Though the southeast Asian country of Nepal might be small, it is home to a diverse mix of people, cultures, and religions. Hinduism is the religion practiced by the vast majority of people in Nepal; this is followed by Buddhism, Islam, Kirat Mundhum (an ingenious religion), Christianity, and Sikhism. A wonderful variety of festivals and celebration are thus celebrated in Nepal. While it would be difficult to name all, we've picked out some of the most unique, important, and popular festivals of Nepal.
Dashain in the longest festival in Nepal. It is celebrated for 15 days. Dashain is the most auspicious and eagerly-awaited festival in Nepal, and is celebrated by Nepalese Hindus all over the world. Family and community values are highly stressed upon during this festival. Many people return to Nepal or their hometowns for the festival, and many businesses, schools, office close during this time. The festival celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over the devil Mahishasura. This is done through feasts, gatherings, fairs, and worshipping in the form of prayers and offerings. Dashain's purpose is also to celebrate good harvests and the fertility of the land.
On the ninth day of the festival, the magnificent Taleju Temple in Kathmandu's famous Durbar Square becomes open to the public, the only time during the year when Hindus can visit it.
The tenth day of Dashain is highly significant, and is known as "tika". On this day, people put rice tika (coloured powder) on their foreheads and wear new clothes. The last day of the festival coincides with the full moon and is known as Kojagrat Purnima. Dashain occurs during September or October.
Tihar, like Dashain, is an extremely important festival in Nepal. It falls during September or October and lasts for 5 days. It is also called the "Festival of Lights". During this festival, the worshipping of various deities occurs. During the first two days, the goddess Laxmi is worshipped, as well as dogs and crows. On the third day, cows are worshipped, and on the fourth day, oxen are worshipped. On the fifth day, tika (coloured powder mixed with other ingredients) is placed by sisters on the foreheads of their brothers, and prayers for blessings and prosperity are said. Homes are beautifully lit up throughout the country during the festival, with candles, lights, and lamps.
Mahashivaratri is one of the most sacred religious festivals in Nepal. Mahashivaratri is celebrated at Nepal's famed Pashupatinath Temple, as well as other Shiv temples in the country. Thousands of pilgrims travel to Pashupatinath to celebrate the occasion. The god Shiva is venerated during the festival. Devotees fast during the day and worship the god at night. The temples are adorned with lamps, and offerings of flowers and leaves are left for depictions of Shiva. At Pashupatinath, an enormous prayer celebration is held, which contains dances, songs, and other celebrations. This festival occurs during February or March.
Holi is one of the most famous festivals in the world. It is widely known for being celebrated in India; however, it is also celebrated in Nepal. It is a vibrant and colourful occasion that lasts for two days. In Nepal, the beginning of Holi is marked by the raising of a wooden bamboo pole in front of the palace. The pole is called "chir" and is decorated with colourful flags and strips of cloth. The pole represents prosperity and good fortune. At night, the pole is burned, which is a symbol of the past year being discarded. As in India, Holi in Nepal includes celebrations in the streets where people spray and splash each other with colourful powders, sprays, and other items. It takes places in February or March.
This unique festival centres around females. During Teej, both married and unmarried women fast and pray. This is done for their own health, and for the prosperity of their spouses and children. Those who are married pray for their husbands, while those who are unmarried pray for good future spouses. The festival lasts for three days and falls during either August or September. On day one, the women enjoy heavy food, known as "dar khana", before beginning their one-day fast. They fast on the second day too, and on the third day, the fast is broken, and rich foods made with ghee are eaten. Dances, prayer songs, and traditional sweets are hallmarks of this festival.
Gai Jatra is a Newar festival. The Newar people are the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley and its surrounds. The festival is also known as the festival of cows (the word "gai" translates to "cow", and "jatra" to "festival" in the Nepali language). Its purpose is to remember those who have died in the previous year. Before, those whose loved ones had died during the war would dress as cows and perform dances around the king's palace. Today, a ceremony comprising a masked dance accompanied by songs is held. Cows are also adorned and led through the streets. The families of those who have lost someone will distribute food and goods to others. It is believed that the cow, which is a considered a sacred animal, will help the departed person on their journey after death. This festival falls in either August or September.
Indra Jatha takes place in September, in either the beginning or middle of the month. It is celebrated right after Gai Jatra and is an indication of the rainy season coming to an end. It is also known as the Yenya Festival, and is a fun and popular festival in Nepal. Its main purpose is to pray for there to be good harvests in the future. The festival is known for its parades and dances, in which depictions of gods, goddesses, demons, and devils are on display. On the third day of Indra Jatra, known as Kumari Jatra, young girls and an image of Kumari Devi, the living god, are carried through the streets of Kathmandu on chariots.
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