Nepal Public Holidays
Nepal Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Nepal? All public holidays in Nepal are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Nepal employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Nepal and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Description
New Year’s Day in Nepal, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. While Nepal follows the Nepali (Bikram Sambat) calendar, New Year’s Day according to the international Gregorian calendar is still widely observed as a public holiday. On this day, people across Nepal celebrate with various cultural and religious activities.
In urban areas like Kathmandu, people enjoy festivities such as concerts, gatherings with family and friends, and firework displays. It is also common for Nepali people to reflect on the past year and set resolutions for the new year. Though it’s not as widely observed as the Nepali New Year (Bikram Sambat New Year), it remains a public holiday marked by a relaxed atmosphere.
Duration
New Year’s Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Nepal.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close, except for essential services.
Nepali New Year (Bikram Sambat New Year)
Description
Nepali New Year, also known as Bikram Sambat (BS) New Year, is celebrated on the first day of the month of Baisakh in the Nepali calendar, which typically falls in mid-April. This is the official New Year for Nepal, marking the start of a new cycle in the traditional lunar calendar. The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country, with people of all ethnicities and religions participating in various festivities.
On Nepali New Year’s Day, people clean their homes, wear new clothes, and prepare traditional foods. In Kathmandu and other major cities, people celebrate with public events, street processions, and cultural performances. The day is also a time for people to reflect on the previous year and make plans for the upcoming year, with many considering it a fresh start.
Duration
Nepali New Year is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Nepal.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.
International Labour Day (May 1)
Description
International Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, is a global holiday that honors the contributions of workers. In Nepal, Labour Day is an occasion to recognize the importance of labor in the development of society. It is marked by parades, rallies, and speeches organized by trade unions and workers’ organizations.
The government, along with various political groups, organizes events to highlight the achievements of workers’ rights movements and the ongoing struggles for labor reform. Many people participate in these events, and schools, businesses, and government offices may close for the day to observe the holiday.
Duration
Labour Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, particularly workers and union members.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.
Buddha Jayanti (Variable Date, April or May)
Description
Buddha Jayanti is the celebration of the birth, enlightenment, and death anniversary of Lord Buddha, and it is one of the most important holidays for the Buddhist community in Nepal. The date varies each year, depending on the lunar calendar, but it generally falls in April or May. Nepal, being home to many Buddhist temples and historical sites related to the Buddha, observes this day with deep reverence and religious ceremonies.
On Buddha Jayanti, people visit stupas, monasteries, and temples, especially Lumbini (the birthplace of Buddha), to offer prayers, light candles, and perform rituals. The day is also marked by religious processions, with monks and devotees chanting mantras and engaging in meditation.
Duration
Buddha Jayanti is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Particularly Buddhists.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.
Constitution Day (September 19)
Description
Constitution Day in Nepal is celebrated on September 19th, marking the adoption of the new Constitution of Nepal in 2015. This day is a national holiday commemorating the historic achievement of creating a new political framework for the country, which officially ended a decade-long political transition period.
The day is observed with speeches, cultural programs, and public ceremonies, especially organized by the government. Various political parties and civil society groups also take part in celebrations or discussions about the country’s progress and challenges. For many, Constitution Day is a time to reflect on the values of democracy and constitutional rights.
Duration
Constitution Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Nepal.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.
Dashain (Variable Date, September or October)
Description
Dashain is the longest and the most significant Hindu festival in Nepal. It typically falls in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar, and lasts for 15 days. Dashain celebrates the victory of good over evil and the triumph of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The festival is widely observed by Hindus across Nepal and is marked by rituals, sacrifices, feasts, and family reunions.
The highlight of Dashain is the Tika ceremony, where elders bless the younger members of the family by placing tika (a mixture of yogurt, rice, and vermillion) on their foreheads and giving gifts. During Dashain, people visit family members, especially in rural areas, and traditional animal sacrifices (such as goats, chickens, or buffaloes) are made in honor of the goddess Durga.
Duration
Dashain spans 15 days, but the main public holiday is during the first few days when government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, especially Hindus.
- Government Employees: Given the days off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the first few days, though essential services remain operational.
Tihar (Festival of Lights) (Variable Date, October or November)
Description
Tihar, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu festival celebrated across Nepal. It is similar to Diwali but unique in its customs and rituals. Tihar typically takes place in October or November and spans five days, each dedicated to honoring different animals and deities. The main highlight is the lighting of oil lamps (diyas), candles, and fireworks, creating a spectacular display of lights across the country.
The festival honors various animals, including crows, dogs, cows, and oxen, with specific rituals performed for each. The final day is devoted to honoring brothers, with sisters offering prayers and tika (blessed paste) for the well-being and long life of their brothers. The day is marked by family gatherings, feasts, and the exchange of gifts.
Duration
Tihar spans five days, but the main public holiday typically falls on the last two days when businesses, government offices, and schools are closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, especially Hindus.
- Government Employees: Given the days off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the main days of celebration, though essential services remain operational.
Maha Shivaratri (Variable Date, February or March)
Description
Maha Shivaratri, celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva, is one of the most important Hindu festivals in Nepal. The date of Maha Shivaratri varies according to the lunar calendar but usually falls in February or March. This day is observed with fasting, chanting, and prayers to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva.
The festival is marked by night-long vigils and temple visits, where devotees offer prayers and perform rituals to honor Lord Shiva. The temples of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, the holiest site for Hindus in Nepal, see a large influx of pilgrims who come to take part in the celebrations and rituals. Many devotees fast or stay awake throughout the night, engaging in spiritual activities.
Duration
Maha Shivaratri is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Particularly Hindus.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Description
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Although Christianity is a minority religion in Nepal, Christmas is still widely observed by Christians in the country. It is a day of religious observance, with church services, prayers, and festive meals. Many Christian families in Nepal celebrate with family gatherings and exchange gifts.
In major cities such as Kathmandu, public celebrations, including concerts and community events, are held to commemorate the occasion. It is also a time for non-Christians to show goodwill, and many people join in with the festive spirit, particularly in the commercial areas where decorations and festivities can be seen.
Duration
Christmas Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Table: Overview of Public Holidays in Nepal
| Public Holiday | Date | Duration | Groups Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Nepali New Year (Bikram Sambat) | Variable (April) | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| International Labour Day | May 1 | 1 day | General Public, Workers |
| Buddha Jayanti | Variable (April/May) | 1 day | Buddhists |
| Constitution Day | September 19 | 1 day | General Public |
| Dashain | Variable (September/October) | 15 days | General Public, Hindus |
| Tihar | Variable (October/November) | 5 days | General Public, Hindus |
| Maha Shivaratri | Variable (February/March) | 1 day | Hindus |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
