Major festival's of Nepal

New Year

According to the Nepali calendar system, New Year (Naravarsha) is celebrated on the very first day of the first month of Baisakh (mid-April). New calendars are made and distributed by schools, organizations, and other offices. It is given public holiday and all the people have get together and picnics and wish one another by giving gifts, wishing "Happy New Year". They even put on new clothes and eat delicious food. In Bhaktapur 12 km. east of Kathmandu, Bisket Jatra is observed when two chariots are pulled among the public with the images of the Lord Bhairav and Goddess Bhadrakali. When they reach a sloping square, there is a tug of war between the inhabitants and other people. Winners are considered blessed with good fortune for the coming year. 13th April is the New Year Day of 2081 BS

Mata Tirtha Aausi (mothers day)

Mata Tirtha Aausi is called "Mother's Day" in English which falls on the last day of the dark fortnight of April or early May. Especially, it is a special day for worshipping one's mother by offering new clothes, sweets, fruits, delicious foods, and other gifts for her endless love, support, and patience to her offspring. Those whose mothers are dead go to bathe at Mata Tirtha River.

Rato Machhendrahnath Jatra

Rato (Red) Machhendranath Jatra is celebrated in Patan every year which begins on the full moon day of Baisakh (the last week of May or early June). This festival is celebrated for rain and good crops by the inhabitants. Machhendranath is known as Karunamaya by Hindus, Lokeshwor by Buddhists, and Bunga Deo by local people referring to the God of mercy and harvest. Typically, it is also called Bhoto Dekhaune Jatra (Festival of a sacred waistcoat). The legend says that the god Machhendra had given Bhoto (waistcoat) to one of the farmers but later the farmer lost his waistcoat and then again the farmer saw the same waistcoat with another person and complained to the king. The king couldn't find the owner and showed the waistcoat in front of the public every year 'Bhoto Dekhaune Jatra' has been celebrated since then and it has been displayed by the kings and now the President of Nepal displays it in front of the public. A 48-foot tall chariot containing the idol of Rato Machhendra is kept and hauled to market to Jawalakhel from Pulchowk. Devotes light oil lamps and worship it.

Lord Buddha Jayanti

Buddha Jayanti (Birthday of Lord Gautam Buddha) falls on the full moon day of Baisakh (May) who is the founder of Buddhism by founding enlightenment and salvation under the banyan tree (Pipalko Bot) while meditating. He was Siddhartha Gautam who was born in the Teai region, at Lumbini in Rupandehi district about 2,500 years ago (in 543 B.C.) from Mayadevi (mother). So, there is a preserved Maya Devi Temple at Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. On the day of Buddha Jayanti, people worship Lord Buddha by praying with their image and by lighting oil- lamps at Swayambhuanath stupa, Bauddha stupa, and Lumbini among other stupas throughout the country. According to history, Lord Buddha was 29 years 29-year-old prince, he left the royal palace and went on meditation to learn the actual realization of human life. He propounded eight rules: right views, right intent, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right meditation. Buddhism does not allow its followers to sacrifice animals.

Sithi Naka or Kumar Sathi (The Birth Day of Warrior-God Kumar)

This is the birthday of lord Kumar, the God of destruction and son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It falls in early June or late May. The festival is celebrated on the following day of Kumar's birthday. An idol of Kumar is kept in a palanquin which (ido) is taken out of the temples of Jaisidewal in the north-west of Kathmandu and carried by handing on a pole which is kept on man's shoulders and the procession around the city takes place, then devotes and onlookers worship it. When the idol is kept back again the festival ends. According to legend, when 33 million gods were in trouble with demons, Kumar who rides peacock was called because Lord Indra was ousted from his throne. Kumar destroyed demons and restored gods. In that trouble when Agni, God of fire went to Mt. Kailash where Lord Shiva and Parvati were in bed, Lord Shiva came to agony and ejected a handful of semen on the Agni to destroy him but Agni accepted and gulped it down. The semen raged in Agni's stomach and he vomited it in the Ganges River. From this divine sperm, the baby Kumar was born and up brought by mother Ganges. Kumar is the brother of Ganesh who annihilated all demons and Indra regained his throne. Newars call it (the festival) 'Sithinakha' as 'Sithi' means 'sathi' or the sixth day (marking the sixth day after the new moon of the Nepali month Ashad) while 'Nakha' means celebration.

