Festivals Celebrated
During February/March
a. Shiva Ratri - the night of Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva, one of the Hindu holy trinity holds highest reverence along with Lord Visnu and Lord Brahma from the Hindus. Shiva Ratri is the night celebrated in his honor. On this special night thousands of pilgrims and followers of Hinduism, visit Dattatreya shrine in Bhaktapur.
b. Holy - the festival of colors - March 19, 2011
Perhaps the most rejoiced Hindu festival by the young, Holi indeed is a jovial festivity of colors. Holi is celebrated with throwing of red vermilion powder to friends and near ones. Traditionally being offered red tika on one's forehead is a sign of respect. The festival itself is named after the asura princess Holi, the sister of asura king Hiranyakasyapu.
B. During April/May
a. Bisket Jatra - 13 & 14 April 2011
'Biska' jatra is the festival celebrated in the memory of slaying of mythical serpents who used to commit regicides . The festival is celebrated in high spirits at Bhaktapur.
Since the Biska begins in the last days of the Nepalese year and ends in the beginning days of the New Year, it is regarded as the New Year festival as well. During the seven days of the festival chariots of God Bhairava and Goddess Bhadrakali are pulled with lot of merriment within the town limits. At a place called Lyasinkhel a lyasin or a tall pole is erected with two long embroidered cloths hanging from it. These cloths represent two evil serpents that in the past had troubled the royal family by mysteriously killing every suitor to the princess at night. Ultimately, a brave prince with the blessings of Goddess Bhadrakali came along and killed them even as they appeared from the nostrils of the sleeping princess and began to enlarge themselves. Thus, to show the townspeople the cause of previous suitors' death they were hung from the pole and at present, the cloths represent them.
b. Buddha Jayanti - Lord Budha's birth - 17 May, 2011
2,565 years ago, Lord Gautama Buddha was born a crown prince on full moon at Lumbini, a village in the Southwestern part of Nepal. His search for the ways of reaching the state of non-suffering led him to attain enlightenment in his mid-thirties on same full moon. On his eightieth year, he passed away, once again on the same full moon. Thus, this particular full moon, which usually lies in late April, is celebrated as Buddha Jayanti – as a tribute to Lord Gautama Buddha. In Kathmandu, this day is celebrated by the Buddhists and Hindus alike at by paying their respects to Swayambhunath stupa and Buddhist vihars in the valley.
C. During August
a. Nagpanchami - 4 August, 2011
Naga is regarded as a mythical serpent representing water. Therefore, the belief is lakes, ponds and other water bodies are inhabited by Nagas. Whenever there is a drought special worshipping of Nagas are performed in order to get rains. On Nagpanchami, the day dedicated to Nagas every Hindu household worships Nagas. In the morning, after purifying the house and themselves, the householder pastes the picture of Naga by at the main entrance of the house and performs puja.
On this, day people visit Taudaha Lake, the home of Karkot Naga - the king of the Nagas. A festival occurs at Changu Narayan, the oldest temple in the valley dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the protector.
b. Gai Jatra (Gunhi punhi) - the cow festival - 14 August, 2011
Gai jatra festival is celebrated with lot of gusto and merriment. In Bhaktapur, throughout the day, processions of people dressed comically parade the town dancing to the tune of highly enlivening Gai Jatra music. If nothing more, the day is totally entertaining.
Hindus believe that the gates of Yamlok, the domain of Yamraj-the God of death-open only once a year,on the day of Gai Jatra. It is pertinent that after people die their departed souls reach Yamlok. The belief is that the passage to the gateway is very tough. Therefore, to ease the passage of the souls the families pray that cows are there to bring those souls to the gate of Yamlok. Hence, the families of the lost members organize processions followed by symbolic cows or boys decorated as cows.
Yet another aspect of Gai jatra is the dance of the Bhairab. In pottery square in the evening locals enact the dance emulating Bhairab and 13 other Hindu deities. Bhairab is the fierce looking manifestation of Hindu God Shiva, the one who takes care of the time given to all the beings in the universe.
