collection
Kathmandu Valley Festival CalendarTwelve festivals that own the valley's streets, in calendar order — chariots, lamps, colors, and processions, with confirmed dates for the coming year.
12 stops
Editorial · reetu.fyifestivals · culture
FestivalKathmandu
Dashain
Nepal's biggest festival — fifteen days of tika blessings, bamboo swings, and family reunions each October.
About this place
FestivalKathmandu
Summary
Dashain is Nepal's longest and most important festival — fifteen days celebrating the goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. The city empties as people return to family homes; elders bless younger relatives with jamara (barley shoots) and red tika, bamboo swings (linge ping) go up in villages and playgrounds, and temples like Taleju at Hanuman Dhoka open to the public only during these days.
Skip if
Skip planning major sightseeing during the peak days — many businesses close and transport is booked out by returning families.
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