Nepal Government Public Holidays 2083 BS

Prabhakar, a government employee from Sindhuli, had long wished to visit Gosainkunda with his family for a religious pilgrimage. Since the journey requires several days, he carefully planned the trip around a government holiday. By combining the holiday with a few days of annual leave, he could enjoy a full week away from work without using too much of his leave balance.

For Prabhakar, this was more than a family vacation. It was an opportunity to seek blessings at the sacred Gosainkunda Lake, spend meaningful time with his loved ones, and experience the natural beauty of the Langtang region. With the dates selected and leave arranged, the next step was to plan a safe, comfortable, and memorable family journey. Many Nepali families plan their year in the same practical way. A public holiday can become a day for worship, a trip to the ancestral village, a medical appointment in Kathmandu, a child's school activity or simply a quiet break at home.

For government employees, teachers, bank workers, business owners and families with children in school, the holiday calendar affects far more than travel. It helps decide when to submit documents, visit a government office, renew a licence, schedule an exam, arrange transportation or book a bus ticket before the festival rush begins. This guide focuses on Nepal Government Public Holidays 2083 BS, with AD dates included so readers can plan in both calendars. It also keeps the early-2026 holidays from 2082 BS for people planning a January-to-December schedule. Because Nepal follows the Bikram Sambat calendar for government administration, a full AD 2026 planning view crosses two BS years:

• Poush 2082 to Chaitra 2082, covering the beginning of 2026
• Baisakh 2083 to Poush 2083, covering the rest of 2026

Some holidays apply across Nepal. Others are limited to a particular district, province, religion, community, institution or category of employee. This distinction matters. A festival appearing on a Nepali calendar does not automatically mean that every government office, bank, school and private company will close.

Primary source: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government and Public Holidays in 2083. Always check later federal, provincial or local notices before making a legal, banking or travel decision.

Nepal Government Public Holidays 2083: Month-by-Month Quick List

The table below keeps only the fields most readers need on mobile: date, day and holiday. Detailed notes appear in the month-by-month sections below.

The quick list highlights the dates most readers search for. Community-specific, women-only, education-sector, Kathmandu Valley and location-specific holidays are listed in separate sections below.

The official notices place holidays into different categories, including nationwide festival holidays, regional holidays, women-only leave, education-sector leave, religious-community leave and public days observed without closing offices.

Baisakh 2083 Public Holidays in Nepal

Baisakh 1, 2083: Nepali New Year (April 14, 2026)

Baisakh 1, 2083 falls on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Nepali New Year begins Bikram Sambat 2083. Families visit temples, gather for meals, buy new household items and begin personal or business plans for the year. Bhaktapur's Biska Jatra is one of the major cultural events around the New Year period. Other towns and communities hold local jatras, fairs and religious activities. The Ministry of Home Affairs lists Baisakh 1 as a nationwide public holiday in its official 2083 calendar. New Year falls on Tuesday in 2026. A person taking Monday leave could connect the holiday with Saturday and Sunday only where Sunday is already a non-working day. Nepal government offices normally treat Saturday, not Sunday, as the regular weekly holiday. This difference is easy to miss when people copy leave-planning ideas from countries with a Saturday-Sunday weekend.

Baisakh 18, 2083: Buddha Jayanti, Ubhauli and Labour Day (May 1, 2026)

Baisakh 18, 2083 falls on Friday, May 1, 2026. Three important occasions meet on the same date in 2026:

• Buddha Jayanti
• Chandi Purnima and Ubhauli
• International Labour Day

Buddha Jayanti marks the birth of Gautama Buddha and is observed at Buddhist sites across Nepal. Lumbini, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and many monasteries receive large numbers of visitors. Ubhauli is especially significant to Kirat communities, including Rai, Limbu, Sunuwar and Yakkha groups. Cultural programmes may include Sakela or other community dances, prayers and gatherings. International Labour Day is also officially observed on May 1. Because the three occasions fall together, they create one calendar holiday rather than three separate days off. The 2083 notice identifies Baisakh 18 as Buddha Jayanti and the Kirat community's Ubhauli festival, while the public-day section separately identifies the same date as International Labour Day. The date falls on Friday, followed by Saturday. Lumbini-bound buses and domestic flights may become busy from Thursday afternoon.

