A vibrant collage of Nepal’s 2026 festivals, including Holi celebrations with colorful powders, Tihar festival lights illuminating the city, Dashain rituals with family gatherings, and scenic Himalayan mountain views, representing Nepal’s rich cultural heritage
Nepal is not just a place on a map; it is a living, breathing tapestry of tradition. Often referred to as the “Land of Festivals”, it is said that in Nepal, there are more festivals than there are days in a year. If you are planning a visit, the Nepal festival calendar for 2026 is your most important planning tool.
From the vibrant splashes of color during Holi to the solemn, candle-lit nights of Tihar, every month offers a new window into the soul of the Himalayas. Because most Nepali festivals follow the lunar Bikram Sambat (BS) calendar, the dates shift every year. In 2026, many of the major celebrations fall during the peak trekking months of spring and autumn, creating a perfect synergy between nature and culture.
Why the Nepal Festival Calendar for 2026 Matters
Following the Nepal festival calendar for 2026 isn’t just about seeing a parade. It’s about experiencing a nation at its most vibrant. However, it also requires strategic planning. During major holidays like Dashain, shops may close, and domestic flights can sell out months in advance. Conversely, smaller festivals like Indra Jatra turn the streets of Kathmandu into a mesmerizing open-air museum that you won’t want to miss.
The 2026 Highlights:
Holi (March 2): Welcoming spring in the hills.
Buddha Jayanti (May 1): A spiritual pilgrimage to the birthplace of Light.
Dashain (October 11–21): The “Super Bowl” of Nepali festivals.
Tihar (November 8–11): The mesmerizing Festival of Lights.
January 2026: The Winter Solstice & Harvest
The Nepal festival calendar for 2026 kicks off with the sun’s transition into the northern hemisphere.
Maghe Sankranti (January 15, 2026)
This festival marks the end of the winter solstice. In the Terai region, the Tharu community celebrates this as Maghi, their New Year.
The Ritual: People take holy dips in rivers like the Bagmati or Gandaki.
The Food: This is a “foodie” festival. Expect to see Ghee (clarified butter), Chaku (molasses), and sesame seed laddoos.
Internal Link: Discover more about Nepal famous foods usually served during winter gatherings.
Sonam Lhosar (January 19, 2026)
This is the New Year for the Tamang community. The stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath become the centers of celebration with masked dances and traditional music.
February 2026: The Night of Shiva
February in the Nepal festival calendar for 2026 is dominated by one of the most intense spiritual gatherings in South Asia.
Maha Shivaratri (February 15, 2026)
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the “Guardian of Nepal,” this festival draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.
The Sight: Thousands of Sadhus (holy men) covered in ash and dreadlocks gather at the temple.
The Vibe: The air is thick with incense and the sound of bells. It is a raw, powerful experience that defines the Nepal festival calendar for 2026.
Learn more about the history of Pashupatinath before you visit.
March 2026: The Carnival of Color
People celebrating Holi in Kathmandu, throwing colorful powders and water balloons on the lively streets, dressed in traditional Nepali attire
March is arguably the most fun month in the Nepal festival calendar for 2026.
Holi / Fagu Purnima (March 2 & 3, 2026)
Holi is the festival of colors, celebrating the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring.
March 2: Celebrated in the Hilly regions (Kathmandu and Pokhara).
March 3: Celebrated in the Terai region.
Traveler Tip: Wear white clothes you don’t mind ruining! The streets become a battlefield of colorful powders (Abir) and water balloons (Lolas).
Ghode Jatra (March 18, 2026)
The “Festival of Horses” is held in Tundikhel, Kathmandu. According to legend, the thunder of horse hooves keeps the demon “Gurumapa” underground. It’s a spectacular display of equestrian skills by the Nepal Army.
April 2026: The Nepali New Year (Navavarsha)
April 14 marks the official start of the year 2083 B.S. in the Nepal festival calendar for 2026.
Bisket Jatra (April 13–14, 2026)
While the whole country celebrates the New Year, the most dramatic event happens in Bhaktapur.
The Chariot Battle: Massive wooden chariots are pulled through the narrow streets in a tug-of-war between different parts of the city.
The Pole: A huge “Lingo” (wooden pole) is erected and then brought down to symbolize the passing of the old year.
May 2026: The Birth of Buddha
May is a month of peace and enlightenment in the Nepal festival calendar for 2026.
Buddha Jayanti (May 1, 2026)
Nepal is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. This day commemorates his birth, enlightenment, and death (Parinirvana).
Lumbini: The pilgrimage to Buddha’s birthplace is the highlight of the Nepal festival calendar for 2026.
Kathmandu: The white domes of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath are draped in thousands of prayer flags and lit with oil lamps at night.
August & September 2026: Heritage & Humour
Pilgrims meditating and praying at sunrise during Buddha Jayanti celebrations in Lumbini, with prayer flags and ancient stupas in the background.
