Fetes & Festivals : Introduction

A visitor of Nepal long ago has called it a home of Gods and land of festivals. This aptness of the remark is to be judged from the scores of idols of various gods and goddesses to be found in this land. The valley of Katmandu in which the capital of those enchanting Himalayan Kingdom finds located is practically covered with the images of hundreds of Hindu and the Buddhist divinities.

The festivals of Nepal are closely connected with these diverse gods and goddesses in whose honor they are celebrated. They unfold a colorful spectacle of human verve and joy of the religious minded people of Nepal. The attitude of the Nepalese people at large displays a unique spirit of mutual tolerance towards different religions. The long interruption between the Hindus and Buddhists of those remote Himalayan Kingdom has produced a synthesized religion in which gods lose their sectarian character. The festivals of Nepal also furnish this instance of harmony in ample measures. Religious harmony between the Hindus and the Buddhists of Nepal is known to have existed since the days of the 7th century Chinese traveller Hiun-Tshang to India, who makes a record of this thing in his account.

Nepalese festivals make several categories depending on their focus and their expression. Most festivals are performed in honor of the gods and goddesses on such days as consecrated for them by tradition. Many others are connected worth names or the souls of the dead ancestors (e.g. Matatirtha Snan, Gokane Aunsi, Gaijatra, Indra Jatra, Sora Shrad and Bala Chatudashi). Still others are held to herald the seasons or to mark the beginning or end of the agricultural cycle of the land, others are just family celebrations. The usual form of observing festivity is by taking ritual baths in rivers or lakes, offering of worship, visit to temples, feasting and ritual fasting.

Of the many festivals that annually take place in Nepal, those performed in the Katmandu valley are most rich spectacular. Some of the festivals listed here are widely observed throughout the sub-continent, others are of national or valley-wide importance and many are celebrated only within one village or two. Because of the number of festivals and their celebration only the main ones are enumerated here.

While most of the festivals are rooted in the religious traditions of Hinduism or Buddhism, many have been significantly modified within the socio-cultural context of the valley. Some have their roots solely within in history, culture and myths of the Valley.

Religious: These festivals are specially designed to honor a certain god or goddess. For instance, Bada Dashain, the festival of Devi Durga, the universal mother goddess also known as Kali.

Historical: The historical festivals are celebrated to keep alive memories of events of importance. Gaijatra, was introduced by Jaya Prakash Malla.

Agricultural: Since Nepal is an agricultural country there are different festivals like Laxmi Puja which mark the different seasons of harvesting, planting etc.

Seasonal: The different seasonal festivals are celebrated in order to mark the beginning of special seasons. Holi or Fagu is the festival inspired by spring, the season of colours.

Legendary: These festivals are based on legends than on any reliable historical record. Ghantakarna is a festival, which is also based on a legend. It is celebrated as a great relief from the death of a most dreaded legendary monster-Ghantakarna.

One of the interesting ways to understand the beauty and richness of Nepali culture is through its festivals. During festivals in Nepal, cultural dances, songs and performances are practiced. These cultural treasures make the festivals interesting and entertaining. People find more joy participating in performances and watching others perform and so, no festivals are idle gatherings. Instead, they are lively and purposeful

• Mage Sankranti: (January)

• Tribeni Mela: (Narayan ghat, January – February)

• Sri Panchami or Basant Panchami: (February)

• Maghe Purnima: (February)

• Maha Shivaratri: (February)

• Lhochhar, Lhosar (February - March)

• Phagu Purnima or Holi: (March – April)

• Ghodejatra : ( March – April)

• Chaite Dashain : (March –April)

• Balaju Bais Dhara Mela and Singun Nghya (March -April)

• Bajrayogini Jatra (March – April)

• Rama Nawami : (March – April)

• Nava Varsha: (mid April)

• Bisket Jatra (April)

• The Festival of Seto Machhendranath: (March – April)

• Matatirtha Aunsi or Mother's Day (April)

• Ubhauli Jatra (April/May)

• Buddha Jayanti: (full moon day of April/May)

• Chandeswori Jatra (April/May)

• Gaidu Purnima Puja ( May/June)

• Panauti jatra.

• Machhendranath Rath Jatra of Patan: (May – June)

• Guru Purnima : (June – July)

• Ghanta Karna : (June – July)

• Dumji : (July)

• Naga Panchami : (July – August)

• Janai Poornima (Rakshya Bandan): (July – August)

• Gaijatra : (July – August)

• Mataya jatra in Patan

• Mahakali Nach Jatra in Thimi, the following day.

• Krisnastami; (July – August)

• Bhimsen Khat Yatra, next day of Krishna Astami.

• Pancha Dan (July – August)

• Gokarne Aunsi or Father's Day: (August – September)

• Teej and Rishi Panchami: (August - September)

• Indrajatra: (August – September)

• Bada Dashain: (September – October)

• Siddhikali (Sikali) Jatra in Khokna

• Dhamathu Chaitya Jatra

• Tihar and Laxmi Puja: (Festivals of Lights, October – November)

• Kojagrat Purnima Jatra ( Oct./Nov.)

• Katike Nach (Nov./Dec.)

• Bala Chaturdashi : (November – December )

• Vivaha Panchami : ( November- December)

• Sakiman Purne (December)

• Mani Rimdu : (December)

Body, Mind, and Soul :

Meditating rejuvenates ones energy level and zeal, so you can feel enlightened, far from the metaphysical world. A meditation courses provided by qualified Gurus in different centers in Lumbini and Kathmandu will help you explore in-depth and find a new human within you. There are specialized centers in Kathmandu offering meditation course, accommodation, and food. Some of them are Kopan monastery, Nepal Vipassana Centre, Osho Tapoban Forest Retreat Centre etc. You can do also self practice in one of the numerous monasteries or asrams.

