Nepal is a country of festivals. In fact, the Nepalese are said to observe more festivals than there are days the year. Hardly a day passes without some festivals, ceremonial observances or pilgrimages occurring in some part of the country or the other. No doubt, wide varieties of festivals are celebrated in Nepal. Different communities and ethnic groups observe different festivals. Some of the important festivals include:

Dashain:
Dashain, which is celebrated during Sept-Oct., is the greatest festival of Nepal. Known as Durga Pooja, it is the national festival and it is observed especially by Hindus. The Goddess Durga is prayed for nine days during the festival. On this occasion, the family members, who have gone outside, come home to celebrate the festival. On the tenth day of the festival, youngsters take tika and blessings from the elders. On this day, many people visit the Royal Palace to take tika from Their Majesties the King and Queen every year. The first day of the festival is called "Ghatansthapana" when people sow seeds of corn in a tiny vessel filled with clay and water. The vessel is put in the prayer room. People pray to the Goddess Durga every morning. They also visit different Hindu temples. It is believed that the Goddess Durga, whose steed is a ferocious lion, was able to kill a Mahisasur (buffalo). Her victory is symbolized as the defeat over evil. The government offices, schools and other offices remain closed during the festival.

Tihar or Deepawali:
Tihar is regarded as the second largest festival after Dashain in Nepal. The festival of lights is celebrated for five days in November. People pray to the Goddess Laxmi, the concert of Lord Vishnu during Tihar. The Goddess Laxmi is also considered to be the main Goddess of wealth and good fortune. On the fifth or last day of the festival, brothers take tika from sisters. The sisters also offer sweets and other food items and cloths to their brothers. It is believed that brothers become safe from death and other evils after taking tika and garlands from their sisters during Tihar. During the festival, dogs, cows and oxen and properties are also prayed.The Newars of Kathmandu observe Tihar as Mha Pooja, the New Year day according to the Nepal Era. They give themselves blessings to remain healthy and happy for the rest of the year.

Bala Chadurdashi:
Generally, the festival falls in the month of December. Families having lost their members or relatives stay vigil at the Lord Shiva temple during the whole night, lighting oil lamps and singling songs. In Kathmandu, people throng the Pashupatinath temple. Having a ritual morning bath, they walk through the forest, scattering seven types of grain along the paths and over the linga of Lord Shiva to give merit to their kinsmen. It is also believed that scattering seven types of grain on this day would also cleanse the sins of Bala, a mythological man, who had been transformed into a demon.

Bibah Panchami:
The festival is celebrated as the day of marriage of Ram, the hero of an epic Ramayana, and Sita, the daughter of King Janak. It is believed that King Janak had proposed a test of strength for the suitors of his daughter. The suitors had to string the great bow of Lord Shiva. Various warriors, kings and others had tried to lift the bow. But it was Ram who easily lifted the bow. When Ram tried to string the bow, it shattered into pieces. Then Ram and Sita were married in Janakpur.

The Tiji:
The Tiji Festival is one of the highlights of the year in the once-forbidden kingdom of Mustang. The Tiji ritual is known as the 'chasing of the demons' and refers to a battle between deities that ends in salvation and the restoration of water to the kingdom. It is therefore the ceremonial beginning of the monsoon season for Mustang, a very important time in this day.

Yomari Punhi:
December is the harvest season. Farmers prepare Yomari Punhi and offer it to the gods for providing abundant harvest. The Yomari is a kind of special cake made from the flour of new rice. The cake is steamed with melted sugar and it is offered to the gods.

Maghe Sakranti:
The festival is celebrated on the first day of the month of Magh (approximately January). As the sun enters the southern hemisphere in the holy month of Magh, days start becoming longer and warmer. People take a bath early in the morning and go to the temples of Lord Vishnu and offer flowers, incense and food to Him. The Bhagawat Gita is read to please the gods.

Saraswati Pooja:
The festival falls in the spring, the loveliest time of the year. Saraswati, the Goddess of learning, is worshipped at her temples in various parts of the country. In Kathmandu, His Majesty the King and other dignitaries visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square and welcome the season. People also throng the Nil Barahi shrine near Lazimpat. People from various walk of live, especially students and teachers, offer flowers, food items and other gifts to the Goddess Saraswati.

Maha Shivaratri:
The festival is celebrated to worship the Lord Shiva, who is the most popular Gods of the Hindus. It is celebrated in February. Devotees from various parts of Nepal and India visit the Lord Pashupatinath. They pray to Lord Shiva's image inside the temple. On the occasion, saints and sages, who emulate Lord Shiva, give lectures about Lord Shiva to the disciples.

