Special events in Nepal

We celebrate the major religious festivals of Nepal in the CWH. Please find the short description of some of these below, and click here to look at the pictures of how we celebrated Holi with one of our supporters and a volunteer. 

Maha Shivaratri :

This festival commemorates the birthday of Shiva. It falls on the new moon day of the month of Falgun ( March –April ). The Shiva temples are crowded with devotees, and bonfitres can be seen all over the city as people celebrate late into the evening.  

Holi :

The other name of this festival is Fagu Purnima, as it always falls on the full moon day (Purnima) of the month of Fagu. They also call it the `colour festival`, as people smear each other with various colors, and throw balloons filled with coloured water at one another. According to a legend, the festival is related to the little Krishna`s survival of the murder attempt by Holika, a demon sent to kill him with fire. 

Bisket Jatra Nepali :

This is the Nepali New Year, celebrated in the beginning of the month of Baisakh ( April), It is an important time for ritual bathing, and many people go to the resorts around the Valley for a picnic to celebrate this event. 

Teej :

The festival of women, lasting three days, from the second day after the new moon in the month of Bhadra ( August ). The women do ritual bathing at the ghats of Pashupatinath, fasting, and make offerings to the gods.

Dasain :

The festival celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over the forces of evil. This is a 15-day festival, celebrated especially in the Nepali families, but on special days, there are ceremonies in public areas as well (offerings and sacrifices to Durga). The festival ends on the full moon day.

On each - and many more - of these festivals we provide special food to our children, and we celebrate New Year`s Day with a picnic on a beautiful spot in the Valley.