5 festivals to attend in Nepal during monsoon season

Nepal is known as the land of majestic Himalayas and natural beauty. But it is equally a land of diversity and colorful festivals. There are dozens of festivals celebrated annually with enthusiasm and galore in this culturally rich part of the world. The cultural and religious festivals have own significance and beauty, which reflect rich history, ethnicity and the age-old traditions. There are many colorful festivals during monsoon season, which are celebrated on the basis of lunar calendar. If you are in Nepal during rainy season, being a part of these festivals can be a lifetime experience for you. It can add additional fun and enjoyment to your overall travelling experience.

Here are five major monsoon festivals:

Nag Panchami: Nag Panchami is also known as snake festival in Nepal. On this particular day, Nepali people worship snake gods (locally known as Nag) in the form of idols or posters. It is believed that in the ancient time, nags halted rain from pouring over Nepal. Since the then king happened to be a Tantric, he used his power to make nags let go of rain. The king succeeded in doing so but he also honored the majestic power of snakes by turning the day of victory into a festive occasion of Nag Panchami. On this festival, devotees paste a picture of snake god high above their doorway and perform puja, particularly with milk and flowers. Offerings in the form of food are left in the yards and paddies for snakes.

Nag temples in the valley located in Nagpokhari, Taudaha and Nagdaha are thronged with devotees on this day, so visit these places to be a part of celebration. There is also a belief that Nag Panchami is the day of welcoming the other festivals in Nepal.

Janai Purnima:

This Hindu festival is followed by Nag Panchami, which falls usually in August as per the lunar calendar. This full moon day festival has both religious and cultural importance. On this day, Hindu people gather in temples, particularly in river banks and ponds, take holy dip and perform religious rituals. As per the tradition, men renew their Janai (a scared cotton string worn across chest) while Brahmin priests tie yellow scared threads around the wrists of people. It is believed that the thread protects people from different evils and is believed to bring good luck. In many parts, there is also a tradition of celebrating Rakhi, which refers to sisters tying a thread in brother’s wrist to protect him from any sort of danger.

Janai Purnima festival is also about family get-togetherness and feasts of Kwati or sprout lentils. You can try the Kwati soup, mixture of nine beans, in any typical Newari restaurant on this day, which is full of nutrients and rich taste. There are fairs organized in different scared destinations like Gosaikunda in Langtang and Charikot in Dolakha on this day. You can also visit Kumbheswar temple near Patan Durbar Square in capital city to experience the unique celebrations.

Gai Jatra:

Gai Jatra or the festival of cow is celebrated every year in monsoon, either in July or August, depending upon lunar calendar. The festival is celebrated in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur districts to commemorate the death of loved ones. As per the tradition, the family who has lost a member or relative during the past one year takes part in a street procession. Usually, the young boys in cow like attire take part in the procession following a holy cow. Cow is regarded as a goddess of wealth, which is also the national animal of Nepal. This festival is an occasion to console those who have lost the loved ones, while it encourages people to accept death as a part of life.

The festival is full of humor, satire, comedy and laughter. On this particular day, people from LGBTI communities also organize a pride parade in central Kathmandu. Besides, there are singing and dancing activities in the main streets of heritage sites, so it’s a perfect occasion to take part in those processions and to enjoy the colorful festivity.

Indra Jatra:

The festival is named after Lord Indra, who is known as the God of Rain and the King of Heaven. This monsoon festival is celebrated in Kathmandu valley by ethnic Newar community, both the Buddhists and Hindus.It begins with the erection of a wooden pole made of pine at Basantapur Durbar Sqaure in front of the old Hanuman Dhoka Palace. On the occasion, the chariot of Kumari – the Living Goddess — is taken through the main streets of Kathmandu with much fanfare. The chariot of Kumari followed by two other smaller chariots carrying a representative of Lord Ganesh and Bhairav is taken to different parts of Kathmandu through the narrow alleys with great fervor and fanfare.

This festival lasts for eight days with singing, mask dancing and rejoicing. It is one of the most exciting festivals in Kathmandu, where people gather in streets nearby the heritage sites and enjoy the festivity. People also get to enjoy various dances like elephant dance, masked dance called as lakhe dance, and traditional musical performances. This is the perfect occasion to get on the street and enjoy the rich culture of Nepal and Nepali people.

Krishna Asthami: It is a popular Hindu festival named after the Lord Krishna. The birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with fanfare as Krishna Asthami. Krishna has a special significance in Hindu religion, who is regarded as a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. His birthday is celebrated on the eighth day of the dark moon as per the lunar calendar. People flock to Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square in the capital for the celebrations and to pay homage to Lord Krishna. The ambience is totally colorful, filled with people, sound of prayers and Krishna bhajans, and a different festive freshness in the air. You will be amazed to spot many kids in the premise who are dressed as Lord Krishna in yellow attire and make up. The sight of flute and peacock feathers everywhere also gives a new excitement in the square as these are the favorites of Lord Krishna. Being part of this birthday celebration of a Hindu God can add a different energy and enthusiasm in travelers.