All Buddhist monasteries are open throughout the festival.
c. Krishnajanmasthami - birthday of Lord Krishna - 21 August, 2011
Lord Visnu reincarnates himself whenever he has to eradicate evil from Earth. Lord Krishna is his eighth reincarnation. Lord Krishna was born on the seventh night of lunar fortnight in late August. His birthday is celebrated as Krishnajanmasthani. One of the reasons for this reincarnation was to vanquish his uncle the evil king Kansha and his evil cousin Shishupala. The other reason was to establish righteousness and truth in the world. For this reason in the great Mahabharata war he sided with the virtuous Pandava brothers in order to deafeat the amoral Kauravas. On Krishnajanmasthani Hindus, pay their respect to Lord Krishna at his shrine Krishna Mandir in the town of Patan, at Changu Narayan and at shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Bhaktapur.
D. During September
a. Indra Jatra (Yanha punhi) - festival of the King of the Gods - 11 September, 2011
Indra Jatra is dedicated to Lord Indra, king of the Gods. As the legend goes to appease his mother Indra left heaven to come to Earth with the sole purpose of collecting parijat flowers. While gathering the flowers he was caught by the locals of Kathmandu and kept captive. His mother worried by a long departure of her son traveled to Earth in his search. In time, people of Kathmandu learned of the identities of the mother and son. In their honor, the king and the people rejoiced for a week. Every year this particular week is celebrated as Indrajatra.
The festival, which lasts for eight days, has many facets. 'Dus avatar' the depiction of ten reincarnations of Lord Vishnu is shown at the old part of Kathmandu. The chariots of the living goddess Kumari, Lord Bhairava and Lord Ganesh are pulled in the streets of proper Kathmandu. Dances are performed by the demon Lankhe and the deities Sawa Bhaku. Excitement follows 'Tanang kisi's '(Indra's elephant who had come to look for him) abrupt rushes in the streets.
In Bhaktapur the festival is celebrated as 'yunha punhi.'
E. During October/November
a. Dashain - the festival commemorating the victory of good over evil - 4, 5 & 6 October, 2011
Dashain is the most important of all the Hindu festivals. It lasts for fifteen days during which religious rituals are performed, homes purified, new clothes worn and feasts enjoyed. It is the time for the family to be together and rejoice. The first and the last three days of the festival are considered the most auspicious days and the later five days are spent by visiting the relatives.
The festival is celebrated in the honor of Lord Rama - the seventh reincarnation of Lord Visnu and Goddess Durga - an emanation of Goddess Parvati who symbolizes power. In the ancient times Lord Rama killed the evil king Ravana and Goddess Durga killed another evil king Mahisasura. Both the incidents were symbolic to the victory of good over evil, thus protection to mankind.
In Bhaktapur the devotees visit and perform puja at eight shrines of asthamatrika located at eight directions around the town and that of Tripurasundari located at the middle of the town from the beginning of the festival for nine consecutive onwards.
b. Tihar - festival of lights - 26, 27 & 28 October, 2011
Tihar is popularly known as the festival of lights. During the five evenings and nights of Tihar the houses and the temples are bright with lighting of oil wicks and candles. During the first two days the crows and the dogs are worshipped. Crows are believed to be messengers, therefore, one always expects them to bring good news and the dogs are believed to be the gatekeepers of Yamlok, the domain where one's soul goes after death. The third day 'Laxmipuja' is dedicated to Goddess of wealth Laxmi, symbolized by a cow. Thus, on that day cow is worshipped and offerings of food is given to her. In the evening the doorways and windows of every home are opened and by the sides lighted candles or oil wicks are placed to welcome Goddess Laxmi. On the fourth day, 'Mha puja' one's body is cleansed and worshipped for good health and longevity. On the fifth day, the last day, 'Bhai puja' sisters pray for long life of their brothers and in return brothers give them presents.
