November is festival season in Nepal. The skies are clear, the weather is mild, and the calendar is packed. This guide covers the main festivals in Nepal in November 2026, with dates, meanings, and tips for visitors. From Tihar’s glowing lamps to Chhath’s riverside prayers, there is something unforgettable almost every week.
Most Nepali festivals follow the lunar calendar. So, dates can shift by a day depending on the calendar you use. We have checked multiple sources and noted where they differ. Confirm local dates before you book.
November 2026 at a Glance
| Date | Festival or event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 7 | Kaag Tihar (crow worship) | Nationwide |
| Nov 8 | Kukur Tihar and Laxmi Puja | Nationwide |
| Nov 9 | Gai Tihar (cow worship) | Nationwide |
| Nov 10 | Govardhan Puja, Mha Puja, Nepal Sambat 1147 New Year | Nationwide, Newar towns |
| Nov 11 | Bhai Tika | Nationwide |
| Nov 13–16 | Chhath (main evening offering Nov 15) | Janakpur, Terai, Kathmandu |
| Nov 15–24 | Sama-Chakeva | Mithila region |
| Nov 20 | Haribodhini Ekadashi | Nationwide |
| Nov 20–21 | Tulsi Vivah | Hindu households |
| Nov 24 | Kartik Purnima | Nationwide |
Why Visit Nepal for Festivals in November?
November sits in Nepal’s peak travel season. Days are dry and comfortable in the hills. Mountain views are often crisp. Many travelers also pair a festival with a short trek.
However, popular places fill quickly. Flights, hotels, and teahouses get busy around Tihar. So, book early.
Tihar 2026: The Festival of Lights (November 7–11)
Tihar is Nepal’s second-largest festival, after Dashain. It is also called Yamapanchak, meaning five days of Yama. Each day honors a different part of life. Together, they create one of the most beautiful celebrations in South Asia.
Some calendars list Tihar a day earlier, so confirm locally. Most Nepali calendars place it from November 7 to 11.
Day 1: Kaag Tihar (Saturday, November 7)
The festival opens quietly. Families offer food to crows, regarded as messengers of Yama, the god of death. Offerings of rice, sweets, and sel roti are placed on rooftops at dawn. The ritual is meant to ward off grief and bad news. Read more in our Kaag Tihar guide.
Day 2: Kukur Tihar (Sunday, November 8)
Dogs are honored with garlands, tika, and treats. It is one of the festival’s most beloved moments and a delight for visitors to witness.
Laxmi Puja (Sunday, November 8, evening)
This is the main night of Tihar. Homes and shops are cleaned and decorated with lamps and rangoli. Goddess Laxmi is welcomed with prayers. Cities glow after dark. Groups of singers also begin visiting homes with Deusi-Bhailo songs, playing the madal drum and harmonium.
Day 3: Gai Tihar (Monday, November 9)
Cows are worshipped as symbols of prosperity. Most calendars place this on November 9. A few place it on November 8, so check locally.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja, Goru Tihar, and Mha Puja (Tuesday, November 10)
Oxen are honored for their work in the fields. Newar communities celebrate Mha Puja, the worship of the self. It also marks the start of the Nepal Sambat new year, 1147. In Kathmandu Valley, expect processions and colorful gatherings in Newar neighborhoods.
Day 5: Bhai Tika (Wednesday, November 11)
Sisters apply a seven-colored tika on their brothers’ foreheads. They give garlands, sweets, and fruit. It is a warm, family-centered finale.
Tips for Experiencing Tihar
- Walk through old neighborhoods at night. Patan, Bhaktapur, and Kathmandu’s old quarters look magical.
- Expect closures. Many businesses and offices close for several days around Laxmi Puja and Bhai Tika.
- Be respectful. Ask before photographing people, and dress modestly at temples.
- Join the singers. Deusi-Bhailo groups welcome appreciation, and they usually collect donations.
- Book trekking flexibly. Tihar falls in prime trekking season, so plan around holidays.
Chhath 2026: Sun Worship at the Riverbank (November 13–16)
Chhath is the great sun festival of the Terai. It is especially strong in Mithila. In 2026, it runs from November 13 to 16. The main evening offering falls on Sunday, November 15. A sunrise offering follows the next morning.
What Happens
Devotees fast and stand in rivers or ponds, offering prayers and food to the setting and rising sun. Women often wear bright traditional clothing. Families carry baskets of fruit, sweets, and sugarcane. Songs fill the air. It is calm, devotional, and visually stunning.
Where to See It
- Janakpur: Widely considered one of the best places to see Chhath.
- Kathmandu: Gaurighat and Kamal Pokhari host gatherings.
- Other Terai towns: Look for ponds and riverbanks with large crowds.
Tips for Visitors
- Arrive before sunset for the evening offering, and again before dawn.
- Wear modest clothing, and stay behind the devotees.
- Do not touch offerings or enter the water without invitation.
- Expect crowds and early mornings.
Sama-Chakeva: A Festival of Sisters, Brothers, and Birds (From November 15)
Right after Chhath, the Mithila region celebrates Sama-Chakeva. This folk festival honors the bond between siblings. It also welcomes migratory birds arriving from the mountains. According to sources, it runs about a week or more, ending at Kartik Purnima on November 24.