'Dumji'

'Dujmji' is the festival that falls in the month of Ashad (June-July). It is celebrated by the Sherpa communities in Helambu and Khumbu region. The festival is celebrated by two great symbolisms (i) it is celebrated to request God's power to subdue demonic enemies of the village and (ii) it is celebrated to mark the anniversary of the death of the patron Sain Lama Sangwa Dorjee. The festival lasts for 4/5 days. Dumji festival is performed by the Tenghoche monks in Tengboche. Namche Bazaar and Pangboche of Khumbu and Junbesi of Solu. People dance, sing, drink, and perform different activities, and especially monks perform rituals. This festival was founded by Lama Sangwa Dorjee in Pangboche about 360 years ago to mark the anniversary of Guru Rimpoche.

Naga Panchami

On the day of Nag Panchami (Day of Snake God), people call Brahmin (priests) to paste pictures of snake Gods at the main entrances of their houses by offering milk, honey, flowers, lamps, and others. They believe that lightning will not strike; snakes and poisonous creatures will not bite, cure diseases, and guard treasures if it is celebrated. This festival is mostly celebrated by Hindus on the fifth day of the moonlight fortnight in the month of Shravan (July-August). At Nag Pokhari, it is celebrated grandly.

Janai Poornima

Janai Poornima is mostly celebrated by the Hindus Brahmins and Chhetris. On this holy day, Brahmins and Chhetris change their Janai (Sacred Thread) after performing their Gayatri Mantra and rituals by the priest. This sacred thread, yellow cotton string won across the chest of the wrist. It is given to only males after the long rituals called 'Bratabandhan' performed by a priest. There are three tied cords on the sacred thread (Janai) which symbolize body, speech, and mind which are believed to have controlled man in following religion Devotees go to Kumbeshwor Mahadev or some of them go to Gosaikunda, a lake in the north of Kathmandu. It is believed that if Janai is touched by women during the mensuration period, the Janai must be changed till life; one has to wear a Jani after it is given to him.

Gai Jatra (Cow's Festival)

Gai Jatra (Cow's festival) is one of the most important festivals of Nepal. This festival falls in Nepal's month Bhadra (August September). It is rumored that this festival was celebrated in ancient age as the people feared and worshipped 'Yamaraj' the god of death. This festival came to exist during the Malla dynasty. All the people come get of their houses and take part in the street with the decorated cow. It is old that those people who lost any one of their family members should take part in the procession. Based on historical facts, Pratap Malla ordered the bereaved family to take part in the procession because the Queen was very deserted as she lost her son. So, to convince her that 'death' is inevitable for all or to accept death, the Gai Jatra festival was observed with jokes, slang, songs dances, etc.

(Krishna Janmashtami)

This festival is observed to indicate the birthday of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna was regarded as the 8th incarnated form of God Lord Vishnu. This festival falls in August and September. The devotes go to Krishna temple in Patan Durbar Square and worship him with flowers, food, sweets, and even chant hymns

Kuse Aausi (Father's Day)

Father's Day is celebrated to worship the Fathers. This is the festival to look at the faces of the fathers by their children. They offer sweets, delicious food, fruits, and new clothes to the fathers. Those whose father have died go to the Bagmati River at Gokarna and bathe to make their fathers happy. This is a similar festival to worship Father like Mother's Day.

Teej (women festival)

Happy Women's Festival 2018, 12th September!!