a. Shiva Ratri - the night of Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva, one of the Hindu holy trinity holds highest reverence along with Lord Visnu and Lord Brahma from the Hindus. Shiva Ratri is the night celebrated in his honor. On this special night thousands of pilgrims and followers of Hinduism, visit Dattatreya shrine in Bhaktapur.
b. Holy - the festival of colors - March 19, 2011
Perhaps the most rejoiced Hindu festival by the young, Holi indeed is a jovial festivity of colors. Holi is celebrated with throwing of red vermilion powder to friends and near ones. Traditionally being offered red tika on one's forehead is a sign of respect. The festival itself is named after the asura princess Holi, the sister of asura king Hiranyakasyapu.
B. During April/May
a. Bisket Jatra - 13 & 14 April 2011
'Biska' jatra is the festival celebrated in the memory of slaying of mythical serpents who used to commit regicides . The festival is celebrated in high spirits at Bhaktapur.
Since the Biska begins in the last days of the Nepalese year and ends in the beginning days of the New Year, it is regarded as the New Year festival as well. During the seven days of the festival chariots of God Bhairava and Goddess Bhadrakali are pulled with lot of merriment within the town limits. At a place called Lyasinkhel a lyasin or a tall pole is erected with two long embroidered cloths hanging from it. These cloths represent two evil serpents that in the past had troubled the royal family by mysteriously killing every suitor to the princess at night. Ultimately, a brave prince with the blessings of Goddess Bhadrakali came along and killed them even as they appeared from the nostrils of the sleeping princess and began to enlarge themselves. Thus, to show the townspeople the cause of previous suitors' death they were hung from the pole and at present, the cloths represent them.
b. Buddha Jayanti - Lord Budha's birth - 17 May, 2011
2,565 years ago, Lord Gautama Buddha was born a crown prince on full moon at Lumbini, a village in the Southwestern part of Nepal. His search for the ways of reaching the state of non-suffering led him to attain enlightenment in his mid-thirties on same full moon. On his eightieth year, he passed away, once again on the same full moon. Thus, this particular full moon, which usually lies in late April, is celebrated as Buddha Jayanti – as a tribute to Lord Gautama Buddha. In Kathmandu, this day is celebrated by the Buddhists and Hindus alike at by paying their respects to Swayambhunath stupa and Buddhist vihars in the valley.
C. During August
a. Nagpanchami - 4 August, 2011
Naga is regarded as a mythical serpent representing water. Therefore, the belief is lakes, ponds and other water bodies are inhabited by Nagas. Whenever there is a drought special worshipping of Nagas are performed in order to get rains. On Nagpanchami, the day dedicated to Nagas every Hindu household worships Nagas. In the morning, after purifying the house and themselves, the householder pastes the picture of Naga by at the main entrance of the house and performs puja.
On this, day people visit Taudaha Lake, the home of Karkot Naga - the king of the Nagas. A festival occurs at Changu Narayan, the oldest temple in the valley dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the protector.
b. Gai Jatra (Gunhi punhi) - the cow festival - 14 August, 2011
Gai jatra festival is celebrated with lot of gusto and merriment. In Bhaktapur, throughout the day, processions of people dressed comically parade the town dancing to the tune of highly enlivening Gai Jatra music. If nothing more, the day is totally entertaining.
Hindus believe that the gates of Yamlok, the domain of Yamraj-the God of death-open only once a year,on the day of Gai Jatra. It is pertinent that after people die their departed souls reach Yamlok. The belief is that the passage to the gateway is very tough. Therefore, to ease the passage of the souls the families pray that cows are there to bring those souls to the gate of Yamlok. Hence, the families of the lost members organize processions followed by symbolic cows or boys decorated as cows.
Yet another aspect of Gai jatra is the dance of the Bhairab. In pottery square in the evening locals enact the dance emulating Bhairab and 13 other Hindu deities. Bhairab is the fierce looking manifestation of Hindu God Shiva, the one who takes care of the time given to all the beings in the universe.
