We have grown up in Nepal where cultures and festivals dance around happily yet there are so many facts that we are unaware of. Let’s see some of the lesser-known facts about festivals celebrated in Nepal.

  1. Maha Shivaratri: 

According to the Hindu tradition, the moon disappears on this night. People who are fasting do not sleep on this night, rather they sing and chant mantras of lord Shiva.  

 

  1. Buddha Jayanti: 

This festival is celebrated as the thrice blessed day. All three important events in the life of Buddha (Birth, Enlightenment, and Salvation) fall on this day. 

 

  1. Gai Jatra: 

Gai Jatra also known as ‘The festival of Cow’ was initiated by King Pratap Malla. This festival is mainly held by the Newar community in Kathmandu valley to commemorate the dead in the last year.

 

  1. Holi:

Colours used in Holi have symbolic meanings. For example, Red symbolizes love and fertility while yellow symbolizes health and happiness. 

 

  1. Bisket Jatra:

Bisket Jatra is a nine days long festival that signifies the end of the year and the start of a new year on the Bikram Sambat calendar. 

 

  1. Basant Panchami:

On the day of Basant Panchami also known as Saraswati puja, one is not supposed to consume foods containing meat, onion, and garlic. 

 

  1. Indra Jatra:

Indra Jatra contains three series of festivals, focusing on each specific god- Indra, Kumari, and Vairav. Initially, they were independent festivals that were later joined together.

 

  1. Haritalika Teej:

It is believed ‘Teej’ got its name from a red rain bug. Yes! you heard it right. The red insect named ‘Teej’ emerges out of the soil during the rainy season. Hence, women wear red and celebrated during the monsoon. 

 

  1. Chhat Puja:

On the day of Chhat Puja, scientists believe that the sun emits a very low of harmful ultraviolet rays. Throughout this festival, parvaitin needs to take bath daily and sleep on the floor. 

 

  1. Nag Panchami:

Nag Panchami is a festival honouring snake. People avoid ploughing and digging on this day to avoid the risk of killing snakes.