Major Festivals of Nepal – 2026 (2083 BS)
The beautiful nation of Nepal has a rich history of festivals that have been celebrated for generations. Festivals are an integral part of Nepal's identity. Some of the notable festivals include:
New Year 2083 – 14 April 2026
The Nepali New Year, also known as Naya Sambat or Naya Barsha, falls in mid-April. It is a time of celebration as people welcome the upcoming year. Families often travel, gather together, and celebrate with joy.
Buddha Purnima 2083 – 30 April 2026
Buddha Purnima is a significant celebration for Buddhist people, marking the birth of Lord Gautam Buddha. It is a holy day for both Buddhist and Hindu communities in Nepal, with many visiting monasteries and stupas for worship.
Janai Purnima 2083 – 29 July 2026
Janai Purnima, also known as Rakshya Bandhan, is a day when sacred threads are tied around wrists for protection. Hindu men change their sacred thread (Janai), and families gather to celebrate together. This festival marks the beginning of Nepal’s main festive season.
Teej 2083 – 7 September 2026
Teej is a festival mainly celebrated by women. Women fast for the long life of their husbands and pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival includes singing, dancing, and visiting temples dedicated to Shiva.
Dashain 2083 – 11 to 25 October 2026
Dashain is the biggest festival in Nepal, celebrated over 15 days. It is a time of family gatherings, blessings, and worship of Goddess Durga. Elders give tika and jamara to younger family members for blessings and prosperity.
Tihar 2083 – 6 to 11 November 2026
Tihar is the festival of lights celebrated for five days. Different animals such as crows, dogs, and cows are worshipped. Houses are decorated with lights and rangoli. Sisters put colorful tika on their brothers' foreheads during Bhai Tika.
Chhath 2083 – 13 November 2026
Chhath is a Hindu festival dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees perform rituals such as holy bathing and offering prayers to the rising and setting sun. It is especially popular in the Terai region of Nepal.
Tamu Loshar 2083 – 30 December 2026
Tamu Loshar is the New Year festival of the Gurung community. Families gather together to sing, dance, and enjoy traditional food. It is an important cultural festival for the Gurung people.
Maha Shivratri 2083 – 15 February 2026
Maha Shivratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known as the Great Night of Shiva. Devotees worship Shiva throughout the day and night, often visiting Shiva temples.
Fagu Purnima (Holi) 2083 – 2–3 March 2026
Holi is the festival of colors that welcomes the spring season. People celebrate by throwing colored powder and water on each other in a joyful atmosphere.
Other Celebrations in Nepal in 2026
Nepali culture also has many other small and big festivals that are very important. Nepal is often called the country of festivals. Festivals bring happiness and strengthen relationships among people.
