Buddha Jayanti
Nepal, the birth country of Buddha celebrates Buddha Jayanti as the birthday of Lord Buddha. It is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Vaisak from the Buddhist calendar. The day is not just celebrated as a birthday but also the day of his Enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana. Women visit Vihara to see a full-length Buddhists sutra, which seems like a service, and the dress is white and food like non-vegetarian is avoided. Kheer, a sweet rice porridge is served to recall a maiden named Sujata, who offered Gautam Buddha the sweet rice porridge after he has chosen the path of simplicity and sternness.
Matha Tirtha Aussi (Mother’s Day)
Mother day is also known as Matha Tirtha Aussi and is observed on Baisakhi Krishna Aussi. This day is very auspicious. People call it “Aama ko Mukh Herne Din” means the day to see Mother’s face. It is basically a tradition rather than a festival in Nepal. On this day people surprise their Mother with gifts like favorite food, clothing, and various other gifts.
The one who has lost his/her mother give Sida Daan to the pandits. People also visit a holy place Mata Tirtha (9 km to the north-west of Kathmandu) to perform “Shraddha” or “Pinda Daan” for their deceased mother.
Shree Krishna Janmashtami
Janmashtami is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna. The day is also named Gokulashtami, Krishnaashtami, Saatam Aatham, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti. It is celebrated on the Ashtami tithi, the eight-day of the dark half or Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadra from Nepali calendar. From the English calendar, it falls in the month of August- September. On this day we also celebrate the victory of god and Dharam over the devil and bad power. It is also celebrated when the pot of sin is filled, and gods come to rescue and win the battle over the devil. It reminds us that the good always wins.
Janmashtami is celebrated all over the country by Hindus. The temple of Lord Krishna is decorated beautifully and bhajans or kirtan is played. There is also a tradition of fasting till midnight and enchant slokas or sing religious songs (bhajans).
Gaijatra
Gaijatra is a festival, procession of cows that falls in the month of Bhadra i.e. August- September from the English calendar. This is one of the prominent festivals in Nepal. In ancient times, people worship ‘Yamraj’, “the god of death”. But in modern times, the Gaijatra came into existence during the reign of Malla Kings. He made Pond (Rani Pokhari) in the heart of Kathmandu and build the temple in the middle of the pond. Traditionally, any family who has died in the preceding year must participate in a procession leading the cow through the streets of Kathmandu.
Janai Purnima (Rakchhyabandhan)
Janai a sacred thread and Purnima is the full moon day, thus, Janai Purnima is a festival celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Shrawan of Bikram Sambat Calendar. It is also called Rakhsha Bandhan, Raksha means “to protect” and Bandhan means to “tie”. the bond of tie and protection, purity and security. It is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. The thread tied on hand is called Doro.
Janai is a cotton string worn across the chest by the male in Hindu religion. This thread is given only to males during an impressive religion called Bratabandhan. Every religion has the Bratabandhan but is known with different names. It is basically a formal process of accepting someone in the religion. The men go to the ponds, rivers to take a secret bath by dipping thrice into the water. Then they change the Janai by breaking the old one.
However, in cities, the priest or pandit is invited. He reads the importance of stories from the holy book and performs a ceremony, which purifies the thread which is worn by men across the chest. The priest is paid (Daan or Dakshina) by giving foods or monies.
Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang
Tiji is a three-day festival comprises of Tibetan rituals, based on a myth that the son will have to protect the Mustang Kingdom from demolition. Tiji is an abbreviation word for “Tempa Chirim” which means “Prayer for World Peace”. The festival admires the victory of Lord Buddha over a devil named Man Tam Ru who feeds on human beings and cause destruction like droughts or storms.
The Tiji festivals usually fall in the mid May and lasts for 3 days. Their monastery performs ritual dances during the celebration. There are three different forms of dance performed during the celebration. The harassment of Ma Tam Ru Ta on the first day called “Tsa Chham”, the birth of demon’s Son Dorjee Sonnu on the second day called “Nga Chham”, and an attempt to return the demon to Lord Buddha’s realm on the third and final day. Their dance is organized by Choedhe monastery which belongs to the Sakya sect of Buddhism. Nepal Highland Trek plans a trip to Upper Mustang during Tiji festival.