Jestha 2083 Public Holidays in Nepal

Jestha 15, 2083: Republic Day (May 29, 2026)

Jestha 15, 2083 falls on Friday, May 29, 2026. Republic Day marks Nepal's declaration as a federal democratic republic. Government bodies may organise formal ceremonies, flag events and public programmes. Because the holiday falls on Friday, it joins with the regular Saturday holiday. This makes it practical for a two-day family visit or a short nearby trip. The official 2083 notice lists Republic Day among nationwide public day holidays.

Ashadh 2083 Public Holidays in Nepal

The annual calendar does not show a fixed nationwide festival holiday in Ashadh 2083 comparable to Dashain, Tihar or Nepali New Year. This does not mean every office will remain open every working day. The government may announce an additional holiday due to a national event, election, mourning period, emergency or other decision. Provincial and local governments may also issue holidays within their legal authority.

Shrawan 2083 Public Holidays in Nepal

Shrawan 2083 also does not have a major fixed nationwide public holiday in the same way as Baisakh, Asoj, Kartik or Poush. Muslim festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Bakra Eid are included in the official holiday framework, but their exact dates depend on the Islamic lunar calendar and the recognised announcement. Readers should wait for the official notice rather than relying on an international Islamic calendar alone.

Bhadra 2083 Public Holidays in Nepal

Bhadra 12, 2083: Raksha Bandhan and Janai Purnima (August 28, 2026)

Bhadra 12, 2083 falls on Friday, August 28, 2026. Raksha Bandhan, Janai Purnima and Kwati Punhi are observed in different ways across Nepal. Many Hindu men replace their sacred thread, known as janai. Priests tie a protective thread around devotees' wrists. Newar households prepare kwati, a soup made with mixed sprouted beans. Pilgrimage sites such as Gosainkunda receive visitors during this period. The route is physically demanding, and weather conditions in the monsoon season can change quickly. This is the type of holiday Prabhakar could use for his family pilgrimage. However, one holiday is not enough for a comfortable Gosainkunda journey from Sindhuli. He would need to account for:

• Travel from Sindhuli to Kathmandu
• Road travel from Kathmandu to Dhunche or Syabrubesi
• Trekking and acclimatisation
• Weather delays
• Time for worship at the lake
• A safe return before reporting to work

Since the holiday falls on Friday and is followed by Saturday, Prabhakar already has two connected days. Adding approved leave before or after the holiday may create a practical travel window. The official 2083 notice lists Raksha Bandhan on Bhadra 12 as a nationwide public holiday.

Bhadra 19, 2083: Shree Krishna Janmashtami (September 4, 2026)

Bhadra 19, 2083 falls on Friday, September 4, 2026. Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square becomes a major centre of worship, with devotees gathering from early morning. Traffic and pedestrian movement around Mangal Bazaar and Patan may be controlled. Families planning a visit with children or older relatives should expect queues. The festival falls on Friday and connects with Saturday. The annual notice lists Bhadra 19 as a nationwide holiday.

Asoj 2083 Public Holidays in Nepal

Asoj 3, 2083: Constitution Day (September 19, 2026)

Asoj 3, 2083 falls on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Constitution Day, also recognised as National Day, marks the promulgation of Nepal's Constitution in 2015. In 2026, the date falls on Saturday, which is already the regular weekly holiday for government offices. The annual calendar does not automatically move the holiday to Sunday. This is important for leave planning. A public holiday falling on Saturday normally does not create another weekday off unless the government issues a separate decision. The official calendar lists Constitution Day on Asoj 3.

October contains Nepal's longest major holiday period of the year.

