Welcome ! Patan Durbar Square’s festivals are profound expressions of culture, faith and community. To experience them authentically, dress respectfully, join in if you feel comfortable. Engage warmly with locals, taste traditional Newari delicacies and stay flexible—festival timings often follow their own rhythm. Immersing yourself in these vibrant traditions is a journey through centuries of history, spirituality and human connection.
Discover Patan’s living heritage and plan your cultural adventure by exploring festival dates and local guides on our website.
Red Machindra Nath Festival (April-May)
This is one of the famous chariot festivals of Nepal. The main deity named as Bungadyo in Newari language is kept inside the wheeled chariot and dragged through the city of Patan. It’s the biggest socio-culture festival of Patan. In this festival hindu and buddhist communities participate with great zeal.
Gai Jatra and Matya Festival (August)
This festival is most popular in Kathmandu valley. The people of Newar community who had death in their families last year organize a Gai jatra procession led by the cow. The Gai Jatra of Bhaktapur city is very famous and unique. Young kids and boys are dressed up with traditional dress and show stick dance.The objective of the festival is that people accept death as a reality of life.
The next day, (August ..) Matya Festival is celebrated in Patan city. Men and women walk in line of thousands between the musician groups with various comedy shows, mask dancing in the street the whole day.
Lakhe Dance (August-September)
Lakhe is a protector of children in Newari folklore. Lakhe dance is a popular dance of Nepal. The performers wear a Lakhe costume and a demonic mask while performing in the street. This dance is inherited by the dancer from the spirit possessing the mask. In Kathmandu Durbar Square this dance is performed during the Indra jatra festival.
Indra Jatra (August-September)
Indra Jatra is the biggest street festival of Kathmandu Durbar Square. God Indra is the hindu lord of rain and god of heaven. This festival is also known as Kumari festival.
As per mythical story behind the festival, God Indra’s mother needed scented- Parijat flower, which he couldn’t find in heaven.God Indra discovered Parijat flower in the garden of Kathmandu and he tried to steal the flower for his mother. At that time he was caught and imprisoned by people. Indra’s mother came searching for him and people were shocked to know what they had done. They realized Indra and dedicated a festival to him to calm down his fury. Mythical mask dances are performed in the streets along with the procession of Kumari, the living Goddess. This festival is the celebration of 8 days and during evening time people gather to see a lot of traditional movements.
Gan Pyakha (September-October)
Gan Pyakha is celebrated during Dashain, specially the dance of god and goddess in Patan. Dance of 13 Hindu ditties includes Astramatirka- eight goddess, Ganesh, Kumar and others. Traditional dance starts in the evening from Nakabahil to Patan Durbar Square. The performers of Gan Pyakha do the special puja after the program.
Festival start month/date: September
Dashain Festival (September-October)
Dashain is the biggest festival of Nepalese people. Mainly Dashain is celebrated throughout the country for ten days. People worship nine different incarnations of goddess Durga. Vijaya Dahami is the main day of the festival and it is celebrated by offering Tika and blessings to the junior members of the family by the senior members.
Tihar Festival (October-November)
Tihar festival is celebrated for five days. The first and second day is the celebrations of the Crows and Dogs festival. The third day to fifth day is a special offering of Laxmi puja, Mha puja and Bhai Tika. Laxmi puja is one of the attractions of this festival. People worship Laxmi the goddess of wealth. Mha puja is celebrated by the Newari community. Mha means self body- worship believes the process purifies the body and soul. Bhai tika sisters offer Tika to brothers that ensure good health, prosperity and success.
Kartik Nach (October-November)
Kartik Nach is mythical drama and dance program performed in the evening in Patan Durbar Square. This dance is the one of the important tantric mask dance of god & demon. The main legendary story of Pralad and Narsingha Avatar also performed during this period.
Join local festivals, explore hidden courtyards or simply relax and enjoy the charm of heritage city Patan. Whether for a short visit or an extended stay,
Newari Homes invites you to live like a local and connect with the true spirit of Nepal.