily feasts are arranged.

Maghe Sankranti The festival is celebrated to mark the entrance of the sun into Capricon parts in the zodiac ring. As the course of the journey taken by the sun at this period is regarded heavenly, people take bath in river confluence. Grand feasts also are organized on the occasion.

Sri Panchami or Basanta Panchami Sri panchami represents the spring season in Nepal. It falls on the 5th day of the bright lunar fortnight. On this day Basanta Shrawan, a religious function, is held at the courtyard of Hanuman Dokha palace. Geet Govinda (verses written by poet Jaya dev) is recited by the royal priest. His Majesty the king graces the occasion.

It is also the festival celebrated to honor Saraswoti, the goddess of learning. Thousands of school and college students offer worships in Saraswoti temples. Books, pens, musical instruments, ink and spinning wheels are also worshipped on the occasion. Saraswoti temples of Swoyambhu and Gairidhara are the centre of such religious activities in Kathmandu.

Maghe poornima The full moon day of February concludes the month long fasting of Swosthani and the recital of Swosthani Mathatmya, a sacred religious text. Hindu women keep awake throughout the night. The following morning they take holy bath at river confluence and worship the symbols of sacred phallus, Shiva Linga.

Maha Shiva Ratri (the sacred Night of Lord Shiva) Shiva Ratri, meaning ‘ the night dedicated to Shiva` falls on the fourteenth day of the waning moon in late February and early March.

On this occasion, Hindu devotees over gather in all Shiva shrines of the country. They offer flowers and marrgosa leaves. They take bath in holy rivers, perform penance and keep vigil throughout the night singing ancient hymns and praying Shiva with his 1008 names.

The temple of Pashupatipatinath in Kathmandu is visited by millions of devotees from different parts of Nepal and India. They camp around the temple and all the lodges and guesthouse are filled with the pilgrims. The Religious fervor intensifies as the night falls. Oil-fed lamps and electric bulbs illuminate the whole area. The sweet smell of incense rhythm of hymns and chaotic gathering give the impression of a different age. It is believed that such rituals will secure place is Kailash for the devotees.

In the afternoon, an official program is organized to celebrate the festival. The official function is held at Tudikhel where Nepalese Army organizes a show.

Holi festival (The festival of colour) The eight day festival begins with the installation of chir ( a tall bamboo pole tapped with their umbrella- like tires, each fingered with colorful strips of cloth) at the eighth days of the waning moon fortnight in March and concludes the full moon day. People throw colored powder and water at each other during the days. According to Hindu mythology, the festival is observed to celebrate the extermination of a demon called Holika, who had tried to burn Pralhad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu.

Ghode Jatra (The procession of Horses) This festival is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the dark waning fortnight of March-April. A demon called Gurumapa is propitiated and the idols of many gods are carried a small chariot by processions of thousands of people. A meeting of deities such as Lumadi, Bhadrakali, Kankeshwari and Bhairab takes place during the day at Ason and at night in Tudikhel.

The Nepal Army at Tudikhel organizes most spectacular show of horse race and acrobatics.

Chaite Dashain Dashain is observed on March- April as well. However, this one is not observed as festively as in September-October. This Dashain is named after the month in which it commences, Chaitra being the name of the month.

Ram Nawami This day falls on the 9th day of the bright lunar fortnight it March-April, the next day of Chaite Dashain. Rama, regarded as the incarnation of Vishnu and the epic hero of Rayamana, is worshipped on the occasion. Pilgrims from Nepal and India visit Janakpur to offer worship at Ram- Janaki temple.