Nepal is often referred to as the land of festivals, with celebrations occurring almost constantly throughout the lunar calendar.
* **Dashain:** The longest and most auspicious Hindu festival, celebrating the victory of good over evil. Marked by family gatherings, animal sacrifices, and the flying of kites. * **Tihar (Deepawali):** The festival of lights, famous for its unique days dedicated to honoring crows, dogs, and cows, concluding with *Bhai Tika* (a day honoring brothers). * **Indra Jatra:** A massive street festival in Kathmandu featuring the chariot procession of the Kumari (Living Goddess) and masked dances. * **Holi:** The vibrant spring festival of colors, celebrated vigorously across the country. * **Bisket Jatra:** The traditional New Year festival, famously celebrated in Bhaktapur with massive chariot tugs-of-war. * **Maha Shivaratri:** Hundreds of thousands of devotees and sadhus (holy men) gather at the Pashupatinath Temple to worship Lord Shiva.