Living Culture & Traditions
Nepal's Sacred Jatras & Festivals
Explore the living street spectacles across Kathmandu Valley and beyond — from towering wooden chariots to mystical masked dances.
Ongoing Now
Sep 24, 2026
Indra Jatra — Day 1: Yasin Thanegu (Linga Erection)
Hanuman Dhoka, Kathmandu
The formal opening of Indra Jatra with the erection of the sacred pine pole (Yasin) at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square.
Oct 13, 2026
Sikali Jatra (Khokana)
Khokana, Lalitpur
An ancient 5-day festival celebrated by the Newars of Khokana during Dashain, dedicated to Goddess Rudrayani with mystic masked dances.
Oct 26, 2026
Hadigaun Jatra (Kahi Nabhako Jatra)
Hadigaun, Kathmandu
The famous upside-down chariot festival of Hadigaun where unique timber pinnacles point downwards in honour of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara.
Feb 15, 2026
Maha Shivaratri (Pashupati Jatra)
Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu
The Great Night of Shiva observed by millions along the sacred Bagmati river with illuminated shrines, sacred fires, and chanting Sadhus.
Mar 18, 2026
Ghode Jatra (Festival of Horses)
Tundikhel, Kathmandu
A thrilling equestrian spectacle and army cavalry parade to trample down the subterranean demon Gurumapa beneath Tundikhel.
Mar 26, 2026
Seto Machindranath Jatra
Kathmandu (Ason, Hanumandhoka)
A three-day towering wooden chariot procession of Janabaha Dyo, the White Machindranath deity of compassion and rainfall.
Apr 14, 2026
Bisket Jatra (Biska Jatra)
Taumadhi Square, Bhaktapur
The famous Bhaktapur New Year festival featuring an immense chariot tug-of-war between eastern and western neighborhoods before the 5-story Nyatapola Temple.
Apr 15, 2026
Sindoor Jatra
Thimi, Lalitpur
An exuberant festival of colors where 32 wooden palanquins (khats) carrying deities are danced through streets amid clouds of orange vermilion powder.
Apr 20, 2026
Rato Machindranath Jatra (Bunga Dyah)
Patan (Lalitpur)
Nepal's longest and most celebrated chariot festival, honouring the Red Avalokiteshvara with weeks of communal chariot pulling through Patan.
Jun 14, 2026
Bhoto Jatra
Jawalakhel, Lalitpur
The grand culmination of Rato Machindranath Jatra where the miraculous diamond-encrusted black vest is publicly displayed in four directions.
Jun 29, 2026
Panauti Jatra
Panauti, Kavre
A sacred chariot festival celebrating the confluence of the Punyamata and Roshi streams in the medieval Newari settlement of Panauti.
Aug 29, 2026
Gai Jatra (Festival of Cows)
Kathmandu, Bhaktapur & Patan
The festival of remembrance and satire, where families honour deceased relatives with processions of children dressed up as holy cows and deities.
Timeless Living Traditions of Nepal
Indra Jatra — Day 1: Yasin Thanegu (Linga Erection) •Sikali Jatra (Khokana) •Hadigaun Jatra (Kahi Nabhako Jatra) •Maha Shivaratri (Pashupati Jatra) •Ghode Jatra (Festival of Horses) •Seto Machindranath Jatra •Bisket Jatra (Biska Jatra) •Sindoor Jatra •Rato Machindranath Jatra (Bunga Dyah) •Bhoto Jatra •Panauti Jatra •Gai Jatra (Festival of Cows) •
Indra Jatra — Day 1: Yasin Thanegu (Linga Erection) •Sikali Jatra (Khokana) •Hadigaun Jatra (Kahi Nabhako Jatra) •Maha Shivaratri (Pashupati Jatra) •Ghode Jatra (Festival of Horses) •Seto Machindranath Jatra •Bisket Jatra (Biska Jatra) •Sindoor Jatra •Rato Machindranath Jatra (Bunga Dyah) •Bhoto Jatra •Panauti Jatra •Gai Jatra (Festival of Cows) •
Indra Jatra — Day 1: Yasin Thanegu (Linga Erection) •Sikali Jatra (Khokana) •Hadigaun Jatra (Kahi Nabhako Jatra) •Maha Shivaratri (Pashupati Jatra) •Ghode Jatra (Festival of Horses) •Seto Machindranath Jatra •Bisket Jatra (Biska Jatra) •Sindoor Jatra •Rato Machindranath Jatra (Bunga Dyah) •Bhoto Jatra •Panauti Jatra •Gai Jatra (Festival of Cows) •
Indra Jatra — Day 1: Yasin Thanegu (Linga Erection) •Sikali Jatra (Khokana) •Hadigaun Jatra (Kahi Nabhako Jatra) •Maha Shivaratri (Pashupati Jatra) •Ghode Jatra (Festival of Horses) •Seto Machindranath Jatra •Bisket Jatra (Biska Jatra) •Sindoor Jatra •Rato Machindranath Jatra (Bunga Dyah) •Bhoto Jatra •Panauti Jatra •Gai Jatra (Festival of Cows) •