With its broad ethnic diversity, Nepal has perhaps the most number of festivals in the region. There is at least one if not more celebrated every month. Impressive ceremonies often last days; full of color, offerings, sounds and involves entire communities. Asian cultures base their festivals on the lunar calendar coinciding with Full Moon days, very often on certain days almost all countries of the region will have a festival celebrated as a different one. Some main festivals :
Spring
Phagu Poornima (March-April) or known as the festival of color. The chariot festival of “Seto” White Machchhendranath (March-April), a spectacular four day festival with the huge chariot being pulled through the older sections of Kathmandu city. Nava Varsha (April) the Nepalese New year. Matatirtha Aunsi or Mother’s Day (April) mothers are showered with gifts of sweetmeats and give blessings to the younger generation. Buddha Jayanti (April-May), celebrates the day Lord Buddha was born.
Summer
Janai Poornima (July-August), people take a ritual bath and change their sacred thread. Gaijatra (July-August), one of the most colorful festival with teenage boys dressed up in the attire of a cow making pilgrimage to the temples. Manang Horse festival (Jul – Aug). Gokarna Aunsi or Father’s Day (August-September) fathers are honoured by their children, prayers and gifts are offered.
Autumn
Bada Dashain (September-October) is truly the national festival of Nepal. Every Nepalese is stirred by the prospects of the joy this festival brings with it. Dashain is a time for eating and dressing well. This commemorates the victory of good over evil. Tihar, Laxmi Puja, Dipawali or the Festival of Lights (October-November), occurs a forthnight after Dashain. The festivity lasts five days marked by worship to different animals; crow, dog and cow on different days. Festivals are celebrated in the mountains as well, such as the Mani Rimdu festivities (September upto November) of the Thyangboche and Chewang monasteries.
Winter
Maha Shivaratri (February) in honour of Lord Shiva. attracts pilgrims from far flung places both in Nepal and India. It is consecrated in honour of Lord Shiva. Losar (February) the New Year of the Buddhist community, also heralds the coming of Spring.