Asoj 25, 2083: Ghatasthapana (October 11, 2026)

Asoj 25, 2083 falls on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Ghatasthapana begins the main Dashain period. Families establish the sacred kalash and plant jamara. Although the largest movement of passengers usually comes closer to Fulpati, many people begin shopping, arranging tickets and preparing to travel from Ghatasthapana onward. The official calendar lists Ghatasthapana as a nationwide public holiday.

Asoj 31-Kartik 6, 2083: Dashain Government Holiday

The official Dashain holiday period for 2083 runs from:

• Asoj 31, Saturday, October 17
• Through Kartik 6, Friday, October 23

The notice describes the period from Fulpati through Dwadashi.

Festival names associated with individual dates can vary according to the official panchanga and local practice. For workplace planning, the most useful information is the government's declared closure period.

How to Plan Dashain Travel

Dashain is not an ordinary week off. It creates one of Nepal's largest annual movements of people. Workers in Kathmandu travel toward districts such as Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Dhanusha, Chitwan, Kaski, Rupandehi, Dang, Banke, Kailali, Kanchanpur and remote hill areas. Demand rises for buses, jeeps and domestic flights. A family should not wait until Fulpati to make every arrangement. A safer plan includes:

• Booking tickets as soon as the travel date is confirmed
• Checking whether the ticket is from New Bus Park, Koteshwar, Kalanki or another departure point
• Keeping luggage within the operator's limits
• Carrying water and basic medicine
• Allowing extra road time
• Avoiding unregistered vehicles
• Checking weather and road notices before departure

Government employees should also confirm the final working day of their office. Essential-service offices may use a duty roster even when the general office is closed.

Can Annual Leave Make Dashain Longer?

Yes, but approval depends on the employee's office and responsibilities. For 2026, Ghatasthapana falls on October 11, while the main government Dashain closure begins October 17. An employee taking approved leave during the working days between them could create a much longer break. That does not mean every request will be granted. Offices often face many leave applications before Dashain. Staff should apply early and make sure urgent work, files and public services are properly handed over.

Kartik 2083 Public Holidays in Nepal

Kartik 22-26, 2083: Tihar Government Holiday

The official Tihar holiday period runs from:

• Kartik 22, Sunday, November 8
• Through Kartik 26, Thursday, November 12

The notice covers the period from Laxmi Puja through Bhai Tika.

Exact ritual days should be checked against the official panchanga, especially when a tithi begins or ends during the day. Tihar affects electricity use, flower markets, transport, retail activity and domestic travel. Marigold garlands, oil lamps, sweets, fruits and gifts are in high demand. People should also take basic safety precautions:

• Keep oil lamps away from curtains and children
• Use decorative electrical lights safely
• Avoid damaged extension cords
• Follow local rules for fireworks
• Keep pets in a safe space during loud celebrations
• Do not block roads during Deusi-Bhailo programmes

Kartik 29, 2083: Chhath Parva (November 15, 2026)

Kartik 29, 2083 falls on Sunday, November 15, 2026. Chhath is widely celebrated in Madhesh and increasingly observed in Kathmandu and other urban centres. Devotees worship the setting and rising sun at rivers, ponds and specially prepared water sites. Janakpur, Birgunj, Biratnagar and many municipalities organise cleaning, lighting and security around ghats. The official calendar lists Chhath as a nationwide holiday. Since Chhath follows shortly after the official Tihar period, transport demand may remain high. Workers travelling between Kathmandu and the Terai should not assume that seats will immediately become easy to find after Bhai Tika.

Mangsir 2083 Public Holidays in Nepal

Mangsir 17, 2083: International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Mangsir 17, 2083 falls on Thursday, December 3, 2026. The annual calendar gives leave on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to employees with disabilities working in Nepal. This is an employee-specific holiday, not necessarily a nationwide closure of every office. Employers and offices should interpret the provision carefully and avoid treating the day as merely ceremonial. Accessibility of buildings, digital systems, transportation and public services affects employees and citizens throughout the year.