Losar:
Various ethnic communities such as Sherpas, Tamangs and the people from the Tibetan origin celebrate the festival in February to welcome their New Year. Buddhist monks perform dances and offer prayers for good health and prosperity at monasteries. People exchange various goods and gifts among them. Buddhist families also host feasts and perform dances.

Fagu Purnima:
The festival generally falls in the month of March. Fagu or holi is a colorful and playful festival celebrated in various parts of the country. On the first day of holi, a chir pole decorated with colourful flags, is erected at the Kathmandu Durbar Square to alert the people to hide their good clothes as coloured powder and water balloons are thrown at them throughout the week.

Chaitra Dashain:
The festival is marked every year during March-April. The festival is celebrated to praise the victory of the hero of the epic Ramayana over Rawan, an evil King of Lanka (Sri Lanka). It is believed that the Goddess Durga's power had helped Ram to achieve his victory. So, the Goddess Durga, the source of power, is also worshipped on the occasion.

Ghode Jatra:
The festival is celebrated in the month of April. Outsiders often get amazed to see the fine horses of the Royal Nepalese Army. Horse race competitions and other activities are organized at Tundikhel (Open Air Theatre).It is said that the horse festival or Ghode Jatra was begun after the people of Kathmandu were able to bury a demon under the soil of Tundekhel. They say that the demon may rise again and cause trouble to the world if he is not trampled on each year. On the occasion, Their Majesties the King and Queen, the living Goddess Kumari and many others observe the festival.

Bisk Jatra:
This is an important festival celebrated in April. On this occasion, people from the old kingdom of Bhaktapur and its neighboring areas perform a drama passed on over the centuries. Images of wrathful and demonic deities are placed on chariots. The chariots are taken to various parts of the city of Bhaktapur. On this occasion, a tongue-boring ceremony is organized at Bode village of Bhaktapur. It is believed that those who can tolerate the pain of the tongue boring may reach in heaven after death.

Rato Machhendranath Jatra:
Rato (Red) Machhendranath is a rain God. During the time of May, the people of the Kathmandu Valley, who used to depend upon agriculture before it became a commercial hub, still worship the rain god to please him so that he can bring rains. People of Patan decorate the chariot of Machhendranath and pull it. The four wheels of the chariot are said to represent the powerful Bhairav.

Buddha Jayanti:
The festival is celebrated on the day of Lord Buddha, who was born in Lumbini. On the full moon day of Baisakh (approximately May), the Lord's birth, enlightenment and salvation are applauded both in and outside the Kathmandu Valley. Preparations are made for the festival at Swayambhunath and Bouddhanath stupas in advance. Monks and devotees perform various activities like dance to celebrate the festival.

Gunla: The festival is celebrated by the Buddhists of the Kathmandu Valley during July-August. The month-long festivities celebrate the 'rains retreat' initiated by 25 centuries ago by Lord Buddha. This occasion is a time for prayer, fasting, meditation and religious music. On this day, important Buddhist statues and monasteries are on display. The teachings of Lord Buddha, which are still relevant, are remembered as the rains nurture the paddy in the farm.

Janai Purnima:
Generally, the festival falls in the month of August. Brahmins and Kshetris chant Gayatri mantra and change their sacred thread (janai). In addition, both the Hindus and Buddhists tie a red or yellow thread around the wrist. It is believed that the threat can protect the people from evils. Devotees visit Gusaikund in Rasuwa and Kumbheshwar temple in Patan.

Gai Jatra:
Celebrated in the month of August, Gai Jatra is the festival for satire and jokes. Artistes and others satirize on the contemporary politics, social and other anomalies. Those whose relatives have died during the past year share their sorrows and take comfort, as they believe that the gai (cow) has safely transported the departed souls on their afterlife journey.

Teej:
This is the festival of women. The festival is celebrated in September. Both married and unmarried women visit the shrines of Lord Shiva. They perform dances and sing fork songs. They also recall Parvati's devotion to her husband Shiva. Married women visit their parents' homes. It is believed that the married women having fasting on the day will find their husbands faithful. It is also believed that the unmarried women who fast on this day will have good luck in finding suitable husbands.

Indra Jatra:
The festival is marked to extend thanks to Indra, King of Heaven and controller of the rains, for the rains. The festival is celebrated for eight days in Kathmandu Durbar Square.There is a story related to its significance. It is said that many centuries ago, Indira's mother needed scented flowers but she was unable to find them in the gardens of heaven. One day, Indra discovered Parijat flowers in Kathmandu Valley and tried to steal them for his mother. However, as he was trying to steal them, the people of Kathmandu caught him and imprisoned him. The people were appalled when they found Indra's mother coming to look for him. Then they released Indra. Since then the festival has been celebrated. The Goddess Kumari, the living Goddess, witnesses the special occasion of Indra Jatra.