Celebrate Christmas in Nepal

Celebrate Christmas in Nepal. All around the world, people celebrate Christmas, although there are some significant cultural differences between countries. Consider celebrating Christmas in Nepal if you’re searching for a special and memorable experience. This country, tucked away in the Himalayas, has a rich and varied culture that provides for a special Christmas.

Holidays are a great opportunity to see the world rather than simply spend time with loved ones, cuddle up underneath blankets, and exchange presents. If you are in Nepal, do not rush to return home! You will probably have the most relaxing Christmas season ever when you visit Nepal this year since there will be so much to see and do. Get Nepalese-made gifts for your friends and family back home by simply visiting the nearby local shops. Alternatively, you might just take an easy stroll around the bustling streets of Thamel, where you will surely see a lot of shops, cafes, and restaurants decorated with dazzling lights and festive decorations to greet guests. It will always be a special Christmas in your heart as you are celebrating it in a country where the majority of the population is Hindu and Buddhist, who frequently don’t celebrate the holiday like the people in Western and European countries.

Everest Heli Tour

This is where spending Christmas in Nepal can truly shine. For the Christmas and New Year holidays, Nepal is completely open! This means that since everything will be available to you, you can do pretty much anything you want. On Christmas Day, take a fly above the Everest! Indeed, witness the summit of the world on Christmas morning. It’s a pleasant time because the weather tends to be clear.

Himalayas in a brief yet exhilarating flight – Everest Panoramic Heli Sightseeing. With this trip, travelers can experience the world’s tallest peaks up close and personal—without having to endure the strenuous trek often associated with such breathtaking vistas. Passengers will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Everest and its surrounding giants as well as the stunning landscapes of the Khumbu area as they soar over the rough terrains of Nepal. This helicopter trip is a must-do for any visitor, showcasing the Everest Base Camp and the Kala Patthar flyover as highlights. It is a tribute to the harmonious combination of modern aviation with breathtaking natural beauty.

After savoring and photographing this exquisite moment, you will take out for breakfast at the Everest View Hotel. With an amazing view of the surrounding Himalayas, you may have a hearty breakfast of Himalayan cuisine. After that, you’ll finally take off again for Kathmandu, stopping briefly to refuel in Lukla. You will be enthralled with aerial vistas of the Everest region. Additionally, you have the choice of several heli trips to other well-known trekking destinations. It includes Gosainkunda Heli Tour, Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour, and more.

Stroll around Pokhara Lakeside

Pokhara is a wonderful place if you want a more relaxed Christmas celebration. This lakeside is well-known for its laid-back vibe and breathtaking Himalayan vistas. The city has a Christmas market and other joyous celebrations during the holiday season. You can enjoy a stroll in the evening while admiring the lovely arrangement of Christmas decorations along the Pokhara lakeside, which is beautifully decorated.

There are several street vendors, live performances, a vibrant atmosphere, food, and beverages along the lakeside. The bars are open late, hosting parties and celebrating the festival. You may genuinely enjoy and have the time of your life in the valley even on a limited budget. If you don’t like crowded places and chaos,  maybe try out some incredible experiences like zip-lining, bungee jumping, paragliding, and many more.

Christmas in Thamel, Kathmandu

You have to go to Thamel when it’s Christmastime. The whole Thamel market is decked out with lights and Christmas trees for the holiday season. Various events, concerts, and activities take place in Thamel throughout this festival.

Furthermore, Thamel never disappoints. Located in the heart of Kathmandu, this is the only place where Eastern and Western cultures may cohabit in all authenticity. It’s a colorful and charming mix of rainbow prayer flags, high-end cafés, craft shops, and hiking gear. Since it is a one-stop shop for everything accessible in Nepal, it is one of the places where visitors and celebrities come most frequently. Here are the most popular eateries, pubs, outfitters, and outdoor-related enterprises. Discover the amazing venues that are hosting parties on Christmas Eve and are ready to celebrate the holiday with tons of dancing and partying!

Visit the churches in Pokhara and Kathmandu.

