Planning your year in Nepal requires understanding the country’s public holidays in Nepal 2026, which are essential for scheduling work commitments, travel arrangements, and personal events. Nepal follows the Bikram Sambat calendar, consequently making the holiday schedule uniquely tied to both lunar cycles and cultural celebrations that span thousands of years of tradition.
This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed nationwide public holidays in Nepal for 2026, helping you navigate the year with confidence. Whether you’re a resident, expatriate, or visitor, meanwhile these dates will prove invaluable for avoiding travel disruptions and experiencing Nepal’s vibrant cultural celebrations.
Understanding Nepal’s Public Holiday System
Nepal operates on the Bikram Sambat (BS) calendar, which is approximately 56-57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. For 2026 (Gregorian), the corresponding Nepali year is 2082-2083 BS, running from mid-April 2025 to mid-April 2026. However, the Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs has announced 28 official public holidays for 2082 BS, excluding Saturdays.
All Saturdays throughout the year are designated as public holidays in Nepal, adding 52 additional weekly holidays to the calendar. On the other hand, employees are entitled to 13 paid public holidays annually as regulated by the Labour Relations Committee, with holidays compensated at normal wages rather than special rates.
Complete List of Public Holidays in Nepal 2026
Below is the comprehensive table of confirmed nationwide public holidays. These dates represent festivals and observances recognized across all provinces and are applicable to government offices, banks, and most private institutions:
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| April 14, 2026 | Tuesday | Nepali New Year (Navavarsha 2083 BS) |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | Buddha Jayanti (Buddha Purnima) |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | International Labour Day |
| May 12, 2026 | Tuesday | Ubhauli Parba |
| August 7, 2026 | Friday | Rakshya Bandhan / Janai Purnima |
| August 26, 2026 | Wednesday | Shree Krishna Janmashtami |
| September 4, 2026 | Friday | Teej (Haritalika Teej) |
| September 16, 2026 | Wednesday | Constitution Day |
| September 25, 2026 | Friday | Indra Jatra |
| October 11, 2026 | Sunday | Ghatasthapana (Dashain begins) |
| October 17, 2026 | Saturday | Fulpati (Dashain Day 7) |
| October 18, 2026 | Sunday | Maha Ashtami (Dashain Day 8) |
| October 19, 2026 | Monday | Maha Navami (Dashain Day 9) |
| October 20, 2026 | Tuesday | Vijaya Dashami (Main Dashain Day) |
| October 21, 2026 | Wednesday | Ekadashi (Dashain Day 11) |
| October 22, 2026 | Thursday | Dwadashi (Dashain concludes) |
| November 6, 2026 | Friday | Kaag Tihar (Tihar begins) |
| November 7, 2026 | Saturday | Kukur Tihar |
| November 8, 2026 | Sunday | Laxmi Puja (Main Tihar Day) |
| November 9, 2026 | Monday | Goru Tihar / Nepal Sambat New Year |
| November 10, 2026 | Tuesday | Bhai Tika (Tihar concludes) |
| November 15, 2026 | Sunday | Chhath Parva (Day 1) |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| December 30, 2026 | Wednesday | Tamu Lhosar (Gurung New Year) |
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 11, 2026 | Sunday | Prithvi Jayanti / National Unity Day |
| January 15, 2026 | Thursday | Maghe Sankranti |
| February 15, 2026 | Sunday | Maha Shivaratri |
| February 18, 2026 | Wednesday | Democracy Day / Loktantra Diwas |
| March 2-3, 2026 | Monday-Tuesday | Holi (Fagu Purnima) |
Note: Some festival dates are based on lunar calculations and may be subject to official confirmation closer to the actual dates. Always verify with official government sources for any last-minute changes.
Major Festival Highlights & Planning Tips
Understanding the significance of major holidays helps in better planning. Check the current local time to coordinate across time zones when scheduling international calls during these holidays.
Dashain (October 2026) – The Grand Festival
Dashain is Nepal’s longest and most significant festival, spanning 15 days in October. The government grants six consecutive days of official leave from Fulpati (October 17) through Dwadashi (October 22). Consequently, many businesses close for extended periods, and travel becomes extremely challenging as millions journey to their ancestral homes.
