Kathmandu - Special Events

Losar
January/February
Tibetan New Year.
Processions at Bodhnath and Buddhist ceremonies at Swayambhunath and Jawlakhel near Patan

Shivaratri
February/March
Hindus pay homage to Lord Shiva.
Shiva temples across the city, with the most riotous celebrations taking place at Pashupatinath

Holi
February/March
The festival of colours; water and coloured powder are thrown around to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Throughout Kathmandu

Rato Machhendranath
April/May
A month-long chariot festival to honour Machhendranath, the god of rain.
Patan

Buddha Jayanti
May/June
Buddhas birthday is celebrated with enthusiasm.
Swayambhunath, Bodhnath and Jawlakhel in Patan

Indra Jatra
September
Hindus stage colourful chariot processions, masked dances and animal sacrifices to honour Indra, the god of war and weather.
Old town

Dasain
September/October
A 15-day Hindu festival, celebrating the victory of the Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahisasura.
Throughout Kathmandu

Tihar
October/November
The Nepali version of Diwali, the festival of lights; animals are honoured with flower garlands and houses are decorated with lights.
Throughout Kathmandu