Mani Rimdu (October/November)

The Sherpas hold Mani Rimdu high in their hearts, for it is the greatest annual festivity observed in the Khumbu area. Sherpas from the Khumbu region, and even tourists from far-away places, congregate for the three-day celebration that starts from the first day of the tenth month of the Tibetan Lunar calendar which falls between mid-October to mid-November. It depicts the victory of Buddhism over the ancient 'Bon' religion. The ceremonies start with the blowing of horns by Buddhist monks in the afternoon of the first day. Then the chief Lama, accompanied by other monks in their maroon robes, arrives on the stage. Prayers are chanted and gratitude is extended to all those who have contributed, both monetarily and materially, for the function. The crowd then rises up to their feet to receive blessings, holy water and auspicious pellets from the Lama for good luck and longevity. An orchestra of cymbals, horns, flutes and conch shells announces the start of the second day's celebrations. Then follow the masked dances in which monks in colorful robes and huge glowering masks perform routines symbolizing the destruction of evil forces.

Bibah Panchami (November/December)

In the Hindu tradition, the love story of Lord Ram, the epic hero of the Ramayan, and Sita, model of ideal Hindu womanhood is considered as holy and greatest. This festival, taking place in Janakpur in the eastern Terai, celebrates the marriage of Lord Ram and Sita. During the week before the festival starts, thousands of pilgrims start to arrive in the historic city of Janakpur to observe and take part in the re-enactment of the marriage procession. The celebrations are focused around the Janaki Temple and the Ram Sita Bibah Mandap. On the first day of the festival, a large procession sets out from Ram Temple, carrying an image of Ram and proceeding to the famous Janaki Temple. The next day, in an equally colorful ceremony, an idol of Sita is carried to Ram's side thus re-enacting the ancient wedding of the divine couple.