The celebrations for the holidays in Nepal are celebrated with traditional customs and food. People wear traditional costumes and devote their time with prayers at the temples during religious holidays.
Sunday, 30 January 2011: Sahid Diwash (Martyr’s Day)
This holiday is to commemorate and remember the people who have died. On this day, people paint the columns and cemeteries white. As tribute, white flags are also shown.
Friday, 18 February 2011: Prajatantra Diwash (Democracy Day)
This day is to commemorate King Prithvi Narayan Shah who achieved gaining freedom from the regime of Rana. On this day, lights and fireworks fill the cities to honor the heroes.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011: Maha Shiva Ratri
This is a Hindu religious holiday where Hindus go to temples to worship or pray for forgiveness.
Saturday, 5 March 2011: Lhosar (Sonam/Gyalbo)
This holiday is also known as the “Tibetan New Year” where music, dance, feast and colorful traditional costume parades are held in the streets.
Sunday, 6 March 2011: Public Holiday (Mourning for former Prime Minister Bhattarai)
This is a public holiday for mourning of the death of Nepal’s former Prime Minister Bhattarai who died recently at the age of 87.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011: Ramnawami / Chaitay Dashain
This is a religious Hindu Holiday celebrating Lord Ram’s Birthday. In Janakpur City, this is celebrated with parades of elephants, carts with dancing pilgrims and singing songs of praise. In other cities, people go to temples offer prayers.
Thursday, 14 April 2011: Nepali New Year (Bisket Jatra)
This day marks the start of their New Year and people celebrate it by going to picnics and socializing with families and friends.
Sunday, 24 April 2011: Loktantra Diwas (Democracy Day)
This day marks the anniversary of reinstating the democracy in the country.
Sunday, 1 May 2011: May Day
This day celebrates the workers’ works and labors to the country.
Tuesday, 17 May 2011: Buddha Jayanti (Bhudda Day)
This day celebrates the birth of Buddha. People pay homage to temples and offer prayers to Buddha.
Sunday, 29 May 2011: Republic Day
This day celebrates the declaration of Nepal as a democratic republic back in 2008.
Saturday, 13 August 2011: Janai Purnima / Rakshya Bandhan
This holiday is also known as “Sacred Thread Festival” where Hindus change their Janai (a yellow string tied around the wrist or chest).
Sunday, 21 August 2011: Shree Krishna Janmasthami
This religious holiday is to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna where Hindus gather at the temples to offer prayers, hymns and food.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011: Id-ul-Fitre (End of Ramadan)
This is a Muslim religious holiday celebrating the End of Ramadan or month of fasting.
Wednesday, 28 September 2011: Ghatasthapana
This holiday celebrates the first day of Dasain, where people celebrate the victory of the goddess Durga over Mahisasur, the demon king. Among the activities done during this holiday is barley planting, and kite flying besides visiting temples.
Monday, 3 October 2011: Dashain Festival (Phulpati/Fulpaati)
Tuesday, 4 October 2011: Dashain Festival
Wednesday, 5 October 2011: Dashain Festival
Thursday, 6 October 2011: Dashain Festival (Vijaya Dashami)
On these days, people celebrate the celebrate the victory of the gods against the demons. People go to family gatherings and reunions, celebrating with traditional food and customs.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011: Tihar Festival (day 3: Laxmi Pooja)
Thursday, 27 October 2011: Tihar Festival (day 4: Gobardhan Pooja) / Nepal Sambat New Year
Friday, 28 October 2011: Tihar Festival (day 5: Bhai Tika)
The Tihar festival is also known as “Dipawali” or “Festival of Lights” where people worship the goddess of wealth and fortune (Goddess Laxmi). People go to festivities with traditional food and customs.
Sunday, 25 December 2011: Christmas Day
This is a religious holiday celebrated by Christians for the birth of Christ.
No related posts.