As the monsoon begins to recede, the Nepal festival calendar for 2026 picks up speed with unique Newari traditions.
Janai Purnima (August 28, 2026)
High-altitude pilgrims trek to Gosainkunda Lake, while in the cities, Hindu men change their sacred thread (Janai).
This is a great time for adventure seekers to combine a 1-week Nepal itinerary with trekking and culture.
Gai Jatra (August 29, 2026)
The “Festival of Cows” is a unique celebration of life and death. Families who lost a loved one during the year lead a cow (or a child dressed as a cow) through the streets. It is filled with humor, satire, and costumes to help deal with the grief of loss.
Indra Jatra (September 25, 2026)
This is the largest street festival in Kathmandu.
The Kumari: The “Living Goddess” is carried through the city in a massive chariot.
Families celebrating Gai Jatra in Kathmandu, dressed in humorous costumes and leading cows or children dressed as cows through the streets, showcasing the festival’s humor and cultural significance
Lakhe Dance: Masked demons dance through the crowds, accompanied by traditional drums. It is a centrepiece of the Nepal festival calendar for 2026.
October 2026: The Grand Celebration – Dashain
Dashain is the most significant event in the Nepal festival calendar for 2026. It lasts for 15 days, with the entire nation coming to a standstill.
Dashain Key Dates 2026:
Ghatasthapana (Oct 11): Sowing the holy Jamara seeds.
Phulpati (Oct 17): The arrival of the “sacred flowers” from Gorkha.
Maha Ashtami & Navami (Oct 18–19): Days of sacrifice and worship.
Vijaya Dashami (Oct 21): The main day of Tika and blessings.
Why visit during Dashain? The skies are filled with kites, and giant bamboo swings (Linge Ping) are built in every village. It is the most family-orientated time in the Nepal festival calendar for 2026.
November 2026: The Festival of Lights – Tihar
Tihar is the second biggest festival in the Nepal festival calendar for 2026 and perhaps the most beautiful.
Tihar Schedule 2026:
Kaag Tihar (Oct 31): Worshipping crows.
Kukur Tihar (Nov 1): Worshipping dogs (the most viral festival online!).
Laxmi Puja (Nov 8): The night of lights. Every home is lit with oil lamps to welcome the Goddess of Wealth.
Bhai Tika (Nov 11): Celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
Photography Tip: Tihar is the best time for night photography in Kathmandu. The city literally glows.
2026 Festival Quick Reference Table
| Festival | 2026 Date | Location | Vibe |
| Maghe Sankranti | Jan 15 | Nationwide | Traditional Food |
| Maha Shivaratri | Feb 15 | Pashupatinath | Spiritual/Intense |
| Holi | March 2 | Kathmandu/Pokhara | Colorful/Fun |
| Nepali New Year | April 14 | Nationwide | Fresh Starts |
| Buddha Jayanti | May 1 | Lumbini/Boudha | Peaceful |
| Gai Jatra | Aug 29 | Kathmandu Valley | Cultural/Satire |
| Indra Jatra | Sept 25 | Kathmandu Durbar Square | Ancient/Masked |
| Dashain (Main Day) | Oct 21 | Nationwide | Family/Unity |
| Tihar (Laxmi Puja) | Nov 8 | Nationwide | Lights/Aesthetic |
| Chhath Parva | Nov 15 | Terai/Janakpur | Devotional/Sun |
Essential Travel Tips for the 2026 Festival Season
Transport Logistics: During Dashain (Oct 2026), buses and flights are often booked out a month in advance. Plan your movements early.
Closures: Expect banks and government offices to close for 3–5 days during Dashain and Tihar.
Accommodation: While hotels stay open, the staff might be at a minimum. Book your stay near the festival hubs (like Thamel or Lakeside) to stay in the action.
Health & Safety: Read the latest Nepal Travel Advice for health and safety protocols regarding large gatherings.
Etiquette: Always ask before photographing someone receiving Tika or participating in a private ritual.
FAQs: Nepal Festival Calendar for 2026
Q: Is it a bad time to trek during Dashain?
A: Not at all! In fact, the weather in October is perfect. Just be aware that some porters and guides may want to be home with their families, so book your trek through a reputable agency.
Q: Can tourists participate in Holi?
A: Absolutely! Tourists are welcomed with open arms (and lots of powder). Just wear old clothes and keep your camera in a dry bag.
Q: What is the most “Instagrammable” festival in the 2026 calendar?
A: Tihar (Nov 8) for the lights and Holi (March 2) for the colors are the top choices.
The Nepal festival calendar for 2026 is more than just a list of dates—it is a promise of adventure, spirituality, and connection. Whether you find yourself in the middle of a chariot tug-of-war in Bhaktapur or receiving a blessing from a Sherpa elder in the mountains, the festivals of Nepal will change how you see the world.