Teej is celebrated by women with great enthusiasm and devotion to honor Lord Shiva and for a long and healthy life of their husbands. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati reunited with lord Shiva on this day after fasting and praying fervently for the great Lord Shiva to become her spouse. This is why women also fast on this day for their husband or their husband-to-be. Unmarried girls strive fast for a good husband. The red color is an eminent part of this festival as it is considered auspicious for women observing Teej fast and most of them dress up in red or bridal clothes.

Indra Jatra

This festival is celebrated on the waxing moon in September. This festival is dedicated to the Lord Indra, the king of heaven as well as the god of rain. At the end of the monsoon, farmers expect a good harvest and pray to God Indra. This festival lasts for eight days. On the very first day, people gather at Hanumandhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square). On the third day, the chariots of Lord Indra, Living Goddess Kumari, Bhairav, and Ganesh are hauled in the streets of Kathmandu with a crowd of people and music of drums (Dholak). Many spectators take photographs and produce loud sounds. People enjoy watching classical dances such as Lakhe and other religious dances. People enjoy singing dancing, rejoicing, and feasting. A huge pole will be erected in the middle yard of Kathmandu Durbar Square as a symbol of Indra's standard. When this pole is lowered down the festival ends. It is rumored that lord Indra searched for a flower to give his mother in heaven and people on the earth seized him while stealing flowers. He became angry and his mother had come to earth. So that to make him happy, people displayed his image, with other gods' images in songs. Since then, people started celebrating the festival.

The Greatest Festival Dashin

Dashain is the greatest festival of Nepalese, especially for Hindus. This is the festival of happiness and joy and festival lasts for 15 days. On the occasion of this festival, people do heavy preparations. Every home is cleaned and beautifully decorated to give a warm welcome to Mother Goddess, Durga. In the market, you will find crowds of customers. They buy new clothes, and animals like sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, buffalo, etc. for the great slaughter and offerings. This festival begins with Pratipada (first day) and ends with Kojagrat Purnima (fifteenth day/ full moon night).

The first day is called Gatasthapana which means Pot establishing. On this very day, a small rectangular sand block is made and the Kalash (holy water vessel), symbolizing goddess Durga with her image is made in the center where Jamara (barely maize seedlings) is grown. This is called Dashain Ghar. Similarly, the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth days pass with further activities for Dashain. The seventh day is called Saptami or Phoolpati. On this day, the Jamara to be used by the royal household is brought from their ancestral royal house in Gorkha about a hundred and sixty-nine kilometers away over the hills northwest of Kathmandu. A parade is demonstrated in the Hanuman Dhoka royal palace and Tundikhel. People make enhanced footpaths (flowers, banana trees, sugarcane, leaves of a banyan tree, etc) and put them in Dashain Ghar. The eighth day is known as Mahaastami and the ninth day is called Nawami. On these two days, people worship Goddess Durga in temples and shrines by sacrificing animals such as goats, chickens, buffalo, and sheep. The military official sacrifices are held in the courtyard at Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Military bands play war tunes, guns boom and officers with beautifully decorated medals in fall uniform stand there. The God Vishwakarma, the god of creativity is also worshiped on this very day. All weapons, measuring instruments, machines, vehicles, and factories are decorated and worshipped, by dedicated Goddess Durga, for protection from accidents and bad results throughout the year. The tenth day, the most important day of Dashain, is also called Dashami or Vijaya Dashami. On this very day, people have got together. They receive a red symbol (Teeka) and barley maize seedlings (Kamara) from their elders with ever-worthy blessings. They are given money (Dakshina with Teeka). It is believed that Ram (God) had killed Ravan (evil-doer) and Goddess Durga had killed the monster called Mahisasur and people started to celebrate Dashain for the success of Durga over Mahisasur or "Victory over evil". People enjoy with happiness and satisfaction of being free from monsters. Likewise, they invite relatives and friends all one another and share their happiness in up upcoming four days and play swing (ping). They provide presents and other things to one another. On the last day, which is called Kojagrat Purnima ends Dashain, and people again rejoin and celebrate Dashain with great joy. All family members, relatives, and neighbors return home even from foreign countries. It is also trusted that Dashain is the festival for the rest and celebrations of all types of works. This festival can tasted or enjoyed in the Nepali month Asoj or Kartik (late September and early October). Especially, this festival removes all the tiredness of people.

