Celebrating Buddhism: Festivals and Rituals in Nepal

A total of 9% of the population follows Buddhism in Nepal, the second highest number after Hinduism. For centuries, Nepal is the center of Buddhist learning, reflected by its significant place in the cultural and traditional practices of the country. Buddhists regularly visit Nepal to homage to Lord Buddha in his birthplace Lumbini and other parts of the country. Throughout the year, festivals related to Buddhism are celebrated in different styles and unique attires. Today, with this article, I am sharing wonderful festivals celebrated in the hills and planes of Nepal. Different places have different rituals and customs. It is different in Kathmandu Valley and its surroundings compared to Lumbini. 

Throughout the country, Buddha Jayanti is celebrated by organizing several programs. Most celebrations and attractions are seen around the Buddhist monastery such as in Bouddhanath temple, and Swoyambhunath temple within Kathmandu. Lumbini is regularly organizing events on this day to discuss the thoughts of Buddha in the current context. Buddha Jayanti also known as Vesak is celebrated in South Asia to mark the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautam Buddha. The festival is celebrated in the month of May or June according to the Lunar calendar.

During this day, pilgrims visit Buddhist temples, monasteries, and gompa to offer prayers and light the butter lamp in front of the Buddha statue. All Buddhist temples and surroundings are decorated with colorful lights, prayer flags, and various cultural programs.

Few festivals have higher significance in the Buddhist community. Lhosar is a festival celebrated to welcome the new year based on the Tibetan calendar. It is celebrated in the month of February or March according to the Lunar calendar. During this day, people visit Gompa and monasteries and perform Buddhist rituals to remove evil spirits inside the body. Mainly, the Gurungs, Tamang, and Sherpa communities celebrate this festival. 

Khumbu region is popular for its adventure climbing and trekking, the world’s tallest mountain Everest lies in this region. Thousands of trekkers and adventure lovers annually visit this region. Besides climbing and expedition, the Khumbu region showcases wonderful Sherpa cultural heritage to the guest. Mani Rimdu is one of the popular cultural festivals celebrated in the Khumbu region. During this festival, a mask dance is performed by monks for thanksgiving and killing evil thoughts, and bringing harmony and prosperity in the coming days. According to the Lunar calendar, this festival is celebrated in the month of October or November.

Nepal is a multicultural and religious country. The diverse cultural heritage greatly impacts the harmony of people there. Mainly Hindu community influenced these cultural practices but also Hindu community widely respect and follow Buddhist culture. Thus, Buddhism has a significant place in Nepal. Both Hindus and Buddhist visit several temples to offer prayers and worship such as Bouddhanath, Muktinath, Swoyambhunath, Namobuddha, and many ancient Buddhist temples around the country. Buddhist cultural tours and Buddhist Pilgrimage tours are mainly to explore diverse cultures and heritage in Nepal. People around the world tour the Kathmandu Valley cultural tour including a popular Buddhist destination that helps to understand the blend of diverse cultures among several communities.