Events In Bhaktapur
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur—also called Khwapa (ख्वप) in Newar—is well-known for its vivid cultural traditions and well-preserved medieval art and architecture. With its fervent celebration of ancient festivals that merge Buddhist and Hindu customs, the city is a living museum of Newar culture. Festivals in Bhaktapur are not just religious observances but also social events that strengthen community bonds, preserve heritage, and attract visitors from around the world.
Because Bhaktapur’s celebrations are based on the lunar Nepali calendar, each one has profound spiritual and seasonal meaning. Chariot pulling, intricate processions and sacrifices to the gods are all common features of these celebrations. The city comes to life with centuries-old ceremonies, music, and ancient instruments like the Dhimay and Dhah.
Here is a list of the main festivals observed in Bhaktapur, Nepal, along with a brief description and the dates in the Nepali and English calendars for each:
Biska Jatra (Nepali New Year)
Nepali Date: 1st Baisakh
English Date: Mid-April
Information: Marks the Nepali New Year (Bikram Sambat), Biska Jatra, celebrated in mid-April in Bhaktapur, is a cultural and historical event that welcomes new ear as Bikram Sambat. The largest Jatra in the city, it lasts eight nights and nine days. Known as Chyacha Gunhuya Jatra, it attracts thousands of people from across the country, creating a desolate atmosphere in the city.
Sindoor Jatra (Vermilion Powder Festival)
Nepali Date: 1st Baisakh
English Date: Mid-April
Information: The festival, celebrated annually on the second day of Baisakh as part of Biska Jatra held at madhyapur-Thimi, welcomes the Nepali New Year and marks the spring season. Devotees gather, carry 32 chariots, smear each other with Sindoor, and sing and dance.
Sithi Nakha (Last Festival of Year)
Nepali Date: Jestha Month
English Date: May
Information: Sithi Nakha (सिथि नख:) is a festival celebrated by the Newa community on the sixth day of the waxing moon of Jestha, marking the end of Dugu Puja. It is dedicated to water resource cleanliness and worship of God Kumar, and farmers avoid working on this day. Historically, paper fans were created to warn of high winds.
Gatha Muga Cha:re (marks the start of the festive season.)
Nepali Date: Shrawan Month
English Date: July
Information:Gatha Muga Cha: Re( गथांमुगः चर्हे ) is a regional festival in the Kathmandu Valley, celebrated for various reasons. It signifies the start of the festive season and the reincarnation of Nava Durga deities in Bhaktapur, The city transforms into an agro-focused city for a month or more, featuring the first festival of the year, Dhime Baja, and the Kya Macha Nakha:.
Nag Panchami
Nepali Date: Shrawan Month
English Date: July
Information: In ancient Nepal, a Tantric king used his power to stop rain from pouring over the country. He also honored the Naags by turning the victory day into a festive occasion called Nag Panchami.
Gunla (Buddhist Holy Month)
Nepali Date: Gunla Month (Shrawan-Bhadra)
English Date: July-August
Information: Gunla, the 9th month of the Nepal Era Calendar, is dedicated to Lord Buddha‘s glory and is an essential festival for Buddhists in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. Buddhists visit monasteries and celebrate the Gunla Parva 5 days before Naag Panchami. In Bhaktapur, the last day involves the unknowingly struck Five Buddhas being brought to Taumadhi squareand other major places in Bhaktapurcity.
Gunhi Punhi (Janai Purnima)! Kwati Punhi
Nepali Date: Bhadra Krishna Pratipada
English Date: August
Information: On the day of Gunhi Punhior Janai Purnima, the Bhaktapurians celebrate Kwati, a lavish dish made from nine different types of beans. The Newa people celebrate this day as Gunhi Punhi, as it falls within the Ninth(9th) month and full moon day of the Nepal-Era Lunar Calendar. Farmers offer rice and Kwati to frogs for their kindness and blessings, and some believe they worship frogs for unintentionally killing them during farming.
Sa:Paru (Gai Jatra)
Nepali Date: Bhadra Krishna Pratipada
English Date: August
Information: Sa: Paru (Gai Jatra) is the second largest festival in Bhaktapur, celebrated for seven nights and eight days. It begins with a mash of people and noticeable Taha-Macha, an artificial cow, on the day after Janai Purnima(Gunhi-Punhi). The festival is celebrated in Patan, Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Kritipur, with Bhaktapur attracting visitors due to its unique style and impactful involvement. The festival follows a specific route called Pradakshina Patha.
Panchadan (Panchara) Parva
Nepali Date: Bhadra Krishna Trayodashi
English Date: August
Information: Onthe last day Gunla festival in Bhaktapur involves people donating rice grains, unhusked rice grains, salt, money, and pulses, essential for daily survival. In Bhaktapur, people donate grown crops like vegetables, paddy, rice, wheat, and peas. Other festivals within the Gunla month, not related to Buddhism, are also celebrated.
Ganesha Chaturthi (Cho: tha)
Nepali Date: Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi
English Date: August
Information: Cho:tha puja, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, is a household ritual held in the evening, involving the moon. The festival is celebrated globally, but differs by location and belief. Legends suggest that the moon is cursed by Lord Ganesh for making fun of him, leading to a disappearance of its glow and accusations of theft. The festival is celebrated in various places, including temples and statues, and is believed to bring prosperity and wellness to the family.
Pulukisi Jatra (Yenya Punhi)
Nepali Date: Bhadra Shukla Chaturdashi
English Date: September
Information: On the last day of the Indra Jatra festival, two ceremonies occur: Samsan Bhailadya Jatra, which reflects Yama‘s connection to death, and Pulukisi Jatra, which symbolizes the conclusion of tales. Legends suggest that a demonic entity named Mupatra may visit Indra Jatra, leading to a severe battle involving Mupatra.
Mohani Nakha
Nepali Date: Ashwin Shukla Paksha
English Date: September-October
Information: Mohani, an analogous festival to Nepal’s Biggest Festival, Dashain, is considered a Newari indicator of Dashain. It is celebrated by Newa people, bringing happiness, holidays, and family gatherings. Despite its origin and various versions, followers continue to practice it. The festival also honors goddess Durga with the popular Navadurga Naach which involves worshipping deities and performing a mela in different temples during Navaratri.
Swanti (Tihar)
Nepali Date: Kartik Krishna Trayodashi to Shukla Dwitiya
English Date: October-November
Information: Swanti, or Tihar, is Nepal’s second Biggest Festival, celebrated Five (5) days a year. It starts with Kaag tihar in Trayodashi and ends with Bhai Tika in Dwitiya. The festival follows the Lunar Calendar and is filled with colors, lighting, and fun. People worship themselves and Crows, Dogs, and Cows, a unique tradition in the Newar community.
These festivals reflect Bhaktapur’s rich Newar culture, blending Hindu and Buddhist traditions with ancient rituals. Would you like more details on any specific festival?