Nepal Public Holidays
Nepal observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Nepal observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Nepal by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Nepal.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 15 | Thursday | Maghe Sankranti |
| Jan 19 | Monday | Sonam Losar |
| Feb 15 | Sunday | Maha Shivaratri |
| Feb 18 | Wednesday | Gyalpo Losar |
| Feb 18 | Wednesday | Ramadan Start |
| Feb 19 | Thursday | National Democracy Day |
| Mar 8 | Sunday | Nari Dibas |
| Mar 18 | Wednesday | Godhe Yatra |
| Mar 19 | Thursday | Holi Purnima (Hill region) |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Holi Purnima (Terai region) |
| Mar 20 | Friday | March Equinox |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Ramjan Edul Fikra |
| May 1 | Friday | Majdoor Divas |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Edul Aajaha |
| Jun 21 | Sunday | June Solstice |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Nepal
Nepal observes a variety of public holidays that reflect its diverse cultural, religious, and ethnic landscape. These holidays are a mix of Hindu, Buddhist, and other traditions, as well as secular observances.
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Nepal. For a comprehensive list of all holidays and their specific dates, please visit our full holiday calendar for Nepal. For definitions of public holidays, refer to our public holidays explained page.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, Nepal will observe numerous public holidays. Key celebrations include major Hindu festivals like Dashain and Tihar, as well as significant Buddhist and secular events. Many holidays are determined by lunar calendars, so their Gregorian dates can shift annually.
Other notable holidays in 2026 include Maghe Sankranti on January 15, Maha Shivaratri on February 15, and National Democracy Day on February 19. Explore the full holiday list for Nepal in 2026 for more details.
- Dashain — 21 October 2026. The longest and most auspicious festival in Nepal, celebrating the victory of good over evil.
- Tihar — 10 November 2026. Also known as the Festival of Lights, it involves the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and includes the significant Bhai Tika ceremony.
- Constitution Day — 19 September 2026. Commemorates the adoption of the constitution of Nepal.
- Holi Purnima (Terai region) — 20 March 2026. The festival of colors, celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country.
- Ramjan Edul Fikra — 20 March 2026. Marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
Planning around holidays
Nepal's holiday calendar is rich with cultural and religious observances, many of which follow lunar cycles. This means that the exact dates for holidays like Dashain, Tihar, and Eid can vary each year. Planning travel or business activities around these times requires flexibility.
- Seasonal Patterns: Major festivals like Dashain and Tihar typically fall in the autumn months (September to November), while Holi is celebrated in early spring (March). Lunar-based holidays such as Ramadan and Eid shift earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar.
- Regional Variations: Some holidays may have different dates or observances in specific regions or for particular ethnic groups.
- Check Specific Year: Always consult the calendar for the specific year you are interested in, as dates can change significantly.
- Transportation and Services: During major holidays, transportation services may be reduced, and many businesses and government offices will be closed.
Plan Your Year Around NP Holidays
View Nepal holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.