Whenever the topic of discussion is festivals in Nepal, some major names stand out. From Dashain, Tihar to Chhath, the list just keeps repeating one after another. But the lesser known festivals in Nepal are also key for the trekkers.
Nepal is home to the Buddhist and Hindu people in abundance. Having said that, there are plenty of festivals that are under the radar most of the time. Through this blog from The Trek Nepal, we would love to raise awareness among the readers about lesser known festivals in Nepal.
Mani Rimdu Festival (Khumbu Region)
The first festival in the list of lesser known festivals in Nepal is the Mani Rimdu festival. Any trekker who has done the Annapurna range trek would know about this festival. This is one of the highly celebrated festivals in the Khumbu region.
This is a 19-day festival that is celebrated by Buddhist people from the full moon day of the Dashain festival. Mani Rimdu is celebrated at Tengboche Dawa Choling Gompa, which is a major crowd puller.
The Sherpa and the Buddhist people from around the area circle up to celebrate the occasion. Chanting of fruitful mantras, empowerment rituals, distributing the small red pills, and consuming them from the center of the Mandala are the major highlights of this festival. Anyone wishing to be part of it should visit during October and November.
Tiji Festival (Upper Mustang Region)
Another lesser-known festival in Nepal, which is celebrated in the Mustang region, is the Tiji festival. Located in the Annapurna Conservation Area, this festival is celebrated by the Tibetan Buddhists from Nepal and Tibet.
Any trekkers wishing to enjoy the festival must visit during April and May. It is a 3-day celebration which is held at Chode monastery. The Tiji festival started in the 17th century, and it was termed the demon-chasing festival and has remained the same.
The King of Lo saved his region by pushing the demon away. You will find chaam dance, rituals, and also the victory of Dorje Sonnu, who is the avatar of Buddha. Man Tam Ru was the demon who lost to the goodness of Dorje.
Yarthung Festival (Upper Mustang Region)
We are still in the Upper Mustang region, talking about lesser known festivals in Nepal. The Yarthung Festival, celebrated in the Upper Mustang region, is another one. By the end of the summer, this festival is held and is the oldest mountain festival to be celebrated.
The Thakali and Gurung people come back to the lower Mustang region for a chance to celebrate the Yarthung festival. You will find the head lama, monks, the chief of the village, and local people enjoying the journey. The locals conduct a traditional horse riding competition with the presence of drinks.
In recent times, football and archery have also been added to the sports for this festival, which adds to the spice and thrill. Moreover, the Hindu devotees also arrive at the Muktinath Temple to worship their gods on the same day.
Maghi Festival (Chitwan Region)
Let’s fall back directly to Terai to know about the underrated, lesser known festivals in Nepal. In Chitwan, you will find the celebration of Maghi with great joy and pleasure. The Tharu people who live in the region celebrate Maghi, and it is a spectacle.
This festival falls on the 1st of Magh based on the Nepalese calendar. Maghi is the start of the new year for the Tharu people and also the harvest festival. They come along, sing, dance, and enjoy the moment with locals and also people of their tribe.
Not only in Chitwan but most of the Tharus in Terai celebrate Maghi. It is a 7-day festival with plenty of song, dance, charm, drinks, and a chance to come closer to loved ones.
Chhath Festival
A lot of the locals might have heard about the Chhath festival, but only a limited number of tourists have experienced it. In the list of lesser known festivals in Nepal, Chhath also sits with great pride. This particular festival is done in remembrance of the Sun god.
Chhath festival falls during the months of October to November. During this festival, the people make offerings to the sun god both during sunset and also during sunrise. This festival is famous mainly in the Terai.
Furthermore, as the celebration continues, they will make plenty of sweets for the sun god. Chhati Maiya is also worshiped during the period to ask for their children’s long life and well-being.
Lhoshar (Khumbu Region)
Celebrated by the Sherpa community, Lhosar is a festival of great pride, love, and connection within the community. Even though the festival is famous in the Khumbu region, you could see celebrations even in Kathmandu, making it interesting.
Lhosar festival is celebrated in February. As the weather is slightly chilly, the art of celebration is found in the air. Tudikhel organises various programs during Lhosar to help the Sherpa community of Kathmandu enjoy.
As a viewer, you will also find great performances that include music, dance, and even traditional rituals. Other than Tudikhel, Boudhanath also holds plenty of celebrations, which is the home of the Sherpa community.
Final Thoughts
The idea of lesser known festivals in Nepal might be a common one, but it is surprising how many you are unaware of. In this blog, we haven’t talked much about the Jatras held in Kathmandu, but the list talks about exclusivity.
Being a secular country in the world, you can celebrate every festival in Nepal. Talking about The Trek Nepal, plenty of guests plan their EBC trek in alignment with the Mani Rimdu festival to enjoy the beauty and aura of it.
Being part of the local festivals and the lesserknown festivals in Nepal, you will have an opportunity to know more. There is a major chance you can be involved and enjoy the whole process, which makes it interesting.
So if you are still confused about what to do, come in contact with The Trek Nepal, and we will help you out. From the custom-designed package to the overall cost and the experience of various festivals, we can do it all.
Pack your bags, book the slots with The Trek Nepal, and enjoy the ride.