Dates of Significance
Author
Nina Evason,
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Festivals and rituals are very important in Nepali society. Apart from having nationalistic or religious importance, they serve as ways to unite family members who are working abroad and communities as a whole. Most of the Hindu and Buddhist dates of significance follow the lunar calendar and thus their dates on the Gregorian calendar vary year to year.
National Public Holidays
- Memorial Day – Between 23rd and 29th of January
- Day (Rashtriya Prajatantra Dibas) – 19th of February
- International Women’s Day (Nari Dibas) – 8th of March
- Nepali New Year – Between 11th and 15th of April
- Loktantra Diwas – 24th of April
- Labour Day (Majdoor Diwas) – 1st of May
- Republic Day (Ganatantra Diwas) – 28th of May
- Constitution Day – 20th of September
- Maghe Sankranti (Maghi Parwa) – Varies each year
- Tamang New Year (Sonam Losar) – Varies each year
- King’s New Year (Gyalpo Losar) – Varies each year
- Gurung New Year (Tamu Losar) – Varies each year
- Newari New Year (Nhu Danya Bhituna) – Varies each year
Hindu Public Holidays
- Mahashivaratri – Varies each year
- Ram Navami – Varies each year
- Janai Purnima/Rakshya Bandhan – Varies each year
- Shree Krishna Janmasthami/Gaura Parba – Varies each year
- Ghatasthapana – Varies each year
- Dashain Festival – Varies each year, 5-days festival
- Kojagrat Purnima – Varies each year
- Tihar Festival – Varies each year, 3-day festival long
- Chhat Parwa – Varies each year
Buddhist Public Holidays
- Buddha’s Birthday (Buddha Jayanti/Vesak) – Varies each year