Culture and language in Nepal are deeply intertwined. With over 125 caste/ethnic groups, each with its own religion, language, and music, the diversity is remarkable. Nepali is the main language spoken, but there are 123 different languages in total. English is also understood and spoken in the travel industry.
The main religions followed in Nepal are Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Kirat, and Christianity. As per the census of 2011, 81.3% of the Nepalese population is Hindu, 9.0% is Buddhist 4.4% is Muslim, 3.0% is Kirant/Yumaist, 1.4% is Christian, and 0.9% other religions. The most common greeting in Nepal is “Namaste” with both palms pressed together across the chest. Translated it means “The god in me greets the god in you”.
1. Dashain
2. Tihar
The Festival of Lights is another major festival in Nepal. it is customary for sisters to worship their brothers, including saptarangi tikas, ever fresh-looking Makhamali garlands, selrotis, anarsa, chocolate, cashews, raisins, coconut, sweets, spices, and other foods. Brother gifts back to sister, this is a divine festival. Bhai means brother and Tika join together to make Bhai Tika. It’s a five-day celebration where people worship various animals and objects, such as cows, dogs, and crows. Each day has its own significance, like honoring brothers or celebrating the goddess of wealth. The festival is filled with beautiful decorations, colorful lights, and vibrant cultural performances.
3. Holi
Holi, the Festival of Colors, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Nepal. It usually falls in March and marks the arrival of spring. People gather together, throw colored powders and water at each other, and dance to traditional music. It’s a fun and vibrant festival that symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of a new season. These are just a few examples of the many festivals celebrated in Nepal. Each festival has its own unique traditions, rituals, and cultural significance. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the vibrant spirit and rich heritage of Nepal
4. Buddha Jayanti
Buddha Jayanti is celebrated to mark the birthday of the Lord Buddha. Gautam Buddha was born in 623 BC as a prince of the Shakya dynasty in Lumbini, which now falls in the Kapilvastu district of Nepal. Buddha Jayanti, also known as Buddha Purnima, is a significant festival celebrated by Buddhists around the world, including in Nepal. It marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The festival usually falls on the full moon day in the month of May.
On Buddha Jayanti, devotees gather at Buddhist temples and monasteries to pay their respects to Lord Buddha. They engage in meditation, chant sacred verses, and offer flowers, incense, and candles. The atmosphere is serene and filled with a sense of spiritual devotion. One of the most iconic rituals of Buddha Jayanti is the ceremonial bathing of the Buddha statue. Devotees pour water mixed with fragrant herbs over the statue, symbolizing purification and renewal. This act is believed to bring blessings and cleanse the mind and soul.
The festival also serves as a reminder of the teachings of Buddha, emphasizing compassion, mindfulness, and the pursuit of enlightenment. It is a time for reflection, introspection, and deepening one’s spiritual practice. In Nepal, Buddha Jayanti holds special significance as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha is believed to be in Lumbini, a town in the country. Many pilgrims from around the world visit Lumbini during this time to pay homage to the Buddha and experience the sacredness of the place. Overall, Buddha Jayanti is a joyous and spiritually enriching festival that celebrates the life and teachings of Gautam Buddha. It brings people together in devotion, reflection, and the pursuit of inner peace.
5. Gai Jatra
Gai Jatra is a popular festival celebrated in Nepal, especially in the Kathmandu Valley. It is a vibrant and lively event that holds cultural and religious significance. During Gai Jatra, people come together to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away in the previous year. The festival is known as the “Festival of Cows” and is celebrated with colorful processions, music, dance, and street performances. Families who have lost a family member participate in the festival by leading a decorated cow through the streets. The cow is considered sacred in Hinduism and is believed to help guide the departed souls to the afterlife.
Gai Jatra is also known for its humorous and satirical elements. People dress up in funny costumes and engage in playful acts to bring laughter and joy to the festival. It’s a time to celebrate life and let go of sorrow. Traditional dances, music, and theatrical performances are an integral part of Gai Jatra celebrations. Artists and performers showcase their talents, adding to the festive atmosphere. Overall, Gai Jatra is a unique festival that combines remembrance, humor, and cultural expression. It’s a time for communities to come together, celebrate life, and honor the departed souls.
6. Indrajatra
Indra Jatra is another significant festival celebrated in Nepal, particularly in Kathmandu Valley. It is a vibrant and exciting festival that lasts for eight days and is dedicated to Lord Indra, the king of gods and the god of rain and prosperity. During Indra Jatra, the highlight is the chariot procession of the living goddess Kumari, who is considered the embodiment of the goddess Taleju.
The chariot is pulled through the streets of Kathmandu, accompanied by traditional music, dance, and masked performances. The festival also features the display of a wooden pole known as “lingo” in the center of Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. The pole represents Lord Indra and is erected with much fanfare. People gather around the lingo to offer prayers and seek blessings for good fortune and prosperity. Indra Jatra is a time of celebration, where people come together to enjoy cultural performances, music, and dance. It’s a chance to immerse oneself in the rich traditions and heritage of Nepal.
7. Teej
Teej is a popular festival celebrated by women in Nepal, especially in the hilly regions. It is a joyous occasion that focuses on fasting, dancing, and celebrating the bond between married couples. During Teej, women dress up in vibrant red attire and jewelry. They observe a day-long fast to honor Lord Shiva and pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.
The fast is broken in the evening with a grand feast, where women enjoy delicious traditional dishes. One of the highlights of Teej is the traditional dance called “teej geet.” Women gather in groups, sing traditional songs, and dance to express their joy and celebrate womanhood. It’s a beautiful sight to see the streets filled with women in colorful attire, dancing and singing with enthusiasm. Teej is not only a religious festival but also a platform for women to come together, share their experiences, and support each other. It’s a time to celebrate femininity, love, and the strength of women.
8. Maghe Sankranti
Maghe Sankranti is a popular festival celebrated in Nepal, especially among the Hindu community. It marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, which usually falls on the 14th of January. During Maghe Sankranti, people wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath in rivers or other sacred bodies of water. It is believed that taking this bath purifies the body and soul.
After the bath, people offer prayers and make offerings to deities, especially Lord Vishnu. One of the main highlights of Maghe Sankranti is the consumption of a special dish called “ghee, chaku, and tilko laddoo.” This sweet treat is made from molasses, sesame seeds, and clarified butter, and is considered auspicious for the festival. Maghe Sankranti is also a time for families to come together and celebrate. People fly kites, play traditional games, and exchange gifts and sweets with their loved ones. It’s a festive and joyful time to embrace the warmth of winter and the beginning of longer days.
9. Mahashivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is another important festival celebrated in Nepal and other parts of the world by Hindus. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. The festival usually falls in the month of February or March. During Maha Shivaratri, devotees observe fasting and stay awake all night, engaging in prayers and meditation. Many people visit Shiva temples and offer special prayers and offerings to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
The festival holds great significance as it is believed to cleanse sins and bestow spiritual power. One of the most iconic rituals of Maha Shivaratri is the pouring of milk, water, and other sacred substances over the Shiva Lingam, a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva. This act symbolizes purification and devotion. The night of Maha Shivaratri is believed to be the night when Lord Shiva performed the celestial dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. It is said that observing this night with devotion can bring about spiritual growth and inner transformation. Maha Shivaratri is a time for introspection, spiritual reflection, and seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is also a time for community gatherings, cultural performances, and sharing the joy of the festival with loved ones.