Teej and Rishi Panchami
It is said that Teej got its name from a small red insect that comes out from soil during the rainy season. That is why it is celebrated in red. According to Nepali Luna calendar, the Teej is celebrated on the 3rd day of Bhadra Sukala Paksha. It falls in the month of late August or early September. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvati on her reunion with Lord Shiva.
Teej is the most special festival among Nepali women. It is celebrated for the long life of their husband, and the firm relationship until the last breath of their life. It is observed for marital happiness, the well-being of spouse and children
Teej is celebrated all over the world by Hindu women. Music, dance add more flavor to the tradition of Teej. The women in ‘Red’ singing and dancing on the streets, going to the temple in fasting mood. It is also called Hari Talika Teej.
Indra Jatra
Indra Jatra is a celebration of God Indra’s day. Indra means lord of rain and king of heave while Jatra means procession. It is the festival of Kathmandu, Nepal. Few think it is the day for thanking Indra for the rain. According to others, it is celebrated in the honor of Bahirab, Lord Shiva manifestation who is believed to destroy the devil. It begins from the day of Bhadra Dwadsi to Ashwin Krishna Chaturdashi. It’s an eight-day long festival which begins with a carnival-like Erection of the Linga, a ceremonial pole, accompanied by the Akash Bahirab, represented by the massive mask spouting jaad (Nepali local liquors) and raksi.
Gaura Parva
This festival is celebrated by the people of Nepal and India. It falls in the month of October- November from English calendar. This is the 4-day festival from Kartik. It is celebrated by the Hindu people in the western part of Nepal. It falls in the month of August- September according to the English calendar. The main purpose to celebrate this festival is to worship goddess Gaura with Biruda and offer prayer. After worshipping women’s return to their homes and bless their knees with Biruda (a mixture of five seeds of the crop). It is supposed to give them a long life and health. Daura dance is the most fascinating about this festival.
Chhatt Parva
Shukala Chaturthi to Kartik Shukala Saptami. This is dedicated to the Lord Sun (Surya) for sustaining life on the earth and is worshipped for blessing mankind.
Tamu Iohsar
Tamo Iohsar represents the new year of the Gurung community. According to the Nepali calendar i.e (December-January), it is seen on 15 Poush where family members assemble together and exchange love and greetings with each other. In cities, it is rejoicing at a commonplace in various cultural processions and greetings. In Kathmandu, the Losar festival is celebrated in tundikhel ground at the city center with colorful stalls and you can see people flooding inside on Poush 15 during the festival.
Maghe Sankranti
According to the Nepali calendar, Sankranti is the first day of the year. Maghe Sankranti is the biggest festival of the Tharu community as they mark this as the end of winter and the beginning of summer season. The Maghi remind us of tasty and delicious food like till ke laddu (Brown Sesame seed Fudge), Chakku (Molasys), Ghee (Clarified Butter), Tilauri Spinich. The very important and special food include Yam’s Curry. Yam (yam is Tarual in Nepal). People massage their body and head with sesame oil and believe that eating till ke laddu, chakku, etc. can help you become healthier and warmer during cold weather.
Sonam Iohsar
It falls on a different date each year from English calendar. Tamang has a tradition of counting 12 different animals with the association of symbols. It starts with rat and ends on the boar. The last day of the ending month i.e. (12th month) is time to clean and create a fresh atmosphere by welcoming the new year. New year celebration varies, people go to Monasteries, Stupas, Chaityas and perform ceremonials rituals. Musical programs are on the beat of Damfu and the monasteries perform the dance to eradicate the negative energy.
Maha Shivaratri
Shivaratri is the birth night of Lord Shiva. On this day the Hindus go to temple and worship Lord Shiva. According to the Hindu calendar, it is the night of Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi. The Lingodbhav Moorti was self-immerged at the midnight, that is why it is celebrated as Maha Shivaratri. It is believed that Lord Shiva got married to the Goddess Parvati. Lord Shiva also took the poison Halahal and became Neelkanth saving the world from destruction. Lord Shiva is also known as Bholenath, Shambhu and Shankar.
