Holi and Nepali New Year Celebrations

Nepal is one of the smallest countries in the world. Despite it being the tiniest country in terms of geography, the cultural richness is beyond imagination. Every day feels like a celebration. More than 125 ethnic communities live harmoniously in this country and majority of them are Hindus. However, all religions are equally treated by the Nepalese people and the religious harmony is evident in the culture. Today’s blog is about the Holi and Nepali New Year Celebrations.

Holi is a colorful festival whereas the Nepali New Year is the Lunisolar Calendar’s 1^st Day. This is also the official calendar of Nepal which is about 58 years ahead of the English Gregorian Calendar. This blogger has always tried to provide information through blogs which are helpful for travelers to travel Nepal. Note down that the timing of these celebrations is spring season. The season is an ideal time to visit Nepal either for trekking or tours.

Holi and Nepali New Year Celebrations

As mentioned above, these two celebrations are in the spring season. Interestingly, the theme of the Holi celebration is also to celebrate the arrival of spring season after the cold winter. During this time of the year, people are in rejoicing mood and nature is in its blooming mood. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Nepal, then make sure to plan your visit with these two celebrations. You can also get the best discounts from travel companies during these periods of time as it is the beginning of the spring season.

Story of Holi Festival

Well, there are many stories behind the celebration of Holi. One of the most popular story dates back to ancient times. There was a king named Hiranakashyap who had blessing from Lord Shiva that he can never die even from attack of human, god, and animal. In addition, he couldn’t be killed in night and in day. Therefore, he felt he is immortal and wanted all to worship him instead of god. However, his son Prahlad chose Lord Vishnu as the real god and prayed Lord Vishnu instead of him. So, he wanted to kill his son by tricking him to go in the bonfire alongside Holika, sister of king who herself had blessing that she wouldn’t be harmed by fire. Surprisingly, Holika burned but Prahlad remain unharmed.

Later, Lord Vishnu formed the avatar of Narsimha (Half Human Half Animal) and killed Hirakashyapa just hours before dawn. Hence, the festival is also called as the Holika Dahan (Bon fire).

How is holi festival celebrated? The end of winter and arrival of spring

People put on colors to each other and enjoy together to celebrate the arrival of spring and end of winter. The festival is vibrantly celebrated by putting colors and playing with water. It shows great friendship after ending the enmity. The night before the festival, bonfire is done to symbolize the end of evil. The following day, people gather in squares and streets to celebrate together. In the hilly region of Nepal, holi festival is celebrated on 2^nd March, 2026 and in Terai (flatlands) region, it is celebrated on 3^rd March, 2026.

Kathmandu and Pokhara Tour during Holi

Lots of foreigners choose the Holi and Nepali New Year Celebrations wholeheartedly. Thousands of tourists visit either Kathmandu or Pokhara to celebrate holi festivals. Locals and foreigners wear the white t-shirts and enjoy the drinks, colors, waters, and music throughout the day. Thamel and Basantapur Durbar Square are the hot places to visit and celebrate holi festival. Similarly, Nepal’s most popular touristic city, Pokhara too celebrates holi wildly. The hottest place to celebrate holi festival in Pokhara is in Lakeside Street.

Safety Tips while celebrating holi festival

You should know your own boundary and respect the personal space of other. If you see someone in clean dress, you shouldn’t engage in exchanging the colors. Ask for the permission before engaging in the holi activities. Wear clothes appropriate to play with colors and water. Skin allergies can happen. Therefore, be careful while playing with colors.

Nepali New Year

The first day of the Lunisolar Calendar is called as the Nepali New Year. It falls on 14^th or 15^th of April. The beginning of the year is always special. Our Nepalese calendar is ahead of the Gregorian English Calendar. For example, we are in the year 2082 whereas the English calendar is in the year 2026. We follow the Bikram Sambat which is believed to have been started by King Vikramaditya. According to legend, a wise king was offering flesh to Vajrayani goddess to get rewards for his people. Seeing this sacrifice, a warrior Vikramaditya offered himself and thus the era began. However, there are many stories behind the start of this calendar. Scientifically, the calendar is made following the lunar months and solar system.

Trek in Nepal during Holi and Nepali New Year

Yes, utilize the time of the Holi and Nepali New Year Celebrations to do trekking in Nepal. Spring season is considered as the best time to do treks. Clear skies, stable weather conditions, and blooming vegetation can provide the unparallel memories of your trek. Almost all trekking regions of Nepal are okay to trek during this time of the year. Therefore, don’t hesitate to book your trek to Nepal and take part in the Holi and Nepali New Year Celebrations.

Book Tour & Trekking Packages with Special Discount for spring season 2026

The blogger strongly recommends the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. for any kinds of tours and trekking packages for spring season 2026. The company is reliable and also offers the special discounts on these travel trips. Remember that Holi festival is the early spring and you can get early trekker discounts. Furthermore, Nepali New Year is the peak spring season and you can knit the momentous hassle free holiday in Nepal. So, lace up your boots and book the trekking holiday in Nepal.