Poush 2083 Public Holidays in Nepal

Poush 1, 2083: Dhanya Purnima, Udhauli, Yomari Punhi and Jyapu Day

Poush 1, 2083 falls on Wednesday, December 16, 2026. Several cultural observances fall on this date:

• Dhanya Purnima
• Udhauli Parva
• Yomari Punhi
• Jyapu Day

Dhanya Purnima is connected with the harvest. Kirat communities observe Udhauli as a seasonal movement and cultural festival. Newar communities prepare yomari and hold community events. The 2083 notice brings these observances together as a nationwide holiday on Poush 1.

Poush 10, 2083: Christmas Day (December 25, 2026)

Poush 10, 2083 falls on Friday, December 25, 2026. Christmas Day is listed as a nationwide holiday in the official calendar. Churches hold prayer services, and public celebrations are common in parts of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Pokhara and other cities. The holiday falls on Friday and is followed by Saturday, creating a two-day break for many government employees. Hotels, restaurants and shops may remain open even when government offices close. Private businesses decide their own staffing according to employment rules and company policy unless a binding government order applies.

Poush 15, 2083: Tamu Lhosar (December 30, 2026)

Poush 15, 2083 falls on Wednesday, December 30, 2026. Tamu Lhosar is associated mainly with the Gurung community. Celebrations include traditional dress, food, music, dance and community gatherings. Large public programmes are often held in Kathmandu and districts with significant Gurung populations, including areas of Gandaki Province. The annual notice lists Tamu Lhosar as a nationwide holiday.

Magh 2083 Public Holidays in Nepal

Magh 2083 falls mainly in January and February 2027. The official notice lists Maghe Sankranti or Maghi on Magh 1, Sonam Lhosar on Magh 24, and Basanta Panchami on Magh 28 for educational institutions. These dates sit outside AD 2026, but they remain part of the official BS 2083 holiday year.

Falgun 2083 Public Holidays in Nepal

Falgun 2083 falls in February and March 2027. The official notice includes Maha Shivaratri on Falgun 22, Gyalpo Lhosar on Falgun 25, National Democracy Day on Falgun 7 and International Women's Day on Falgun 24. Fagu Purnima is divided between hill and Himalayan districts and specified Terai districts, so the closing date depends on the office location.

Chaitra 2083 Public Holidays in Nepal

Chaitra 2083 closes the official holiday year in March and April 2027. Ram Navami and the Kathmandu Valley's Ghode Jatra fall in this final month under the official notice. Check the Ministry of Home Affairs and the relevant local office before travelling because later notices may add or adjust a closure.

The official notice includes a separate category for holidays connected with religion, culture, geographical area and place. It also separates women-only leave and education-sector leave. A municipal office in Biratnagar, a federal office in Kathmandu and a provincial office in Dhangadhi may therefore have different closures during the same week.

Kathmandu Valley Jatra Holidays in 2083

The Ministry of Home Affairs lists certain jatra holidays specifically for the Kathmandu Valley.

Gaijatra

In 2083, Gaijatra falls on Bhadra 13, Saturday, August 29, 2026. The day is already Saturday, but cultural processions remain important in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. Bhaktapur's celebrations can continue for several days in different forms.

Indra Jatra

Indra Jatra falls on Asoj 9, Friday, September 25, 2026. The festival centres on Kathmandu Durbar Square and includes chariot processions, masked dances and religious ceremonies. Roads in the old city may be closed or heavily restricted.

Machhindranath Bhoto Jatra

The holiday is observed on the official day fixed for displaying the Bhoto of Rato Machhindranath. Because the date depends on the jatra schedule, people should wait for the official notice rather than guessing from an unofficial calendar.

Ghode Jatra

The 2026 Ghode Jatra holiday falls on March 18 under the 2082 calendar and applies to the Kathmandu Valley. The official notices list these jatras separately from nationwide festival holidays.

Holidays for Female Employees

The 2083 holiday notice includes two holidays specifically for women employees:

These holidays should not automatically be described as full nationwide office closures. The office may remain open while eligible employees receive leave. The official notice specifically places Teej and Jitiya under the heading for female employees.