Yoga classes will contribute to the development of a healthy body, a healthy mind, and healthy thought. It also helps one achieve balanced, harmonious and integrated development of all the aspects of their personalities. Yoga is a pathway to true, happy, and healthy living. Yogic training eventually prepares one for spiritual awakening, the supreme aim of human life.

Ayurveda dates back to the Vedic period. Vedas are the oldest recorded documents of human civilization. Ayurveda, the life science, is also the oldest authentically recorded science in existence today. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word, when translated means “the science of life” or “a natural way of living”.

The objective of Ayurveda is to achieve the highest goal of life, the inner and outer dynamic harmony. The dimensions of health are defined as bodily, sensorial, mental, and spiritual health. Traditional and indigenous knowledge has been used for centuries by indigenous and local communities under local laws, customs and traditions. Fundamentally, they follow the Ayurvedic, ethno-botanical, ethno-traditional, tantrik, spiritual and Amchi knowledge. As described in Ayurveda, the Himalayan herbs and medicinal plants are used for healthy body and happy mind. These are used in different forms such as toiletries and cosmetics, incense and aromatic substances, health promoting agents, supplements and medicines, natural manures, pesticides, environmental cleaning and protection, food, food additives and drinks, etc.
 

Pilgrimage Sites:

Nepal has several ancient pilgrimage sites of great religious and spiritual significance. The Himalaya is the abode of the principal Hindu Gods and Goddesses and great oriental gurus. Lumbini the birth place of Gautam Buddha is in Nepal. Each temple or gompa or shrine is attached to a legend or belief that glorifies the miraculous powers of its deity.

Kathmandu Valley is home to the famous Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhu Stupa and several other famous temples. Hundreds of famous temples are located in and around the Kathmandu Valley. Some well-known pilgrimage sites are: Baraha Chhetra, Halesi Mahadev, Janakpur, Pathibhara, Tengboche in East Nepal; Manokamana, Gorkha, Lumbini, Muktinath, Gosainkunda, Tansen, Kathmandu Valley in Central Nepal; and Swargadwari, Khaptad Ashram in West Nepal. Lumbini the birth place of Buddha, Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath, and Boudhanath are the sites that are also listed in the UNESCO Heritage Sites.

Nepal is also the Gateway to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet, the mythical abode of Lord Shiva. Devotees from various parts of Nepal, India and both Buddhist and Hindus from all over the world throng the temples during special festivals.

Pilgrimage sites of Nepal like Muktinath and Gosainkunda make popular trekking destinations. Tours to these sites are encouraged for the novelty they provide in terms of nature and culture.
 

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Bird Watching :

Nepal and specially the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the eastern tarai is a bird watcher’s paradise. Nepal boasts of more than 850 species of birds, and a surprisingly large number of these birds can be spotted in the Kathmandu valley alone. The hills around the valley especially Nagarjun, Godavari and Phulchowki are popular birding areas and the Tauda lake on the way to Dakshinkali is fabulous for watching migratory water fowl during the winter months. In the higher Himalayan regions are found the raptors and birds of prey of which there are numerous species. The various national parks like Chitwan and Bardia harbor a wide variety of birds. But Koshi Tappu has better sightings of an incredible variety of both resident and migratory birds that come from as far away as Siberia. Nepal’s national bird is the Daphe or the Impeyen Pheasant which is found in the Himalayan region. Bird watching trips are organized by most resorts and are accompanied by experienced natural guides.
 

Mounting Biking:

Nepal offers some of the finest bike trails on Earth. There are virtually thousands of tracks from the tropical plains of terai, mid-hills, mountainous terrain and its lush valleys to the arctic climate of the high alpine region. Some people have even started calling Nepal a "Mecca for Mountain biking." Until few years back, visitors came to Nepal mostly to trek, climb, raft or to see the Tigers in the wild. But now, a new sensation of different way of fun filled traveling is ..... mountain biking ! It is a great fun to ride alongside some of the tallest mountains in the world. Or crisscross the hundreds of valleys, inhabited by the indigenous people whose lifestyle has remained unchanged for centuries, through terraced fields, rice paddies, rivers and jungles.

Around the Kathmandu valley the options for mountain biking are endless. You can challenge yourself on long, hilly rides out on the valley rim or just explore the many temples and Newari villages in the lower valley.

Exploring the area on a bike is a fantastic way to experience the local culture and way of life. It allows you to get off the beaten track and explore rural farming areas, National parks and Hill Stations. For long trips there are plenty of guest house scattered around the valley rim, so you can travel easily. You don’t have to bring your own bike; good quality front suspension mountain bikes can easily be hired from Kathmandu or Pokhara.

For the adrenaline seeker there is some really good down hill routes on offer around Kathmandu and Pohkara as well as a newly opened up heritage trail in Langtang to challenge your technical abilities. For the serious rider, there are also mountain bike races throughout the year that are open to foreigners.
 

Some of the Biking Tours:

• Kathmandu Valley Biking Tur

• Valley Rim Long

• Valley Rim Short

• Day Trips and Downhill

• Nagarkot Biking Tour

Himalaya View Tour: 3 day

• Kathmandu to Namobuddha

• Namo Buddha to Nagarkot

• Nagarkot to Kathmandu

Down Hill Trip: 4 day

• Timal Danda to Panchkhal valley

• Nagarkot to Bhaktaour

• Phulchoki to Godawari Botanical Garden

• Kakani to Budanilakantha