Official holiday in Nepal

Official, Public and National Holidays

Below you will find a list of all official, public and national holidays in the country of Nepal.

Makar Sankranti

- 2012-01-14

As one of the most important festivals on the Hindu calendar, Makar Sankranti celebrates the sun's return to the northern hemisphere, as the longest night has passed and the days grow longer.

Vasant Panchami

- 2012-01-28

Marking the beginning of Spring, the Hindu festival of Vasant Panchami is dedicated to Saraswati, who was both the goddess of learning and Brahma's wife.

Sahid Diwash (Martyrs' Day) 

- 2012-01-30

Martyrs' Day commemorates all those who have died in the struggle for independence and peace.

Maha Shivrati

- 2012-02-20

Also known as the Great Night of Lord Shiva, this Hindu celebration is dedicated to Shiva – one of the three deities making up the Hindu trinity.

International Women's Day

- 2012-03-08

Taking place in many countries around the world, including Nepal, International Women's Day acknowledges the achievements of women around the world.

Holi

- 2012-03-08

Originally celebrated as a festival of fertility and harvest, Holi has evolved over the years to include a number of fascinating Hindu legends, and these form part of celebrations held throughout Nepal in Hindu communities.

Rama Navami

- 2012-04-01

This Hindu festival celebrates the birthday of Lord Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, and the hero of the epic Ramayana.

Navabarsha (Nepalese New Year Day)

- 2012-04-14

This day is a public holiday in Nepal, giving citizens the opportunity for social gatherings, picnics and other celebratory events.

Vesak (Buddha's Birthday)

- 2012-05-05

In addition to celebrating the birth of Buddha, this holiday focuses on his life, enlightenment (nirvana) and his death. Celebrations include reminders of the transient nature of life.

Raksha Bandhan

- 2012-08-02

This Hindu festival is a celebration of brotherhood and love. The name of the festival means to "tie with protection" and rituals include sisters making bracelets from red and gold threads which they tie around the wrists of their brothers to symbolize their relationship. These bracelets, called rakhis, may also be shared among others with close ties, such as close friends and a priest and his congregation.

Krishna Jayanti

- 2012-08-10

This festival marks the birth of the Hindu god Krishna – an incarnation of Vishnu. Krishna is seen as a venerated warrior, hero, philosopher and teacher by adherents to the Hindu faith.

Vijayadashami

- 2012-10-24

Also referred to as Dussera or Dashain, Vijayadashami is the celebration of Lord Rama's victory over the evil demon Ravana. The festival is one of the largest in Nepal and is held throughout the country.