Tihar

The second greatest festival for Hindus is just after a fifteen-day gap of the celebration of Dashain. This festival lies in the month of Kartik (October) which lasts for five days. It is also called the festival of lights, Dipawali, and Yama Panchak because crow, dog, cow oxen, and brother are worshipped respectively. People color their houses with attractive colors, paintings, images of Goddess Laxmi, garlands, colorful lights, and other decorations, it seems the whole universe is dazzling with lights, crackers, and Tihar- Songs the main purpose of this festival is to worship the brothers by their sisters. The first day is called Kaag Tihar (crow-tihar). On that very day, people worship crows by offering them delicious food. Similarly, the second day is called "Kukur Tihar" (dog-tihar). People clean their pet dogs and worship them with garland and delicious foods. The third day is called Gai Tihar (cow-tihar). The cow is the symbol of the goddess Laxmi (mother of wealth). On this day, people mark the doorway to the corner of the house where the image of Laxmi (Goddess of wealth) is kept. They mark the footprints of Goddess Laxmi with white-red flour on the way that lasts to the image of Goddess Laxmi, flowers, fruits, candles, and Kalas in Puja Kotha (praying room). They put the safe box, and cash also. They put garlands of marigolds around the necks of pots and water – -pots. They even keep the main door (entrance) free for the easiness of Goddess Laxmi's entrance. The fourth day is called Gobar Dhan Tihar (Ox-Tihar). Newars do Mha Puja too. The fifth day is Bhai Teeka (Brother's Day) This is the most delightful day on which sisters worship their brothers by offering forehead marks (Teeka ), a garland of marigold delicious foods and so join with fresh fasting. In return brothers too provide good gifts, money, and other homage to their sisters. It deepens the relationship between brothers and sisters. They eat dance and enjoy themselves a lot. People play Deusi and Bhailo songs with Madals. It is said that sisters worship their brothers by breaking a walnut, putting marigolds and Makhamali garland around their bodies, and encircling them in rings of mustard oil to protect them from Yama the god of death or underworld.

Chhat Parba

Chhat Parva is one of the main festivals of the community in the Terai Region. This is commonly celebrated by Maithili society. This festival is dedicated to Surya (The Sun). This is celebrated by fasting throughout the day for peace, happiness, and good health. In the evening, offerings of sacred water are made to the setting Sun in holy rivers or lakes. During this festival, special dishes are made of rice and molasses which is offered to the moon and they receive Prasad (sacred food). The maids sing beautiful songs as praying for the happiness of their family along with thousands of lamps. Especially, this festival is observed by married and widows. Except for unmarried girls, men can also attend fasting which (the festival) lasts for four days.

On the day of Kartik Chaturthi, whole houses are cleaned and pure foods are prepared, which is called Nahana-Khana (Bath and Meal). On the day of Panchami 'Kheer' (rice pudding) is cooked with the combination of rice, milk, and gur (jaggery). After sunset, women take kheer which is called "Kharna". The 'Shasthi' is also a day of waterless fasting which lasts for about 36 hours. That is prepared on the day of Shasthi day which includes Thekuwa (Khajoor) made up of wheat flour, gur, and pure ghee. People give 'Arghya' on the day of Saptami to the rising Sun. Then after Puja (worship), they give argha (milk and water) to the sun. Then, the festival ends.