National Observances When Offices Remain Open

Not every national observance is a public holiday. The government calendar also identifies days that are celebrated nationally while offices continue regular operations. For 2083, these include:

• National Day against Racial Discrimination and Untouchability
• Civil Service Day
• Nijamati Martyrs' Day

The official notice states that these days are observed nationally while offices remain open. This distinction helps prevent a common misunderstanding. A programme, rally or official ceremony does not always mean employees receive a full day off.

Are Banks Closed on Every Government Holiday?

Not always. Nepal Rastra Bank publishes a separate list of bank holidays. Its schedule can include annual closing dates, region-specific arrangements and banking-sector requirements that differ from the general civil-service calendar. Nepal Rastra Bank published a separate bank holiday list for 2083 in March 2026. Before visiting a bank, check:

• The bank's official notice
• Nepal Rastra Bank's holiday schedule
• Whether the branch is inside or outside the Kathmandu Valley
• Whether digital banking remains available
• Whether clearing and settlement services are operating

Mobile banking, ATMs and internet banking may continue during a branch holiday, but maintenance or settlement delays can still affect transactions. A business should avoid scheduling a tax payment, salary transfer or cheque settlement on the final day before a long holiday.

Are Private Companies Required to Close?

The government's holiday notice is written primarily for government offices and public bodies. Private organisations may follow:

• Their employment contract
• Company policy
• Applicable labour law
• Sector regulations
• A specific government order
• Collective agreements

Many private companies close for major holidays such as Dashain, Tihar and Nepali New Year. Some remain open with rotating staff or provide substitute leave. Employees should check their human resources notice rather than assuming the government calendar applies in exactly the same way. Hospitals, hotels, restaurants, transportation companies, media houses, factories, security companies and retail businesses often maintain services during public holidays.

Government employees who are planning leave around holidays may also want to compare the calendar with the current Nepal Government Salary Scale, especially when festival periods affect payroll, allowances or office schedules.

Essential Services That May Continue During Holidays

A government holiday does not mean the entire country stops operating. The official notice requires arrangements for essential and emergency services. It identifies services and public functions that may need to continue even on holidays. These include areas such as citizenship-related services, relief, customs, revenue, quarantine, transport administration, electricity, roads, food testing, examinations and other services designated by the responsible authority. The notice also states that hospitals, emergency services, police, immigration, prisons, firefighting, postal services, public broadcasting, disaster response and similar continuous services must maintain operations. Employees working in these sectors may receive:

• A duty roster
• Rotational leave
• Compensatory leave
• Overtime or another arrangement under applicable rules

Citizens should still call or check the office notice before travelling. An emergency unit may operate while the regular administrative counter remains closed.

Regular Government Office Hours in 2083

For most Nepal government office visits, the useful question is simple: when should you arrive? Aim for morning if you need a token, payment counter, document intake, land/revenue work, transport office work or district administration service.

Saturday Holidays in 2083

Saturday is the regular weekly holiday for government offices in Nepal. The official 2083 notice lists every Saturday date month by month. A festival falling on Saturday does not normally create a substitute holiday on Sunday. In 2026, this affects holidays such as Constitution Day, which falls on Saturday, September 19. Government workers should count only actual working days when preparing a leave request. Private companies may use a different weekly schedule.

Provincial and Local Public Holidays

Nepal's provinces may declare additional holidays based on regional religion, culture and tradition. The official federal notice allows a province to provide up to six additional public holidays within the stated framework. Those holidays may also apply to federal offices located in that province. The notice explains that if a province wants more than the permitted number or wants a holiday affecting Kathmandu Valley districts, the matter requires a federal government decision. Local governments may also issue notices for municipal festivals, anniversaries, mourning or major local events. A person should therefore check three levels:

1. Federal Ministry of Home Affairs
2. Provincial government or relevant ministry
3. District administration or local municipality

For example, a municipality in Madhesh may declare a local holiday that does not apply to an office in Gandaki Province.

Can the Government Add a Holiday During the Year?