The Story
According to legend, Sama, a daughter of Krishna, was falsely accused of wrongdoing. She was cursed to become a bird. Her brother Chakeva’s devotion helped restore her. The tale is retold in song.
What You Will See
Girls and women mold clay figures of Sama, Chakeva, and birds. Each evening they gather, sing folk songs, and perform simple rituals. On the final night, the clay figures are “sent away” in a ceremony. It is intimate, village-based, and rarely seen by outsiders.
Haribodhini Ekadashi and Tulsi Vivah (November 20–21)
According to Nepal’s calendar, Haribodhini Ekadashi falls on November 20. On this day, Lord Vishnu is believed to awaken after four months of sleep. It marks the end of Chaturmas. In our Harishayani Ekadashi guide, we covered how that rest began.
Tulsi Vivah
Around this time, Hindu households celebrate Tulsi Vivah, the ceremonial wedding of the sacred tulsi plant to Vishnu. Some observe it on the Ekadashi evening. Others observe it on Dwadashi, November 21.
The Wedding Season Begins
Nepal’s calendars note that auspicious wedding dates resume after Tulsi Vivah. During Chaturmas and Pitru Paksha, weddings are traditionally avoided. So, late November often marks the start of the wedding season. You may see wedding processions and music in towns.
Kartik Purnima (November 24)
The full moon of Kartik closes the month. Many Hindus observe it with prayers and lamps. It also marks the last day to perform Tulsi Vivah and the end of Sama-Chakeva. It is a quiet, reflective day after the busy weeks before.
Cultural Events and Traditions to Look For
Beyond the big dates, November offers other cultural experiences.
- Newar street life: Mha Puja and Nepal Sambat celebrations in old towns. Check Bhaktapur, Patan, and Kirtipur.
- Kartik Naach: A traditional dance-drama based on stories from the Bishnu Purana, in which male dancers portray gods and goddesses such as Ganesh, Shiva, Barahi, and Krishna. Performances may be staged in the valley during the season. Ask locally for schedules.
- Local markets: Asan and Indra Chowk fill with festival goods.
- Handicraft shopping: Lamps, garlands, and decorations are everywhere. Our gifts guide covers what to buy.
Festivals That Fall Just Outside November
Some well-known events land close by but not in November 2026.
- Mani Rimdu at Tengboche Monastery ran from October 26 to 28.
- Vivah Panchami in Janakpur falls on December 14, 2026.
If your dates are flexible, consider adjusting your trip to catch one of them.
Planning Your Trip
Where to Base Yourself
- Kathmandu Valley: Best for Tihar and Newar traditions.
- Janakpur: Best for Chhath and Mithila culture.
- Pokhara: A calmer alternative with festival spirit and mountain views.
Combining Festivals With Travel
A sample plan: Kathmandu for Tihar (November 6–11), then a short trek or Pokhara visit, then Janakpur for Chhath (November 14–16). See our best places to visit in Nepal in November for more.
Weather and Conditions
A late-October storm brought rain and snow to parts of Nepal. It was milder than feared and was expected to clear. November is typically dry and clear. Check local forecasts before trekking at altitude.
Respect and Etiquette
- Dress modestly at temples and ritual sites.
- Remove shoes where asked.
- Ask permission before taking close-up photos.
- Stay behind devotees at riverbanks and shrines.
- Avoid touching offerings.
- Use your right hand when giving or receiving items.
Final Thoughts
The festivals in Nepal in November 2026 offer a rich mix of light, devotion, and community. Tihar fills the cities with lamps. Chhath fills the riverbanks with prayers. Sama-Chakeva and Tulsi Vivah add quieter, more personal moments. Book early, stay flexible, and approach each celebration with respect. Do that, and November may be the best month you ever spend in Nepal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main festivals in Nepal in November 2026?
The main ones are Tihar (November 7–11), Chhath (November 13–16), Sama-Chakeva (from about November 15), Haribodhini Ekadashi (November 20), and Tulsi Vivah.
When is Tihar in 2026?
Tihar runs from November 7 to 11. Laxmi Puja, the main night of lights, is on November 8. Bhai Tika is on November 11.
When is Chhath in 2026?
Chhath runs from November 13 to 16. The main evening offering is on November 15, followed by a sunrise offering on November 16.
Where is the best place to see Chhath?
Janakpur is widely considered one of the best places. In Kathmandu, Gaurighat and Kamal Pokhari host gatherings.
What is Sama-Chakeva?
Sama-Chakeva is a Mithila festival honoring brother-sister bonds and migratory birds. Girls make clay figures, sing songs, and perform rituals each evening.
What happens on Haribodhini Ekadashi?
Lord Vishnu is believed to awaken after four months of sleep. It ends Chaturmas, and the wedding season resumes afterward.
Are shops and offices closed during Tihar?
Many businesses and offices close for several days around Laxmi Puja and Bhai Tika. Plan transport and meals ahead.
Can tourists attend these festivals?
Yes. Visitors are welcome at public celebrations. Be respectful, ask before photographing people, and follow local guidance.
Is Mani Rimdu in November?
Not this year. Mani Rimdu at Tengboche ran from October 26 to 28, 2026.
