Indrajatra (September)

This Festival is in honor of the ancient Aryan deity Indra, Lord of Heaven, who gave the monsoon rain to the valley farmers, marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the best season of the year. Both Hindus and Buddhists celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. The festival continues for eight days during which there is much rejoicing, dancing and feasting. On the first day, a long wooden pole is erected in front of the ancient Royal Place at Hanuman Dhoka, in order to propitiate Indra, the god of rain. Classical dancers also assemble at the spot wearing different kinds of masks and dancing around the courtyard of Hanuman Dhoka to celebrate Indra's visit. On the third day of the festival, the Living Goddess or "Kumari" is taken out in a procession through the streets of Kathmandu. Three chariots of Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairab are taken round the city for three days. In this festival many other interesting dances including the Mahakali, Mahalaxmi and Dasha Avatara masked dances, which are staged on the plinth of Narayan Temple, just opposite the Kumari Temple. On the last evening of the festival, the long wooden pole erected on the first day is lowered amid religious ceremonies and animal sacrifices. The image of White Bhairab, one of the fierce manifestations of Shiva is unveiled for three days each year during this festival at Kathmandu Durbar Square and the Indrachowk area.

Dashain (September/October)

It is truly the national festival of Nepal. Every Nepali is stirred by the prospects of joy that this festival is supposed to bring with it. The change of mood is also induced psychologically by the turn of autumn season after a long spell of monsoon, introducing clear and brilliant days, an azure blue sky and a green carpet of fields, the climate is also just ideal at this time, it is neither too cold nor too warm. The Nepalese cherish their Dashain as time for eating well and dressing well. Each house sets up shrine to worship the Goddess at this time. Barley seeds are planted on the first day in every household and nurtured for nine days. During this period Goddess Durga Bhawani is worshipped and offered a lot of blood sacrifices. Buffaloes, goats, chickens and ducks are killed by the thousands at the temples, at military posts, and in every household. One of the main centers that witnesses the animal sacrifice in a large scale at this time is the Hanuman Dhoka Palace on the ninth. On the concluding day of the festival called the Tika, the elders of the family give Tika to their junior members and to other relatives who may also come to seek their blessings. The fresh shoots of the barley's are also given. Family feasting and feeding of guests is a common practice at this time.

Tihar/Dipawali (October/November)

After Dashain, Tihar is probably Nepal's second most important festival, which is known as "The festival of lights". This festival is a time of lights and tinsel decoration, fancy sweets and juicy fruits. The first day the, crows are worshipped. They are also known as the "Messenger of Death". Crows are honored and fed on leaf dishes. Incense and light are also lit. In the early morning, after the ritual bath, the first portion of every family meal is offered to crows. The second day is known as the dog's day. On this occasion dogs, the vehicle of Lord Bhairab, are given a red Tika on their foreheads and garlanded with flowers. They are then worshipped and offered goodies, including many delicacies. The next day is the day of cow, representatives of Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. This day is an even more important day, as Laxmi Puja also falls on this day. Towards the evening, small candles or rows of wick lamps are lighted and placed outside the main door and along window sills, with a strong hope that Laxmi pleases to reside in light. This becomes a very beautiful spectacle as the whole city and village become filled with little lights. The day is popularly called as Dipawali (Diwali) and is also an occasion for gambling. The fourth day is bit different. On this day, the things that are worshipped depend on the specific cultural background. Normally most of the people perform 'Goru Puja', ox worshipping. The ox is worshipped with Tika, garland and delicious meal. On the other hand, people who follow lord Krishna perform 'Gobhardan Puja'. These people build a small hill made out of cow dung and put some grass on it then do puja on it. This puja symbolizes the act of Lord Krishna when he lifted the Gobhardan Hill and saved millions of people and cows from floodwater. People belonging to the Newar community perform 'Mha Puja' which literally means worshipping yourself. The Newar community people are worshipping life by doing puja on themselves. Brother's day or Bhai Tika is the fifth and final day of Tihar. On this day, every sister worships her brothers and prays to Yama, the god of Death, for their brothers' progress, prosperity and longevity. Sisters' put multi-colored Tika on the brother's forehead and garlands them with flowers. The brothers are offered many delicacies including sweets, fruits etc. as well as her blessings. The brothers then in turn give Tika to their sisters after which gifts are also exchanged. As with many other festivals, Tihar ends with a grand feast with all family members present.