The Nepalese follow their own calendar system known as the Bikram Era or Bikram Sambat, which is accredited to King Bikramaditya. He started the solar calender some two thousand years ago. This festival is celebrated in the first day of the first month of the New Year and is observed as an official holiday. On this day, devotees take a dip in the holy Bagmati River at Pashupatinath temple. Pilgrims also visit other religious spots. In Bhaktapur, which is 15 Kilometers east of Kathmandu, the New Year celebrations takes place with an added importance as the " Bisket Jatra or Festival of Bisket". During Bisket Jatra a tall wooden ceremonial poll called 'yosin' is erected in one of the main squares. This festival commemorates the great battle of Mahabharata and the wooden pole symbolizes victory. After two days, images of the god Bhairab and his female counterpart Bhadra are enshrined in two large greatly decorated chariots and pulled through crowds of cheering on-lookers. When the chariot reaches the city center, a tug-of-war between the inhabitants of the two neighborhoods takes place. The winners of a tug-of-war are considered blessed with good fortune for the coming year. This festival goes on for nine days. New Year is celebrated with added aroma in Sankhu, some 20 km east of Kathmandu. Both Hindus and Buddhist worship the Bajra Jogini godess. During New Year, the deity's image is put on palanquin and carried around the town with a huge colorful procession.

This festival is also known as Bunga -Dyo jatra and takes place in the city of Patan. During this festival Patan breaks out in color, music, dancing, and feasting in this month long religious reverely and the year's biggest festival of the city. Bunga Dyo, is the Buddhist and as well as Hindu deity of rain. The deity's image is put in towering chariot and pulled by ropes through the narrow streets of the city followed by a large crowd of worshippers accompanied by a small crowd of traditional musicians adding even more excitement to the occasion. Over a period of several weeks, the chariot is slowly hauled to Jawalakhel where tens of thousands of devotees burn oil lamps and keep an all-night vigil. Rato Machchhendranath month long journey comes to an end as the juggernaut lumbers into Jawalakhel for the final celebration. During the final day of chariot festival the "Bhoto" or sacred waistcoat, itself the subject of many legends, is displayed from the chariot. Astrologers determine this auspicious day. A final ritual is then conducted to mark Lord Machchhendranath's departure for one year. Along with the onlookers Their Majesties the King and the Queen along with other members of the royal family, as well as the high dignitaries of the government and distinguished diplomats of foreign missions in Nepal are also present. This day is observed as an official holiday in the Kathmandu Valley.

The Sherpas hold Mani Rimdu high in their hearts, for it is the greatest annual festivity observed in the Khumbu area, which lies under the shadow of sagarmatha (Mt. Everest). Sherpas from the Khumbu region, and even tourists from far-away places, congregtate at Tengboche monastery for the three -day celebrations. The ceremonies start with the blowing of horns by Buddhist monks in the afternoon of the first day. Then the chief Lama, accompanied by other monks in their maroon robes, arrives on the stage. Prayers are chanted and gratitude is extended to all those who have contributed, both monetarily and materially, for the functio0n. The crowd then rises up to its feet to receive blessings, holy water and auspicious pellets from the Lama for good luck and longevity. An orchestra of cymbals, horns, flutes and conch shells announces the start of the second day's celebrations. Then follow the masked dances in which monks in colorful robes and huge glowering masks perform routines symbolizing the destruction of evil forces.

The Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha in Lumbini of southern Nepal on full moon day over 2,500 years ago. It is the day when Buddha was born, when he was enlightened and when he attained Nirvana (Salvation). Prayers are sung and the Buddhists offer worship. In the Kathmandu valley, this festival is also known as "Swanya Punhi", or the full moon day of flowers.The main ceremonies take place around the massive stupa of Swayambhu situated atop a hillock to the west of the city. Swayambhu and Bodhnath are particularly popular centres and pilgrims gather at Swayambhu from early in the morning. From early in the morning, devotees can be seen thronging the shrine with musical bands. Offerings of butter, lamps, incense and rice are made to the many Buddha images there. Prayers ceremony are held and Bajracharya priest perform ancient rituals dances. Sacred "paubha "scroll paintings and Buddha images are put on display. Special flags fly from all Buddhist households. This day is observed as a public holiday.