March: Holi
Holi is the spring festival in Nepal, where the famous colored powder and water are thrown around. There is plenty of partying on the streets with lots of music. This Festival of Colors not only celebrates spring, but is also a victory of good over evil.
October/November: Dashain
For Nepalis, Dashain is one of the most important festivals of the year. This is a sacrificial festival in which many male animals are sacrificed to the goddess Kali, especially goats and roosters. It is a lot quieter in the Kathmandu Valley during this period, as almost everyone returns to his or her village to celebrate Dashain with the family.
October/November: Tihar
Tihar, also known as Diwali, takes place in October-November and lasts for five days. The festival is best known for the many lights that are lit by the locals in honor of the goddess Laxmi, goddess of wealth and happiness. Tihar is also known as the festival of lights. A different animal is honored on each day, and you will see many dogs and cows with an orange dot on their foreheads and a wreath of flowers. A beautiful mandala is drawn in front of most houses to invite the goddess Laxmi to come into the house.