Yes. The annual calendar is the main schedule, but it is not always the final list of every closure that will occur during the year. Additional holidays may be declared for:

• Elections
• National mourning
• The death of a major public figure
• A special state event
• A natural disaster
• A major local festival
• An emergency
• A cabinet decision

The Ministry of Home Affairs posts separate holiday notices when the government makes such a decision. Its website maintains annual holiday pages as well as individual notices. Do not make a non-refundable travel booking solely because a social media post says a holiday has been announced. Check the official notice first.

How to Confirm Whether an Office Is Open

Before travelling several hours to visit a government office, check the closure status in this order:

1. Ministry of Home Affairs notice: main source for nationwide government holidays.
2. Office notice: the office may publish a counter schedule, emergency number or staff roster.
3. Province or municipality notice: necessary for local and provincial holidays.
4. Phone call: useful before visiting a district administration office, land revenue office, transport office, passport unit or tax office.
5. Timing: avoid the day before Dashain, Tihar, fiscal deadlines or long holiday periods when counters are usually crowded.

Planning Annual Leave Around Nepali Holidays 2083

A public holiday becomes more useful when it connects naturally with Saturday.

Leave approval remains an official workplace decision. Employees should not book travel first and request leave later, especially around Dashain.

A Practical Gosainkunda Leave Plan for Prabhakar

Raksha Bandhan falls on Friday, August 28, 2026, followed by Saturday. Prabhakar might request leave for several working days before or after that weekend. A possible plan would be:

• Travel from Sindhuli to Kathmandu
• Continue to Dhunche after checking road conditions
• Trek gradually rather than rushing
• Keep one buffer day for rain or landslides
• Visit Gosainkunda for worship
• Descend safely
• Return to Sindhuli before the leave period ends

The monsoon season makes a buffer day especially valuable. Roads toward Rasuwa can face delays, and mountain weather can change without warning. His leave application should state the dates clearly and allow enough time for office handover. A rushed pilgrimage could defeat the purpose of travelling with family.

Holiday Travel Tips for Nepali Families

Buy Tickets Early

Bus tickets can become difficult to find before Dashain, Tihar, Chhath and major long weekends.

Check the Correct Departure Point

A ticket may depart from Gongabu, Koteshwar, Gaushala, Kalanki, Balkhu or another location. Kathmandu traffic can make reaching the wrong station costly.

Keep Cash and Digital Payment Options

Digital payments are useful, but mobile networks or banking systems can become slow in crowded areas.

Carry Essential Medicine

People travelling with children, older adults or family members with health conditions should not depend on finding a specific medicine in a remote town during a holiday.

Do Not Pack the Schedule Too Tightly

A landslide, fog, delayed flight or vehicle problem can turn a six-hour journey into a full day.

Confirm Hotel and Homestay Availability

A public holiday does not guarantee accommodation. Pilgrimage towns and trekking stops can fill quickly.

Check School Reopening Dates

Schools may extend or shorten festival breaks according to their academic calendar. Parents should not assume the school follows the exact government office schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions: Nepal Government Holidays 2083

Final Planning Note

Nepal's public holiday calendar reflects the country itself. It includes Hindu and Buddhist festivals, Kirat traditions, Lhosar celebrations, Muslim festivals, Christian observance, Newar jatras, national political days and regional cultural events. That diversity also makes the calendar more complex than a simple list of red dates. Before applying for leave or travelling to an office, ask three questions:

• Is this holiday nationwide or local?
• Does it apply to every employee or only a specific group?
• Has a later government notice changed the original calendar?

For Prabhakar, checking those details turns a hopeful Gosainkunda idea into a workable family plan. He can protect his leave balance, avoid rushing the trek and give his family enough time to experience the pilgrimage properly. For everyone else, the same calendar can help prevent a wasted office visit, a missed bank deadline or a last-minute search for a Dashain bus ticket. Last updated: July 2026 Primary reference: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Nepal, official government and public holiday notices for 2082 and 2083. The Ministry's holiday section provides both annual files.

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