7 Festive Rituals Celebrated In Nepal With Fervor And Foment

Nepal is a hill locked nation surrounded by the Great Himalayas and strategically situated in South Asia and Peoples Republic of China. Indian sub-continent is located to South, East and West. Beyond fact, the Kingdom of Nepal has vibrancy and follows rich traditions. And above all, there is diversity in Nepalese culture too.  The ritualistic activities in Nepal enjoy a correlation with its neighboring nations - both India and China. Moreover, the life of Nepalese denizens surrounds the ritualistic traditions with religious practices.  The spirited life and grandeur around the Rice Planting Festival or Tihar, or Dashain becomes talk of the town.  Speak more, and Nepal has all time greatest moments worthy than ever.

Festivals of Nepal: Confluence of Immersive Cultures and Momentous Retreats

Festivals in Nepal touch the lives of not only the locals but tourists as well.  There are unforgettable memories, which the participants to these festivals carry with them. These festivities bring energy, vibrancy and very obviously celebrations turn out to be more than the colorful processions.  Outmoded dances, along with the age-old rituals are transformative and bring momentary changes.  Here are a few alluring festivals celebrated in Nepal: 

#1 - Maghe Sankranti – Celebrated in January – It Marks the Transitory Moment of Sun

Maghe Sankranti represents the special movement when the Sun transits from Sagittarius to Capricorn. The festival welcomes the longer and more warmer days.   The occasion is marked by taking a dip in the holy waters of Gosaikunda Lake and a few other rivers is a way to spiritual cleansing.  Denizens celebrate the festival with foods like yams, sweets, besides enjoying the tasteful moments soaked in sesame-based dishes. The ritual of flying kites is exciting moment for the onlookers and even quite wholesome too.  

#2 - Nepali New Year – The Baisakh in April – Time of Rejuvenation

Baisakh is the New Year of Nepal and the time is favorable for rejuvenation where the Mother Nature appears in her new form. It is a publicly announced holiday in Nepal, and one could easily come across scintillating parades, lordly feasts and family reunions that are very absorbing.  The alleys connecting to main road are vibrantly embellished and locals and travelers feel the jubilant aura.    

#3 - Buddha Jayanti –Celebration of Enlightenment and Preachings of Lord Buddha - The Buddha Jayanti is one of the encompassing moments where the life of Lord Buddha could be studied closely and his reasons of seeking illumination, birth and mahaparinirvana (or the quietus) are understood. Major point of consecration is the Kathmandu Valley, which happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site. The valley is an ancient pilgrimage site composed of other sacred sites such as Swayambhunath and Boudhanath. 

#4 – Festival of Rice Plantation – The Nepalese Farmers have special place for rice in their daily lives. The festival is regarded as fascinating moment of harvesting rice seedlings and share some of the joyous moments among the groups. The festival also coincides with savoring the delightful unification of rice and yoghurt among other tastier ceremonies. 

#5 - Gai Jatra – The Grand Procession of Cows Celebrated in September

The festival is quite revered in Nepal and liked by the Nepali denizens and also the people from other nations. The celebrations are onset in Bhadra (or the August), this festival is connected to the firm belief and worshipping of God of death, Yamaraj. Again, the tourists from all over the globe come here for processions as they adorn themselves in kaleidoscopic costumes with faces masqueraded by enticing masks.

#6 - Indra Jatra – The Great September festival to honor the culmination of rain 

Indra Jatra, is one of the most respected festivals celebrated in September in Nepal and it symbolizes the zenith of monsoon. During this time, an oblation is offered to Lord Indra. According to the legendary tale, Jatra, the celestial being came on Earth in search of white flower known as Parijat to offer it to his mother named Dagini.  Jatra is imprisoned and later when his true identity is known, he is freed. Dagini gave the boon to offer abundance of dew all through the winters for the prosperity. There is also special event Kumari Jatra which is the celestial view when the royal kumari’s palanquin is taken across the city roads and alleys in Kathmandu. 

#7 - Dashain – The 15 Days Long Festival Celebrated in October on Lunar Fortnight

Dashain, the outstanding and one of the lengthiest celebrations, which is regarded as highly revered in Nepal. The festival has an umbra of as many as fifteen days and enthralls people from the heart. Dashain is celebrated for the whole of lunar fortnight. The principal day of celebration is Vijaya Dashami (which is on 15 October).

Verdict of Choice 

 Live in an ultimate splendor and joy created through the melodies and musical shows. Know the ancient rituals practiced in festivals as you interact with people.  Travelers feel the unsatiated trance as they walk around the stunningly ornate streets and temples. Nepal is a destination of festivity, imbued in diversification and culturalism.