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Festivals |
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Nepal is one of the richest countries in
the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical
position and altitudinal variation. The elevation of the country
ranges from 60m above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt.
Everest at 8,848m, all within a distance of 150km resulting into
climatic condition from sub-tropical to arctic.
Everything
festive in Nepal traditionally begins with something religious and
moves with spontaneous spirit into a pleasant family feast. This is
because, for Nepali's, religions has always influenced and has been
the core of Nepali culture.
Most of the festivals celebrated
in Nepal are religious. However, they can be generally divided into
four sections keeping in mind the main aspects of the festival
emphasized:
1. Religious: These festivals
are specially designed to honor a certain god or goddess. For
instance, Bada Dashain, the festival of Devi Durga, the universal
mother goddess also known as Kali.
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2.
Historical: The historical festivals are celebrated
to keep alive memories of events of importance. Jaya Prakash Malla
introduced Gaijatra.
3. Agricultural: Since
Nepal is an agricultural country there are different festivals like
Laxmi Puja which mark the different seasons of harvesting, planting
etc.
4. Seasonal: The different seasonal
festivals are celebrated in order to mark the beginning of special
seasons. Holi or Fagun is the festival inspired by spring, the
season of colours.
5. Legendary: These
festivals are based on legends than on any reliable historical
record. Ghantakarna is a festival, which is also based on a legend.
It is celebrated as a great relief from the death of a most dreaded
legendary monster-Ghantakarna.
One of the interesting ways
to understand the beauty and richness of Nepali culture is through
its festivals. During festivals in Nepal, cultural dances, songs and
performances are practiced. These cultural treasures make the
festivals interesting and entertaining. People find more joy
participating in performances and watching others perform and so, no
festivals are idle gatherings. Instead, they are lively and
purposeful.
The Nepalese people have always been family
oriented. They take great pride in their ancient tradition of
closely-knit family unit. This sort of kinship is not only the
result of religious teachings, but also due to various festivals and
ceremonies, which brings the family together and strengthens; the
family ties in the Nepalese society.
The following are The
famous festivals in Nepal, this festivals dates are depends upon the
reading of astrologers based in the lunar
calendar.
Buddha Jayanti: Large groups of
people parade through the streets praising the Lord and his
teachings. Special flags, usually red, blue; yellow and white can be
seen flying high above all the Buddhist
households.
Holi: The festival of water and
colors
Ghode Jatra: Ghode Jatra is a
festival, which doesn't have a lot of religious ceremonies, but the
horse parade, is a big attraction and people always look forward to
it.
Mata Tritha Puja (Mother’s Day): It is a
day when one shows appreciation and gratitude to his/her mother for
her unconditional love and undying support.
Janai Purnima: is
known as the Sacred Thread Festival.
Raksha
Bandhan: This is also the day when male, females, and
children regardless of station and caste tie a sacred yellow thread
around their wrist.
Gai Jatra: The festival
of cows is one of the most popular festivals of
Nepal.
Krishna Janmastami: This festival is
also known as Krishna Jayanti or Janmashtami. Lord Krishna is
regarded as the 8th avatar or 'incarnation' of
Vishnu.
Gokarna Aunsi (Father Day): A day
when children show their gratitude and appreciation for his guidance
and teachings in life. Sons and daughters, near or far, come with
presents and confections to spend the day with their fathers.
Rato Macchendranath Jatra:This is the
longest as well as the most important festival of Patan. It begins
with several days of ceremonies and the fabrication of a
wooden-wheeled chariot at Pulchowk, near the Ashoka
Stupa.
Teej: Well known as “woman’s
festival” Gaily dressed women can be seen dancing and singing on the
street leading to Shiva temples.
Indra
Jatra: Both Hindus and Buddhists celebrate this festival
with great enthusiasm. It is also believed that Indra Jatra is a
festival of classical dances.
Dashian: The
most auspicious festival in the Nepalese annual calendar, celebrated
by Nepalese of all caste and creed throughout the country. The
fifteen days of celebration occurs during the bright lunar fortnight
ending on the day of the full moon.
Tihar:
The festival of lights is one of the most dazzling of all Hindu
festivals. In this festival we worship Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of
wealth. During the festival all the houses in the city and villages
are decorated with lit oil lamps.
Maghe
Sankranti: This day is said to be the most significant day
for holy bathing despite the weather. This ritual usually takes
place at the union of sacred rivers and
streams.
Shree Panchami: This day is
celebrated as the birthday of Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning,
She is the lily-white daughter of Shiva and Durga in spotless white
robes and seated in a full-blown lotus.
Shiva
Ratri: The festival of Shiva Ratri shows the devotion and
faith Nepalese have towards the Hindu
religion.
SitaVivahaPanchami: This festival,
commemorating the marriage of Sita to Ram, is particularly
celebrated in Janakpur.
Yomari Punhi: Yomari
Punhi -meaning full moon of yomari-one of the popular Newar
festivals, A yomari is a confection of rice-flour (from the new
harvest)dough shaped like fig and filled with brown cane sugar and
sesame seeds, which is then steamed.
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