Bala Chaturdashi

Bala Chaturdashi is one of the great festivals celebrated by the people of Nepal for the dedication to the deaths of the nearest and dearest throughout out year. It falls in late November or early December. People gathered at Shlesmantak jungle around Pashupatinath Temple. In the Hindu Religion, it is greatly symbolic to give a peaceful space or way to the dead souls for the entrance of the underworld. They keep an all-night vigil by dancing, singing, and having penance, and then the next morning they take a bath at the Bagmati River. After that, in the morning, they scatter Sata Biu (Seven Grains) in the forest in the name of the dead one in Shleshmantak forest and over the Linga of Lord Shiva to give merit to their late kinsmen and to cleanse the sins of a mythological man called Bala who had been transformed into a demon. For the best and most peaceful homage to the dead soul, even people (Hindus) cremate and sprinkle water around their bodies to be pure. Every year, they pray for the departed soul to rest in peace in heaven.

Vivah Panchami

This festival falls in late November or early December. Especially, Hindu community started to observe this festival after the marriage of Ram and Sita, an incarnation of Lord Bishnu. According to Hindu religiousity, in Janakpur King Janak proposed a test of strength that involved stringing the great bow of Lord Shiva. Kings, warriors, and chieftains all traveled from far away and tried to be the winner but no one could even lift it. Then Lord Ram lifted it easily and the King determined that Princess Sita would marry Ram who attempted to string the bow, it shattered into countless pieces, proving his immense power and Lord Ram and Princess Sita were married in Janakpur. Since Hindu females always penance just to meet the standard as Sita. Many people go to Janaki Temple in Janakpur and perform marriage ceremonies. So, this is the festival to be celebrated for the memorization of the marriage of Lord Ram with Princess Sita. Lord Ram is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu to kill the demon, Ravan.

Mani Rimdu

Mani Rimdu is the biggest festival celebrated by Sherpas in the Khumbu regions at Tyangboche Monastery situated on a spur at 3,870m from where both Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam can be seen. This festival is celebrated on the full moon day of November - December (full moon of the 9th Tibetan Month). This festival lasts for three days mainly Lamas and Sherpas gather and pray for "the good of the world". They follow ten days of regular sprayings. The deity propitiated is Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The ceremony begins with the blowing horns in the afternoon after which the abbot of the monastery accompanied by other monks chant prayers. The congregation is blessed and given holy water and auspicious pellets for good luck and longevity. An orchestra of symbols, horns, flutes, and conch shells marks the second day. Monks in colorful robes and huge glowering masks perform dances symbolizing the destruction of evil. On the last day, Tormas (figures made of dough) are consigned to a sacred fire. This implies the end of negative forces and the advent of a blessed New Year.

Lhosar (Tibetan New Year)

Lhosar is the New Year of the Sherpas and Tibetans in Nepal which falls in February. A two-week festival of revelry commemorates the Tibetan New Year in February. The festival is especially observed by Buddhists and even by those people who follow Buddhists and Hindus. The Buddhist monasteries in Kathmandu like Bouddhanath and Swayambhunath are decorated with eye-catching colorful flags. People perform traditional dances and welcome the New Year by wearing new clothes and the finest jewelry and exchanging gifts. A Buddhist monk offers prayers for good health and prosperity and performs dances at monasteries. This festival marks the happy and prosperous New Year for all Tibetans and Bhotia individuals living in Nepal, along with the Sherpas, Tanangs, and some Lhasa. Newars comprising Tuladhars of Kathmandu and Dhakhwas of Patan. It is high time for feasting dressing up, inviting relatives, visiting companions, and dancing to the enchantment of some fervent music. Lamas and monks perform Mahankal-Puja (worship ceremony) which lasts for a week, an exercise so designed to eliminate all the accumulated defilements of the preceding year. Two days before, the new moon from about one o'clock in the afternoon, costumed monks at Swayambhu stupas carry out a large idol representing the old year and tote it through the great stupa complex and further down around the back to the 'saddle' existing between two knolls of Swayambhu Hill. In conclusion, this peculiar idol is set ablaze. The procession returns to the great stupa and performs a supplementary rite yet right before the 'gompa' namely KARMA RAJ which virtually ends with the mass throwing tsampa ( roasted barely-flour). During this festival, the head Lama called 'Rimpoche' performs rites. At Boudhanath Stupa also ornamented people involved in mass process which carry the big image of 'Dalai Lama' which means "Ocean of Wisdom".