Gyalpo Losar
It is the new year celebration of Tibetan. The Tibetan calendar is made of 12 lunar months and Losar appears on the first day of the first month. This is celebrated in Nepal mostly by Sherpa, Bhutia, Tamang, and Yolmo. Every community has their own way of celebration. Gyalpo Losar is celebrated for 2 weeks. However, the main celebration is conducted on the first three days- On first day beverage called changkol is made from Chhaang(Tibetan beer). The second day is the new year called Gyalpo Losar. On the third-day people come together and have feasts.
Then the traditional dances presenting the struggle between god and devil are performed by monasteries. Mantras are enchanted, and fire torches are passed from one to another people in the crowd.
Ghode Jatra
According to the eastern lunar calendar, it is organized on no moon day of Chaitra Sukla Paksha. Ghode Jatra means Horse parade organized in Kathmandu (Tudikhel) every year. The Nepal army and police perform parade. According to the English calendar, it falls in the mid-March or earlier. At Asan Chowk, the idols of gods Lumadi, Bhadrakali, Kankeshwari, and Bhiarav are brought at day and in Tundikhel at night. On this day all the gods meet together every year.
Udhauli Parva
Sakela is the biggest festival in Nepal. Ubhauli means ‘upward‘and Udhauli means ‘downward’ are the two main festivals of Sakela. According to the Holy book of Kirat (Mundhum), 365 days is divided into two phases up and down. The birds migrate from one place to another. In the old days, people used to move uphill and downhill during the season. Every year Ubhauli is celebrated on the same day as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti (Baishak Shukla Purnima).
Traditionally Kirat people after performing the Ubhauli rituals climb to the mountains to avoid the heat and malaria. During the rituals they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better health, wealth and crops. With the start of winter, Udhauli people used to move down the hill. And the epic events about this festival is the Sakela Ubhauli dance. Group of people varying in ages wear traditional dresses and perform together in a circle.
Dashain
Nepal is known for its culture and traditions and there are varieties of festivals and occasions. Among them, Dashain is the biggest festival for Hindus and Nepalese. It is the 15 days festivals and celebrated with the same zeal and enthusiasm every day. It’s one of the longest and most celebrated in Nepal. Dashain is the celebration of victory over evil. It symbolizes that good always wins over bad. The first day begins with Ghatasthapana. And a special room is prepared to worship Durga Bhawani.
The last and the main day is called ‘Dashami’ also known as Vijay Dashami when goddess Durga win over demons. On this day elders put ‘TIKA’ and ‘JAMARA’ giving blessings to the younger ones. The younger ones are given Dakchhina (money). The Nepali people try to reach home and live with their family to take blessings and forget all trouble and worries. That’s why it is also called Dashahara which means ‘take away ill-fortune’.
Tihar
Tihar is the second most celebrated festival after Dashain in Nepal. It is one of the most dazzling festivals called the festival of lights. This is the 5-day festival falls in October. The 1st day is called Kaag Tihar (crow Tihar) where crows are worshipped and fed in the early morning. People leave food outside their homes to feed crows. People believe the crow brings the message to the house in the morning and is considered to be the messenger of death.
The second day of Tihar is dedicated to the mankind’s most loyal friend i.e. Kukur (Dog). The pooja is done by putting Tika and flower garland on the dogs’ neck and they are presented with foods. It is believed that dogs can see the dangers and death.
The third day of Tihar is for cows. Cows are worshipped in the morning with Sesame oil light, flower garland and red color (abir). Cows are fed with rice, dal, sel roti, and wheat flour.
There is a tradition where girls and kids go to the neighboring house and sing traditional songs called Bhailo. On the fourth day Goverdhan puja (Goru Tihar), three different kinds of puja are performed that include Goru puja or worshipping oxen.
On the fifth and last day of Tihar, Bhai Tika is performed where sisters put Tika of five colors (yellow, green, red, blue, and white) on the forehead of their brothers for their long life and prosperity.
