Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms
of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and
altitudinal variation. The elevation of the country ranges
from 60m above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt.
Everest at 8,848m, all within a distance of 150km resulting
into climatic condition from sub-tropical to arctic.
Everything festive in Nepal traditionally begins with something
religious and moves with spontaneous spirit into a pleasant
family feast. This is because, for Nepali's, religions has
always influenced and has been the core of Nepali culture.
Most of the festivals celebrated in Nepal are religious.
However, they can be generally divided into four sections
keeping in mind the main aspects of the festival emphasized:
- 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. Jaya Prakash
Malla introduced Gaijatra.
- 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 Fagun 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.
The Nepalese people have always been family oriented. They
take great pride in their ancient tradition of closely-knit
family unit. This sort of kinship is not only the result of
religious teachings, but also due to various festivals and
ceremonies, which brings the family together and strengthens;
the family ties in the Nepalese society.
The following are The famous festivals in Nepal, this festivals
dates are depends upon the reading of astrologers based in
the lunar calendar.
Buddha Jayanti: Large groups of people parade
through the streets praising the Lord and his teachings. Special
flags, usually red, blue; yellow and white can be seen flying
high above all the Buddhist households.
Holi: The festival of water and colors
Ghode Jatra: Ghode Jatra is a festival, which
doesn't have a lot of religious ceremonies, but the horse
parade, is a big attraction and people always look forward
to it.
Mata Tritha Puja (Mother’s Day): It is a day
when one shows appreciation and gratitude to his/her mother
for her unconditional love and undying support.
Janai Purnima: is known as the Sacred
Thread Festival.
Raksha Bandhan: This is also the
day when male, females, and children regardless of station
and caste tie a sacred yellow thread around their wrist.
Gai Jatra: The festival of cows is
one of the most popular festivals of Nepal.
Krishna Janmastami: This festival
is also known as Krishna Jayanti or Janmashtami. Lord Krishna
is regarded as the 8th avatar or 'incarnation' of Vishnu.
Gokarna Aunsi (Father Day): A day
when children show their gratitude and appreciation for his
guidance and teachings in life. Sons and daughters, near or
far, come with presents and confections to spend the day with
their fathers.
Rato Macchendranath Jatra:This is the longest
as well as the most important festival of Patan. It begins
with several days of ceremonies and the fabrication of a wooden-wheeled
chariot at Pulchowk, near the Ashoka Stupa.
Teej: Well known as “woman’s festival” Gaily
dressed women can be seen dancing and singing on the street
leading to Shiva temples.
Indra Jatra: Both Hindus and Buddhists
celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. It is also believed
that Indra Jatra is a festival of classical dances.
Dashian: The most auspicious festival in the
Nepalese annual calendar, celebrated by Nepalese of all caste
and creed throughout the country. The fifteen days of celebration
occurs during the bright lunar fortnight ending on the day
of the full moon.
Tihar: The festival of lights is one of the
most dazzling of all Hindu festivals. In this festival we
worship Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth. During the festival
all the houses in the city and villages are decorated with
lit oil lamps.
Maghe Sankranti: This day is said to be the
most significant day for holy bathing despite the weather.
This ritual usually takes place at the union of sacred rivers
and streams.
Shree Panchami: This day is celebrated as the
birthday of Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning, She is the
lily-white daughter of Shiva and Durga in spotless white robes
and seated in a full-blown lotus.
Shiva Ratri: The festival of Shiva Ratri shows
the devotion and faith Nepalese have towards the Hindu religion.
Sita Vivaha Panchami: This festival, commemorating
the marriage of Sita to Ram, is particularly celebrated in
Janakpur.
Yomari Punhi: Yomari Punhi -meaning full moon
of yomari-one of the popular Newar festivals, A yomari is
a confection of rice-flour (from the new harvest) dough shaped
like fig and filled with brown cane sugar and sesame seeds,
which is then steamed. |
