Events & Festivals in Kathmandu

This chariot procession stars the living goddess Kumari. Pulled through old city streets. The route starts at Hanuman Dhoka. It winds through Indra Chowk and Asan. Devotees pack the lanes. They want a glimpse. They want blessings. It suits those drawn to Newar religious traditions.

Dedicated to Saraswati, goddess of learning. Children are taken to temples for their first ritual writing. Offerings of books, pens, and musical instruments are made. The atmosphere around Swayambhunath is focused. It is familial.

This celebration of Newari cuisine develops on open grounds near Patan. Dozens of stalls prepare traditional dishes. Choila, bara, and yomari. The atmosphere is communal. Families share large plates. Groups gather. The energy is lively.

Held in an open ground, this festival gathers vendors from across the valley. They serve snacks like momo, chatpate, and sel roti. Cooking competitions run. Live music plays. The atmosphere is festive. It is crowded.

The festival of colors draws serious enthusiasm. People gather in open spaces. Thamel and Durbar Square. They throw colored powder and water. The mood is playful. It is chaotic. Music and dancing fill the air.

Patan Durbar Square hosts folk and classical music in its historic courtyards. Ancient architecture creates natural acoustics. The setting feels intimate. Audiences sit close to performers among centuries-old stone.

This week-long festival screens films from Nepal and South Asia. Director talks and workshops accompany the screenings. Central Kathmandu cinemas and cultural halls host the events. It attracts cinephiles. Industry professionals attend.

Bhaktapur's New Year festival features fierce tug-of-war and a massive chariot pull. The competition is intense. Energy runs high. This marks the solar new year.

Marking Buddha's birthday, large devotional processions converge on Swayambhunath and Boudhanath stupas. Monks and devotees circumambulate the monuments. They spin prayer wheels. They light butter lamps. The atmosphere is solemn. It is reverent.

The world's highest marathon starts at Everest Base Camp. The finish is in Namche Bazaar. Kathmandu handles the logistics. Pre-race briefings happen there. So do post-race awards.

This multi-day outdoor festival features local and international jazz and blues artists. A garden venue hosts the event. The atmosphere is relaxed. Food and drink stalls line the grounds. It suits music lovers wanting a casual evening out.

One of the longest chariot festivals in the world. A multi-story chariot is pulled through Patan's streets over several weeks. The final pulling day draws huge crowds. It is central to the city's spiritual life.

The festival of cows features processions where families who lost a relative that year walk with a child dressed as a cow. Satirical performances fill the streets. Cross-dressing and humor blend with mourning. Comedy meets grief.

An eight-day festival honoring the rain god Indra. His banner is displayed. The Kumari's chariot procession runs. Masked dancers perform classical Lakhe dances. The opening day is spectacular in Kathmandu Durbar Square.

A major contemporary art exhibition held every three years. Works by Nepali and international artists fill multiple venues. Installations, paintings, and performances engage local themes. A global art crowd attends.

Asan Tole occasionally celebrates its historic market with special stalls and traditional weighing demonstrations. Cultural programs run throughout. The event honors centuries of trade.

A five-day festival of lights honoring different animals and the goddess Laxmi. Houses wear marigold garlands, oil lamps, and intricate rangoli. Evenings bring devotional songs. Flickering lights fill the darkness.

This international marathon offers full, half, and fun-run categories. The route starts and ends at Tudikhel. It passes major landmarks. Serious runners come. Enthusiastic locals join. A city-wide athletic spirit takes hold.

Nepali and international theatre groups perform across Kathmandu. Venues range from formal halls to adapted spaces. Street theatre happens too. Workshops run alongside. Drama enthusiasts find plenty to engage them.

Yomari Punhi centers on steamed dumplings filled with molasses and sesame. Families make them at home. Some communities hold public feasts. The celebration feels cozy. It is family-oriented.

A heritage garden hosts this seasonal market. Local artisans sell handmade goods. Textiles, pottery, paper products, and jewelry fill the stalls. The mood is festive. Holiday shopping dominates.

Thamel explodes for the international New Year. Countdown parties fill restaurants and bars. Tourists and locals mix. Boudhanath stays quieter. Tibetan New Year brings religious observances there.