FESTIVE IN NEPAL

Nepal is popular for its distinctive culture and vibrant festivals in addition to the Himalayas' natural beauty. The Himalayan region is home to a diverse population of races and civilizations, following its own traditions and festivals even though it is a small country. However, every festival followed in Nepal has religious overtones, and some of them are modeled after significant incidents from mythology and epic literature from antiquity.

The various festivals held throughout the country and the vibrant cultural diversity of Nepal can be seen here. Some of the ten major festivals in Nepal to give you a better idea of the country's diversity.

1. Dashain

2. Tihar

3. Teej

4. Janai Purnima or Rakshya Bandan

5. MahashivaRatri

6. Indrajatra

7. Maghe Sankranti

8. Gai Jatra 

9. Buddha Jayanti

10. Fagu Purnima

1. Dashain

Dashain is also known as Vijaya Dashami can also be called as Navaratri, Dussera or Dashera. It is an biggest festival of Nepal held in month of October. Moreover, Dashain is celebrated for commemorating the victory of Durga (Hindu Goddess) over a demon called Mahishasura according to Hindu mythology. According to Hindu mythology, Dashain is observed to remember Durga's (a Hindu goddess) victory over the monster Mahishasura.

2. Tihar

Tihar is the one of the biggest festivals of Nepal. This festival is held on the month of Oct or Nov. Tihar is the second-biggest festival after Dashain which is also known as Deepawali and Yamapanchak. Similarly, it is a five-day-long festival mostly celebrated by Hindus all around the world.

3. Teej

The Teej festival is also held in remembrance of the day Shiva and Parvati reconciled and declared Parvati to be his bride. Moreover, on this day after she fasted and practiced austerity for many years Shiva took Parvati as his wife in her 108th incarnation. Another name for Parvati is Teej Mata (lit. Teej mother). 

4. Janai Purnima or Rakshya Bandhan

In Nepal, Janai Purnima is a significant celebration. On this day Hindu men renew their holy thread, known as "Janai" it is full moon day, known as Janai Purnima. Additionally, including Gosaikunda in Rasuwa, people go to Shiva temples, and several revered locations, hold a sizable Mela that is attended by a lot of followers.

5. Mahashivaratri

Mahashivaratri is One of Nepal's major festivals, also known as Shiva's Night. Lord Shiva is the supreme deity according to Hindu mythology. According to beliefs, the stars are in an optimum position on Shivratri, which increases spiritual energy. On this day, thousands of Hindu devotees visit the Pashupatinath temple, the holiest shrine of Hindus and the protector of Kathmandu valley and Nepal.

6. Indrajatra

Indra Jatra is one of the most exciting and valued festivals of Kathmandu's Newar community. It takes place in September and it is eight-day Jatra festival. However, this festival also kicks off the month-long autumn festival season. It commemorates the arrival of Indra on Earth; according to Hindu mythology, Indra is the King of Heaven.

7. Maghe Sankranti

Maghe Sankranti is observed on the first day of the Nepalese calendar's Magh months. Moreover, it marks the beginning of the holy month, which is usually in the middle of January. Similarly, this festival anticipates the end of the cold season, warmer weather, and better days of health and fortune.

8. Gai Jatra

The word Gai Jatra translates as the cow carnival. But the festival is celebrated to commemorate the death of loved ones. People sing, dance and dress as cows to parade on the street. It is a festival celebrated to ease the pain of losing a loved one.

9. Buddha Jayanti 

Buddha Jayanti commemorates the birth of the Lord Buddha. Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini, now in Nepal's Kapilvastu district, as a prince of the Shakya dynasty in 623 BC. Nepal celebrates Buddha Jayanti as one of its major festivals because it is the birthplace of Buddha. It occurs on the full moon night in May or June. On this auspicious day, peace activists and Buddhists flock to Lumbini, Nepal, to pay their respects to Buddha's birthplace. 

10.Fagun Purnima 

 It is also known as Holi named after the mythical demon Holika. Holi, like many other Nepalese festivals, has roots in Hindu mythology. It begins the triumph of good over evil. Holi occurs in late February or early March.