| Festivals in Nepal |
A festival is always a meaningful event in
Nepal where the people find more joy in participation than just
watching. In Nepal every festival has some good purpose to serve;
such as to bring rain or to have good harvest, to honor a mother
or father, to avert calamities or to nourish one’s soul with
something spiritual. In fact, festivals are the best way to
understand and appreciate the Nepalese way of life.
Navavarsha (April):
The Nepalese New Year’s Day usually falls in
the second week of April i.e. the first day of Baisakh. The day
is observed as a national holiday. The people celebrate it with
a great pomp and show. On this occasion, Bisket Jatra is held in
the City of Bhaktapur.
Baisakh Poornima (April):
As Nepal is birthplace of Lord Buddha,
the Light of Asia, the triple anniversary of the Buddha’s birth,
enlightenment and death is observed with many colorful
ceremonies on this day. People celebrate the occasion with great
veneration paying homage to Buddha at places like Swayambhunath,
Bouddhanath and Lumbini.
Red Machchhendranath Rath Jatra (May/June):
This festival is the
biggest socio-cultural event of Patan. The wheeled chariot of a
deity known as Bungdyo or Red Machchhendranath is made at
Pulchowk and dragged through the city of Patan in several stages
till it reaches the appointed destination Lagankhel. The grand
finale of the festival is called the “Bhoto Dekhaune” or the “
showing of the vest”. A similar kind of chariot festival White
Machchhendranath is also held in Kathmandu City in the month of
March/April.
Dumji (July):
It is celebrated in all the Sherpa settlements.
The Sherpas of Kathmandu and Helambu regions participate in
dancing on this day.
Mani Rimdu (Nov/Dec):
It is a Sherpa dance drama performed in
the Khumbu Region. It is held annually at Tengboche and Chiwong
monasteries and at Thami Gomba. The performers are monk and the
occasion is highlighted by much gaiety and feasting.
Gaijatra (July/Aug):
Gaijatra, popularly known as Cow festival,
is a carnival that lasts for eight days. Dancing, singing comedy and
anything that causes mirth and laughter are its highlights.
Krishnastami (July/Aug):
It marks the birthday of Lord Krishna.
On this day, impressive ceremonies are conducted at the Krishna
temple in Patan and at Changu Narayan.
Teej (Aug/Sep):
Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by Hindu women.
Dancing, folk song and the red color of women’s wedding saris
dominate the days of Teej. Women observe a fast flock to Shiva
temples where married once pray for a happy conjugal life and
unmarried ones for a good husband.
Indrajatra (Aug/Sep):
The festival of Indra, the god of rain, is
observed with great enthusiasm in Kathmandu valley. The festival
lasts for eight days. The chariot of Kumari, the Living Goddess,
is taken out in procession through the main streets of
Kathmandu. The festival is specially noted for the echoes of
drums and dancing feet of the masked dancers.
Dashain / Durga Puja (Sep/Oct):
The Dashain festival is the most
important festival of the Nepalese. The entire country is in
enthusiastic holiday mood at the time of the festival.
Tihar (Oct/Nov):
Known as the “Festival of Lights”, Tihar is
celebrated for five days. Houses are illuminated at night and
special sweets of different varieties are prepared.
Vibhaha Panchami (Nov/Dec):
This is a famous festival of
Janakpur in the eastern Terai. The occasion commemorates the
marriage of Sita with Ram, one of the most venerated Hindu
divinities. It attracts thousands of pilgrims from India to Janakpur.
Lhosar (Feb):
This festival is most impressively observed in the
month of February by the Sherpas. They organize folk songs and
dances on this occasion. These dances can be seen in Khumbu,
Helambu and other northern regions of Nepal and also at
Bouddhanath in Kathmandu.
Maha Shivaratri (Feb/March):
Shivaratri or the night of Lord Shiva is
observed in February/March. It is celebrated in honor of Lord
Shiva. A great religious fair takes place in the Pasupatinath
Temple and thousands of people from all over Nepal and India
flock the Temple to worship Lord Shiva.
Ghodejatra (March/April):
Known as the Festival Of Horses, it is
one of the most exciting festivals of Kathmandu. Horse race and
other sports take place at Tundikhel on this day. In other parts
of the city, various deities are carried shoulder-high on
palanquin (khat) to the accompaniment of traditional music. |