People in Kathmandu and Pokhara assemble at the masses at midnight to celebrate Christmas Day, as no Christmas Eve is complete without going to church. You may spend some time here and take it easy strolling about the town; the ambiance is exquisite and serene. In Nepal, the number of Catholic and Protestant churches is rather low. There will be Christmas services at most churches; check the schedule by calling or stopping by in advance.

Go on Food Adventure

Eating is one of the best parts of traveling, and you could try cuisine that isn’t what you’re used to. Because there are so many activities taking place, you can try a wide range of dishes. If you are in Nepal and not with family, you may still celebrate. In Nepal, you can enjoy some of the most authentic and traditional cuisines you’ve ever tasted. The Nepali thali and the Newari Khaja set are two examples of traditional dishes that have won over many international palates. Fast cuisines such as momo and street food like Sausages, Potatoes sticks, chatpate, panipuri, and laphing are among the most popular dishes. Nonetheless, you may satisfy your desire to taste the festive food at many eateries and restaurants.

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Janai Purnima: “The Sacred Thread Festival”

“The beginning of Nepal’s festival season is marked by the sacred thread changing and healthy nine -bean soup preparing festivity i.e Janai Purnima.”

Janai Purnima is considered “The Sacred Thread Festival”. The yearly celebration is held on the full moon day in the month of Shrawan. The individuals known as  ‘Taghadharis’, bearers of the holy thread called Janai, take a bath in the nearest river or pond early in the morning and change the Janai given by their priest. Especially the men belonging to the Brahmins and Chhetris community change their Janai as usual annually during this festival. Devotees also tie a sacred thread around their wrist on this day, which they believe purifies the soul and protect the body from evil. During this festive season, Gosaikunda is very famous as many Hindus across the country flock there in large numbers to participate in an annual fair. This festival also celebrates the day of commemorating the bond of love and affection between brothers and sisters and is known as Rakshya Bandhan. It is mostly celebrated in Terai Region as “Rakshya Bandhan”  and is scattered celebrated in the valleys of Nepal.

Here in Nepal, a festival is accompanied by a special dish otherwise it won’t be as lively as it should be. Especially on this day, the people of the Newar community prepare a special nine-bean soup, traditionally known as Kwasi, and have it as part of their meal. And the festival is also known as “Kwati Purnima” or “Gunu Punhi” among the Newar community. The soup, according to Newar elders, provided much-needed warmth to the farmers, who spent the monsoon summer shin-deep in muddy water, planting crops in the fields.

LEGEND BEHIND THE ORIGINS OF THE FESTIVAL

There are several history and myths about the celebration of Raksha Bandhan. Some of them are:

  • The first myth goes like this:- After Lord Vishnu had defeated and won all the three worlds from the demon, King Bali. Lord Vishnu being the generous and kind being granted a wish of Bali to stay with him in his palace, but Lord Vishnu’s wife Goddess Lakshmi did not like the palace. So, Goddess Lakshmi went to Bali and tied a rakhi which then made him her brother. In return Bali asked what gift she wanted, then she asked him to free Vishnu from the request that he lives in Bali’s palace. Bali also not being able to defy his sister’s wish and granted her wish.  
  • There’s another legend entailing the war between Gods and Demons. Lord Indra is the deity of the sky, rain, and thunderbolts were disgraced by the demon, King Bali. Then after this incident Lord Indra’s wife, Sachi went to Lord Vishnu and asked for his help. He gave her a holy bracelet made of cotton thread which she tied that holy thread around the wrist of Indra and blessed with her prayers for his victory. Then Lord Indra defeated the demon king Bali. This was the inspiration for the holy thread having protective powers.
  • This another legend relates to India and goes back to the time when Alexander the Great invaded India in 326 BCE. As the legend says the wife of Alexander the Great, Roxana sent a sacred thread to Porus, the king of Kaikeya kingdom, requesting him not to harm her husband in battle. King Porus respected the importance and significance of rakhi and wore the rakhi. During the battle of Hydaspes, King Porus managed to stop himself from killing Alexander personally when he saw the rakhi on his wrist.
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