7 Jul 2023 3 min to read
Nepal’s festivals showcase its cultural diversity. Maghe Sankranti marks the end of winter and the start of auspicious days. Krishna Janmashtami celebrates Lord Krishna’s birth with devotion and temple visits. Asar 15, known as Dhaan Ropai, sees farmers planting paddy with songs and dances. These Nepali festivals Maghe Sankranti, Krishna Janmashtami, Asar 15 unite Nepal’s communities, honoring traditions and fostering a sense of togetherness.
Maghe Sankranti
Maghe Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a festival celebrated in Nepal to mark the beginning of auspicious days and the end of the winter season. It is always celebrated on Magh 1st (Jan/Feb) in various ways by different ethnic groups. The Newar community calls it Ghya: Chaaku Sanhu, while the Tharu community celebrates it as Tharu New Year.
The Kirat and Magar communities also have their traditional celebrations. During this festival, people worship the Sun god and take holy baths in rivers. There are fairs organized along the river banks, with popular bathing spots including Dolalghat, Baraha Kshetra, Ridi, and Trivenighat. People enjoy delicious food such as ghee, chaaku (molasses), yams, sweet potatoes, til laddoo (black & white sesame fudge), and khichdi, which are the main dishes of this festival.
Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami is a special celebration of Lord Krishna’s birthday, and Hindus observe it with deep devotion. It takes place in the month of Bhadra, typically in August or September. During this festival, Krishna temples all around the country are beautifully decorated. Devotees flock to these temples to offer their worship.
Many followers observe a fast and engage in devotional activities like singing bhajans (devotional songs) and kirtans (hymns) in the Krishna temple. As an offering to Lord Krishna, sweets like khoa (a dairy-based delicacy) and panchamrit (a mixture of five sacred ingredients) are presented. The devotees end their fast at midnight by partaking in Prasad, which is food offered to Lord Krishna and considered blessed. A joyous occasion where people express their love and respect for Lord Krishna through rituals and acts of devotion.
Asar 15
Asar 15, also known as National Paddy Day, is a significant festival in Nepal, especially for farmers. It is also called ‘Dhaan Diwas‘ and ‘Dhaan Ropai Jatra’. It occurs during the Asar month, which usually falls in June or July. On this day, farmers celebrate by planting paddy, plowing fields, singing traditional songs, and dancing in the muddy fields. They hope for a good harvest and consider the grains as a blessing from Goddess Annapurna. A popular dish enjoyed on this day is Dahi Chiura (Yogurt/Curd and Beaten rice). Nowadays, even tourists participate in this unique festival to experience the agricultural traditions of Nepal.
