Festivals & jatras
See Nepal come alive.
Color, chariots, music and centuries-old traditions fill public squares and neighborhood streets. Understand what is being celebrated—not simply the crowd.
Plan by experience
Dates move. Traditions remain.
Many Nepali festivals follow lunar calendars, so exact dates change every year. Confirm the date before building a trip around one, then allow for crowds, road closures and schedule changes.
Usually February or March
Holi in Kathmandu
Basantapur and parts of Thamel become lively gathering places for Fagu Purnima. Local residents and international visitors celebrate with colored powder, music and water.
Know before you join: wear clothes that can be stained, protect electronics, expect dense crowds and ask before applying color to someone.
Usually August or September
Indra Jatra & Kumari procession
Chariot processions, masked Lakhey dances and the Living Goddess Kumari fill the streets around Basantapur during one of Kathmandu’s most important public festivals.
Usually April or May
Rato Machhindranath Jatra
Patan’s great chariot festival unfolds as a towering wooden chariot moves through Lalitpur’s neighborhoods—a major living Newar tradition connected with rain and community wellbeing.
Usually April
Bisket Jatra
Bhaktapur marks the Nepali New Year with chariots and intense public gatherings. Follow local directions and keep a comfortable distance from moving chariots.
Usually April or May
Buddha Jayanti
The Buddha’s birth is observed at Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and Lumbini through prayer, lamps and devotional gatherings.
YOLO Nepal 