Nepal Tourist Guides — Events  Since the majority of the population is either Hindus or Buddhists, quite a few religious festivals and events are celebrated throughout the year. The Hindus celebrate the gradual change from the summer solstice to the winter solstice during the Maghe Sankranti, during which a holy dip and feasting are done as parts of the rituals. The cow is the sacred animal of the Hindus, and the festival of the Gaijatra allows the animals to be treated with food and special gifts. Maha Shibratri during the month of February is a common religious event among the Hindus both in India and Nepal. During this festival people fast and take a dip in the holy water to purify them. Basant Panchami or the Sri Panchami can be explained as the festival heralding the coming of the spring and so it is obvious that the event would be colorful. Another colorful festival of the Hindus is the Holi where Lord Krishna.s victory over evil is celebrated with colors throughout the day. Buddha Jayanti in April or May (according to the regional calendar) the Buddhists celebrate the birth and mourns the death of Lord Buddha, the enlightened one. Among other unique festivals are the Teej and Rishi Panchami where only women are allowed to participate. Bala Chaturdashi is celebrated in late November or early December. Hindu Pilgrims from all over Nepal swarm to the Pashupati temple and light oil lamps to the god nightlong. The next day, the pilgrims take a holy dip in the sacred water of the Bagmati River, to pay respect to their gods. But the most important on this tiresome list of events is the Dasain, celebrated countrywide in October. It is the most important of all Nepalese Hindu festivals and features the biggest animal sacrifice of the year. The year ends with the celebration of the Tihar. This is a period symbolizing peace since according to Hindu myth; reconciliation was brought about between Lord Shiva and Ganesh. During this festival oil lamps are lit throughout the temples and sweets are offered to strangers. It is a three-day festival equivalent to what Christmas is for the Christians.
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