Maghe Sankranti

Among the festivals celebrated by the people who follow Hindus, Maghe Sankranti is one of them. It is celebrated on the 1st day of the Nepali Month of Magh (Mid-January). It brings an end to the ill-omened month of Paush (Mid-December) when all religious ceremonies are forbidden. This festival marks the coming of warmer weather and better days of health and fortune. According to Hindu culture, people take baths at holy rivers despite the coldest weather. Shankhamul in Kathmandu, on the bank of the Bagmati River, below Patan, is thought to be amongst the most sacred sites for this purpose. Besides these activities, people eat meat, Til Laddoos (sesame seeds ball cakes), Chaku (molasses), ghee (clarified butter), sweet potatoes (Yams and Taruls), Khichari (a mixture of rice and lentils), and green spinach. The legend says that one of the farmers of Bhadgaun (Lalitpur) found the image/idol of Lord Vishnu and started to worship for his better business on this day.

Saraswati Puja

Saraswati Puja or Basanta Panchami is celebrated in the month of Nepali Month of Magh (early February). This is the festival celebrated for commemorating the birth of Saraswati, the goddess of learning who is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in Spotless white robes and seated in a full-blown lotus. Especially, all people go to the temple of Saraswati and worship her for their better learning. Teachers, students, lecturers, and other scholars worship their books, pens, copies, and musical instruments to make goddess Saraswati happy by offering flowers, sweets, food, gifts, etc. Not only those small children are admitted to the school and taught to write the first letter to be favored by Saraswati. Many people go to Swayambhunath where the temple of Saraswati is famous. People get married on this day to be blessed by Saraswati too. The writers, poets, artists, musicians, scholars, and students all worship her on this very day.

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is one of the major festivals of Hindus. This festival sometimes falls between February and March. This day is dedicated to the Lord Shiva who is known as the creator of this universe by destroying all evils. Lord Shiva is the most worshipped god in the Hindu religion. Thousands of pilgrims go to Pashupatinath temples and spend the whole night dancing and worshipping Shiva Linga or the phallus of Lord Shiva. Hindu devotees from India and Southeast Asia come to the holiest shrine Pashupatinath and worship Lord Shiva. Sadhus, sages, who emulate Shiva rub ashes over their bodies, give lectures to disciples, meditate, or practice Yoga. Bonfires are when neighbors and friends who share foods and devotees enjoy two days and a night of music, song, and dance throughout the Pashupati Complex. Devotee deep in Bagmati River and sprinkle holy water over their body. People take hashish cakes and bhang (a cannabis-flavored drink) is legally sold and used.

Holi

This festival falls between February and March which is known as 'Phagu' in Nepal. This is the festival of colors and water. The chir pole, decorated with colorful flags and erected on the first day of Phagu at Kathmandu Durbar Square is the formal announcement of Holi. This is the festival dedicated to Holika (female demon) who together with her King brother conspired to kill his son Pralhad, a devotee of lord Vishnu, and was burnt in the fire, saving Pralhad. At this festival, people, young boys/girls, and family members throw colorful water with water guns and water balloons (lolas). They eat delicious food and enjoy a lot of merry drinking. Phagu is another name for Holi where 'Phagu' means the sacred red powder and 'Pune' means full moon day, on which the festival ends. The chir pole is lowered down and burnt in fire and the festival ends. Holi this year 24th March 2024

Godhe Jatra (Festival of Horses)

