The people of the Himalayas appear to celebrate a vast and seemingly endless variety of colourful and exciting festivals all year round.

Intrinsically woven throughout each and every day, the festivals reflect the communities rich, diverse cultural heritage and identity; with religious, historical and personal relationships.

The main festival season is autumn.

Nepal is known as the ‘Land of Festivals’ where it is said that there are more festivals than days in the year, and in Sikkim life appears to be simply an on-going festival.

The most popular festivals for tourists are:

Nepal and Sikkim and Darjeeling – Holi (late February/early March); Dashain (Durga Puja) and Tihar (Diwali) in October.

Bhutan – the Thimpu, Paro and Bumthang Tsechus in spring and autumn.

Tibet – the Shoton Yoghurt Festival (August), and the Tibetan New Year (Losar),  also celebrated in Bhutan.

Sikkim – the Department of Tourism and Government of Sikkim have been organising an annual month – long “Tourist Festival” in May, at the White Hall premises in Gangtok, since 1981. Flower shows, cultural programmes, film shows and exhibitions are the highlights of the festival. Also, amongst the most important for local people is the worship of the snow ranges of Mount Kanchenjunga, with dances.

Darjeeling – the Darjeeling Carnival is a fantastic 10 day extravaganza held every winter in November, with the Darjeeling Hills musical and cultural heritage as its central theme.

Festival, bhutan

Dashain

Kumari Living Goddess

Lighting of Tihar

Bisket Jatra

Chhat

Take a look.