Planning tip: Book transportation and accommodations at least 2-3 months in advance. On the other hand, if you’re traveling during this period, embrace the festive atmosphere but expect reduced services in urban areas.
Tihar (November 2026) – The Festival of Lights
Following Dashain, Tihar brings five days of celebration from November 6-10. The festival illuminates homes with thousands of oil lamps and colorful decorations. The government provides five consecutive holidays, making this another period of significant travel and reduced commercial activity.
Planning tip: Use a 10-minute timer or 15-minute timer to manage your preparations for Tihar celebrations, from creating rangoli designs to arranging prayer offerings.
Long Weekends & Strategic Planning
Several public holidays fall adjacent to Saturdays in 2026, creating extended weekends perfect for short trips. Meanwhile, April 14 (Tuesday) and May 1 (Friday) provide opportunities for 4-day breaks when combined with strategic leave planning.
The December holidays—Christmas (Friday, December 25) and Tamu Lhosar (Wednesday, December 30)—bookend the year-end period, offering flexibility for both domestic and international travel plans.
Regional and Community-Specific Holidays
Beyond the 28 nationwide holidays, Nepal recognizes additional observances based on community, religion, and geography. For instance, various ethnic groups celebrate their own Losar (New Year) festivals at different times—Sonam Losar for Tamangs, Gyalpo Losar for Sherpas, and Tamu Losar for Gurungs.
Christian communities observe Christmas, Sikh communities celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti, and specific gender-based festivals like Hartalika Teej are observed primarily by women. However, these do not universally close government offices nationwide unless they coincide with official public holidays.
Impact on Work, Banking & Travel
All government offices, banks, and financial institutions remain closed on public holidays. The Nepal Rastra Bank publishes a separate holiday calendar for banking institutions that largely mirrors the government schedule. Consequently, planning financial transactions around these dates prevents unnecessary delays.
Transportation services face significant pressure during major festivals, particularly Dashain and Tihar, when urban-to-rural migration peaks. Domestic flights, buses, and even private vehicles become scarce. For more planning resources, visit our comprehensive time management guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does Nepal have in 2026?
Nepal has 28 official nationwide public holidays in 2026 (for the Nepali year 2082 BS), as announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Additionally, all Saturdays are public holidays, adding 52 weekly holidays throughout the year. However, the 13 paid public holidays that employees are entitled to are selected from the 28 official holidays.
Which holidays create the longest breaks in Nepal 2026?
The longest consecutive holiday periods are Dashain (six days from October 17-22) and Tihar (five days from November 6-10). When combined with adjacent Saturdays, these festivals can extend to 7-8 day breaks, making them ideal for extended travel or family visits.
Are public holidays in Nepal subject to change?
Yes, particularly for lunar-based festivals. While the government publishes the official calendar in advance, final dates for some festivals may shift by a day based on astronomical observations. The government reserves the right to declare special holidays for significant national events. Always check official government notifications closer to the actual dates.
How do Nepal’s holidays affect tourists and visitors?
Major festivals like Dashain and Tihar significantly impact tourist services. Many restaurants, shops, and tour operators close or operate with reduced hours. On the other hand, these periods offer unparalleled cultural experiences and photo opportunities. Banks and government services are completely closed, so visitors should plan accordingly with sufficient cash and completed visa documentation.
What is the difference between Bikram Sambat and Gregorian calendar dates?
The Bikram Sambat (BS) calendar is approximately 56-57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. Nepal’s official year 2082 BS runs from mid-April 2025 to mid-April 2026 in the Gregorian calendar. Festival dates are calculated according to BS, which follows lunar phases, making direct conversion complex.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead for a Smooth Year
Understanding public holidays in Nepal 2026 is crucial for effective planning, whether you’re managing business operations, scheduling personal travel, or simply organizing your daily life. The country’s rich tapestry of cultural and religious celebrations creates a dynamic calendar that reflects Nepal’s diverse heritage.
Remember to regularly check official government announcements for any updates or changes to the holiday schedule. By planning around these dates, you can avoid disruptions while also taking advantage of opportunities to experience Nepal’s magnificent festivals firsthand.
For more time-related tools and resources to help you plan your year effectively, visit CheckDateTime for current time information worldwide, convenient timer tools, and comprehensive planning guides.