Nepal (NP)
Nepal is a landlocked Himalayan nation between India and China, home to eight of the world's ten highest peaks including Mount Everest (8,849m).
Capital: Kathmandu
Region: Asia
Language: Nepali
Currency: NPR (Rs)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 18)
Emergency: 100
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Public Holidays 2026
22 holidays in Nepal. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year Day Public Holiday
Naya Barsha
Observed by international offices and embassies; the Nepali (Bikram Sambat) New Year falls in April.
Wed 14
Maghe Sankranti Public Holiday
Maghe Sankranti
Winter harvest festival and ritual bathing day at river confluences. Marks the end of the inauspicious Poush month.
Mon 19
Sonam Losar Public Holiday
Sonam Losar
Tamang New Year — one of the lunar new year celebrations observed in the hills of Nepal. Public holiday.
Fri 30
Martyrs' Day Public Holiday
Shahid Diwas
Commemorates those who sacrificed their lives for democracy in Nepal. Public holiday — government offices and schools closed.
February 2026
Sun 15
Maha Shivaratri Public Holiday
Mahashivaratri
The Great Night of Shiva — one of the most important Hindu festivals. Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu draws hundreds of thousands of devotees and sadhus. Fasting and night-long vigils.
Wed 18
Gyalpo Losar Public Holiday
Gyalpo Losar
Tibetan/Sherpa New Year. Date can vary by a day per official notice. Observed particularly in the mountain communities of Nepal.
Thu 19
Democracy Day Public Holiday
Prajatantra Diwas
Commemorates the restoration of multiparty democracy in Nepal in 1990. National public holiday.
March 2026
Sun 8
International Women's Day Public Holiday
Aantarashtriya Mahila Diwas
International Women's Day — public holiday in Nepal. Celebrations across the country.
Mon 2
Fagu Purnima / Holi Public Holiday
Holi
Colour festival. Hills/Kathmandu observance is March 2; Terai observes March 3.
Sat 21
Eid al-Fitr Public Holiday
Eid ul-Fitr
End of Ramadan — public holiday in Nepal. Approximate date; subject to official moon-sighting announcement.
April 2026
Tue 14
Nepali New Year Public Holiday
Naya Barsha (Bikram Sambat)
Start of Bikram Sambat year 2083. Major national celebration — Kathmandu streets are festive.
May 2026
Fri 1
Buddha Jayanti / Labour Day Public Holiday
Buddha Jayanti / Shramik Diwas
Major Buddhist holiday and Lumbini pilgrimage day. Also coincides with International Labour Day (May 1). Public holiday.
Thu 28
Eid al-Adha Public Holiday
Eid ul-Adha / Bakra Eid
Feast of Sacrifice — public holiday in Nepal. Approximate date; subject to official moon-sighting announcement.
Fri 29
Republic Day Public Holiday
Ganatantra Diwas
Federal republic commemoration day. Celebrates the abolition of the monarchy and establishment of the Republic of Nepal in 2008.
September 2026
Mon 14
Haritalika Teej Public Holiday
Haritalika Teej
Festival observed mainly by Hindu women, who fast and pray for a long and healthy married life. Major celebrations at Pashupatinath Temple. Public holiday.
Sat 19
Constitution Day Public Holiday
Samvidhan Diwas
Celebrates the promulgation of Nepal's 2015 Constitution. National public holiday with government ceremonies.
October 2026
Mon 19
Dashain — Maha Astami Public Holiday
Maha Astami
Part of the main Dashain closure period; government, schools and many businesses close.
Tue 20
Dashain — Maha Nawami Public Holiday
Maha Nawami
Government, schools and many businesses close for the Dashain period.
Wed 21
Dashain — Bijaya Dashami Public Holiday
Bijaya Dashami
Largest family festival in Nepal; transport and flights sell out weeks in advance. Tika blessings from elders.
November 2026
Sun 8
Tihar — Laxmi Puja Public Holiday
Laxmi Puja
Third night of Tihar (Festival of Lights) — worship of Goddess Laxmi (wealth). Houses decorated with oil lamps and rangoli. Public holiday.
Wed 11
Tihar — Bhai Tika Public Holiday
Bhai Tika
Final major day of the Tihar festival — sisters apply tika to brothers' foreheads, symbolizing longevity and love. Date follows the lunar calendar.
December 2026
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Christmas
Observed by Christian communities and many international organisations.
Note: Some holidays in Nepal apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.