Planning your year around public holidays can help you make the most of time with family, travel, and celebrations. The official list of government and public holidays for 2081 BS has been released, detailing the national holidays, festival breaks, and region-specific observances. This comprehensive guide will help you stay informed about the significant holidays throughout the year, including major festivals like Dashain and Tihar, as well as unique local celebrations within the Kathmandu Valley. Read on to explore the full list of holidays in 2081 BS and start planning your year!
1. Saturdays (53)
Below is a comprehensive list of all 53 Saturdays for the year 2081, organized by each Nepali month. This table is part of our broader guide on government and public holidays in Nepal, serving as a handy reference for planning your personal, professional, and ceremonial activities on weekends throughout the year.
| Month | Saturdays |
| Baisakh | 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 |
| Jestha | 5, 12, 19, 26 |
| Ashadh | 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 |
| Shrawan | 5, 12, 19, 26 |
| Bhadra | 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 |
| Asoj | 5, 12, 19, 26 |
| Kartik | 3, 10, 17, 24 |
| Mangsir | 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 |
| Poush | 6, 13, 20, 27 |
| Magh | 5, 12, 19, 26 |
| Falgun | 3, 10, 17, 24 |
| Chaitra | 2, 9, 16, 26, 30 |
2. Public Holidays on National Festival
Explore the array of public holidays that mark Nepal’s national festivals in 2081. This list includes not only widely celebrated events like Dashain and Tihar but also important dates for various communities across the country. From the festive spirits of New Year in Baisakh to regional observances like Ubauli and Udhauli Parva for the Kirant community, each holiday carries its unique cultural significance. This guide provides the dates and descriptions of each festival, ensuring that you stay connected with Nepal’s rich traditions throughout the year.
| National Festival | Date |
| New Year | Baisakh 01, Saturday |
| Ram Navami | Baisakh 05, Wednesday |
| Ubauli Parva | Jestha 10, Thursday (For Kirant Community) |
| Rakshya Bandhan | Bhadra 03, Monday |
| Krishna Janmasthami | Bhadra 10, Monday |
| Ghatasthapana | Ashoj 17, Thursday |
| Dashain | Ashoj 24, Thursday to Ashoj 28, Monday |
| Tihar | Kartik 15, Thursday to Kartik 19, Monday |
| Chhath | Kartik 22, Thursday |
| Udhauli Parva, Yomari Punhi | Mangsir 30, Sunday |
| Christmas | Poush 10, Wednesday |
| Tamu Lhosar | Poush 15, Monday |
| Maghi Parva/Maghe Sankranti | Magh 01, Tuesday |
| Sonam Lhosar | Magh 17, Thursday |
| Maha Shivaratri | Falgun 14, Wednesday |
| Gyalpo Lhosar | Falgun 16, Friday |
| Bakar Eid (Eid Ul Fitr) | |
| Eid (Eid Ul Adha) | |
| Fagu Purnima | Falgun 29, Thursday (56 districts of hilly region and inner terai) and Chaitra 1, Friday (remaining districts) |
3. Public Holidays for Ethnic Festivals (observed only by respective communities)
This section highlights the public holidays specific to ethnic festivals in Nepal, observed only by respective communities. These festivals, such as Gaijatra for the Newars and Gaura Parva celebrated in certain regions, showcase the rich cultural diversity of Nepal. Each festival is listed with its date and the specific communities or regions that observe it, providing a valuable resource for those who partake in these unique celebrations.
| Festivals | Date |
| Gaijatra | Bhadra 04 (for Newars), Tuesday |
| Gaura Parva | Bhadra 10, Monday |
| Siruwa Pawani (people who celebrate in Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Siraha, and Saptari) |
4. Women Holidays
This section details the holidays specifically for women in Nepal, emphasizing celebrations like Haritalika (Teej) and the Jitiya Festival. These holidays, marked by unique traditions and rituals, hold great significance for women across various communities, providing opportunities for empowerment and festivity. Dates are provided for each festival, with the Jitiya Festival recognized as a public holiday for women employees who observe it.
| Festivals | Date |
| Haritalika (Teej) | Bhadra 21, Friday |
| Jitiya Festival | Ashoj 09, Wednesday (Public Holiday for Women Employees Observing the Jitiya Festival) |
5. Holiday for Education institutions only
| Event | Date |
| Basanta Panchami/Saraswati Puja | Magh 29, Monday |
6. Jatra holidays (Kathmandu Valley Only)
| Jatra | Date |
| Gai Jatra | Bhadra 04, Tuesday |
| Indra Jatra | Ashoj 01, Tuesday |
| Bhoto Jatra | |
| Ghode Jatra | Chaitra 16, Saturday |
7. Observed holidays
| Events | Date |
| Labour Day | Baishakh 19, Wednesday |
| Republic Day | Jestha 15, Tuesday |
| Constitution Day | Ashoj 03, Thursday |
| Martyrs Day | Magh 16, Wednesday |
| Democracy Day | Falgun 07, Wednesday |
| International Women’s Day | Falgun 24, Saturday |
8. For People with Disabilities Only
| Event | Date |
| International Day of Persons with Disabilities | Mangsir 18, Tuesday |
9. Public Holidays on Birth Anniversaries
| Events | Date |
| Buddha Jayanti | Jestha 10, Thursday |
| Falgunanda Jayanti | Kartik 25, Sunday (Kirants) |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | Kartik 30, Friday (Sikhs) |
| Prithvi Jayanti | Poush 27, Saturday |
| Prophet Muhammad Birth Anniversary |
10. Nationally Celebrated but Office Opening Days
| Event | Date |
| Ethnic discrimination and untouchability eradication national Day | Jestha 21, Monday |
| Civil Service Day | Bhadra 22, Saturday |
FAQs
The main government holidays in 2081 include New Year on Baisakh 01, Dashain from Ashoj 24 to Ashoj 28, and Tihar from Kartik 15 to Kartik 19.
The total number of public holidays for the year 2081 varies as some are specific to certain ethnic groups or regions, but there are major national holidays and numerous festivals celebrated across the country.
Yes, several holidays are specifically observed by particular communities, such as Ubauli and Udhauli Parva for the Kirant community, and Gaijatra, which is primarily celebrated by the Newar community.
Dashain is the festival celebrated with the longest public holiday span, observed from Ashoj 24 to Ashoj 28.
This year does not introduce any new public holidays, but it follows the traditional pattern of holidays observed in previous years.
While most public holidays are observed nationwide in both the public and private sectors, some companies may not grant a holiday for region-specific or community-specific festivals unless it affects a significant portion of their staff.
Public holidays in Nepal can significantly impact business operations as government offices, banks, and most businesses close. Tourist-oriented businesses and essential services usually remain open.
Yes, some public holidays in Nepal can vary by region, especially those connected to ethnic festivals or local traditions.
Tourists should be aware that public holidays may affect the availability of certain services, including transportation and government services. It’s a great time to experience Nepal’s rich cultural festivities but planning ahead is recommended.