All Buddhist monasteries are open throughout the festival.
c. Krishnajanmasthami - birthday of Lord Krishna - 21 August, 2011
Lord Visnu reincarnates himself whenever he has to eradicate evil from Earth. Lord Krishna is his eighth reincarnation. Lord Krishna was born on the seventh night of lunar fortnight in late August. His birthday is celebrated as Krishnajanmasthani. One of the reasons for this reincarnation was to vanquish his uncle the evil king Kansha and his evil cousin Shishupala. The other reason was to establish righteousness and truth in the world. For this reason in the great Mahabharata war he sided with the virtuous Pandava brothers in order to deafeat the amoral Kauravas. On Krishnajanmasthani Hindus, pay their respect to Lord Krishna at his shrine Krishna Mandir in the town of Patan, at Changu Narayan and at shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Bhaktapur.
D. During September
a. Indra Jatra (Yanha punhi) - festival of the King of the Gods - 11 September, 2011
Indra Jatra is dedicated to Lord Indra, king of the Gods. As the legend goes to appease his mother Indra left heaven to come to Earth with the sole purpose of collecting parijat flowers. While gathering the flowers he was caught by the locals of Kathmandu and kept captive. His mother worried by a long departure of her son traveled to Earth in his search. In time, people of Kathmandu learned of the identities of the mother and son. In their honor, the king and the people rejoiced for a week. Every year this particular week is celebrated as Indrajatra.
The festival, which lasts for eight days, has many facets. 'Dus avatar' the depiction of ten reincarnations of Lord Vishnu is shown at the old part of Kathmandu. The chariots of the living goddess Kumari, Lord Bhairava and Lord Ganesh are pulled in the streets of proper Kathmandu. Dances are performed by the demon Lankhe and the deities Sawa Bhaku. Excitement follows 'Tanang kisi's '(Indra's elephant who had come to look for him) abrupt rushes in the streets.
In Bhaktapur the festival is celebrated as 'yunha punhi.'
E. During October/November
a. Dashain - the festival commemorating the victory of good over evil - 4, 5 & 6 October, 2011
Dashain is the most important of all the Hindu festivals. It lasts for fifteen days during which religious rituals are performed, homes purified, new clothes worn and feasts enjoyed. It is the time for the family to be together and rejoice. The first and the last three days of the festival are considered the most auspicious days and the later five days are spent by visiting the relatives.
The festival is celebrated in the honor of Lord Rama - the seventh reincarnation of Lord Visnu and Goddess Durga - an emanation of Goddess Parvati who symbolizes power. In the ancient times Lord Rama killed the evil king Ravana and Goddess Durga killed another evil king Mahisasura. Both the incidents were symbolic to the victory of good over evil, thus protection to mankind.
In Bhaktapur the devotees visit and perform puja at eight shrines of asthamatrika located at eight directions around the town and that of Tripurasundari located at the middle of the town from the beginning of the festival for nine consecutive onwards.
b. Tihar - festival of lights - 26, 27 & 28 October, 2011
Tihar is popularly known as the festival of lights. During the five evenings and nights of Tihar the houses and the temples are bright with lighting of oil wicks and candles. During the first two days the crows and the dogs are worshipped. Crows are believed to be messengers, therefore, one always expects them to bring good news and the dogs are believed to be the gatekeepers of Yamlok, the domain where one's soul goes after death. The third day 'Laxmipuja' is dedicated to Goddess of wealth Laxmi, symbolized by a cow. Thus, on that day cow is worshipped and offerings of food is given to her. In the evening the doorways and windows of every home are opened and by the sides lighted candles or oil wicks are placed to welcome Goddess Laxmi. On the fourth day, 'Mha puja' one's body is cleansed and worshipped for good health and longevity. On the fifth day, the last day, 'Bhai puja' sisters pray for long life of their brothers and in return brothers give them presents.