This festival falls on the fourteenth day of the dark wax fortnight of March - April. This festival doesn't have much religious importance but large numbers of people come to Tundhikhel to observe this festival and horse racing. At Tundhikhel, horse races and other exciting games are performed by the Nepal Army which is worth looking at. Different tricks are performed by horses. Nepal Army does great preparations for this show. Head bodies of government such as the President, Prime Minister, Ministers, Army and Police Chiefs, and other International stakeholders are seated on this occasion. Legend says that this festival at first celebrated the victory over a demon named Tundi who resided over the meadow, known as Tundikhel. It is believed that Tundi was terror so when he met with death, people rejoiced dancing on his body with horses, and as horses ran faster, the spirit of Tundi went unseen and passive. The swift running of the horses on this day is also considered to be a good omen for the Nepalese people.

Chaite Dashain

This festival is observed on the 9th day of the bright lunar fortnight in March/April. This is also known as small Dashain or Chaite Dashain. This festival falls on a hot day in April. This festival is celebrated by dedicating Lord Ram, the incarnation of Vishnu, or the epic hero of Ramayan who triumphed over the demon Ravan. People worship goddess Durga for her power by offering some scarifications and worship in temples and shrines. They enjoy the festival with delicious foods and share happiness. A special celebration takes place at Janaki Temple at Janakpur on this day.

Ram Navami

Ram Navami is celebrated on the birthday of the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Ram. It comes just the next day of Chaite Dashain. It is dedicated to Lord Ram who triumph over the evil demons. Before the birth of Ram, the people on the earth were ill-treated by evils. Legend reveals that King Dasharath, who ruled over Ayodhya had three queens but no born son. So, when Lord Vishnu gave them nectar to drink, and soon the eldest queen gave birth to Ram, the next gave birth to Bharat and the third queen gave birth to twins Lakshman and Shatrughana. All four of them became exemplary youths but Ram grew in grace and virile beauty. Not only that another mysterious event was there in the Hindu epic 'Ramayan' that King Janak who ruled over Mithila in Southern Nepal, had a beautiful daughter named Sita. When she was 16 years old, Janak held a great tournament to find out who could string the divine bow of Lord Shiva and would win the fair Princess Sita's Hand. All princes and kings from far and wide tried and felt failed but Ram curved the bow as well as snapped it into two pieces. Lord Ram won the hand of Sita, who is regarded as the most exalted epitome of womanhood-beautiful, pious, loyal, gentle, and modest. Moreover, during his 14-year exile, Ravan kidnapped Sita and with the help of Hanuman (Monkey), he got back Sita by destroying Ravan. Once, Ravan had pleased Lord Bramha and Bramha bestowed on Ravan the boon that no god would kill him. So, Lord Vishnu gave the incarnation of Lord Ram who killed the demon Ravan. So, for the commemoration of Ram's birth, Ram Navami celebrated. Ram is a favorite for his strength, courage, purity of heart, compassion, the sweetness of his speech, serenity, and abiding wisdom.

Yomari Punhi

Yomari Punhi is one of the most favorite festivals celebrated among Newars. By the meaning, Yomari Punhi denotes the full moon of Yomari. Every year during the full moon in December, this festival is celebrated. A Yomari is a confection of rice-floor (from the new harvest) dough shaped like a fig and filled with brown cane sugar and sesame seeds, which are then steamed. This is the chief item made and eaten at Yomari Punhi. People in Kathmandu offer worship to Annapurna, the goddess of grains. Sacred masked dances are performed in the villages of Hari Siddhi and Thecho at the southern end of the valley to mark the festival started to celebrate at Panchal Nagar (Panauti). According to Mythology, it is said that Suchandra and Krita a married couple, first experimented with fresh yield of rice from their field. And that came to be known as Yomari, which means 'tasty bread'. Later on, people started to distribute it among neighbors. In this way, the festival is celebrated.