Guide to Nepali Festivals in Australia 2026: Dashain, Tihar, Teej, Holi & More

Despite being thousands of kilometres from Nepal, the Nepali community in Australia celebrates every major festival with remarkable enthusiasm and devotion. These festivals are not just cultural events — they are lifelines that connect the diaspora to their roots, bringing families and friends together in a foreign land. Here is your complete guide to Nepali festivals celebrated in Australia.

Dashain — The Biggest Nepali Festival

Dashain (also spelled Dasain) is the longest and most auspicious festival in the Nepali calendar, celebrated over 15 days. It marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

In Australia, Dashain is the most widely celebrated Nepali festival. Community organisations across every major city host tika ceremonies, cultural programs, and communal feasts. Families plant jamara (barley shoots) at home, and on Vijaya Dashami, elders place tika and jamara on the foreheads of younger family members with blessings.

Find Dashain events near you and book your tickets for community celebrations.

Tihar — The Festival of Lights

Tihar (Deepawali) is celebrated over five days, with each day honouring a different animal or relationship. The celebrations include:

• Day 1 (Kaag Tihar): Honouring crows with food offerings
• Day 2 (Kukur Tihar): Celebrating dogs with garlands and treats
• Day 3 (Gai Tihar/Laxmi Puja): Worshipping cows and Goddess Laxmi
• Day 4 (Goru Tihar): Honouring oxen
• Day 5 (Bhai Tika): Sisters blessing their brothers

In Australia, the highlight is the deusi-bhailo tradition, where groups go from house to house singing traditional songs. Many communities organise deusi-bhailo nights with rangoli, candles, and cultural performances. Browse Tihar events across Australia.

Teej — The Women's Festival

Haritalika Teej is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated primarily by married women, who fast for the long life and prosperity of their husbands. Unmarried women observe the fast wishing for a good husband.

Teej celebrations in Australia are vibrant affairs featuring women dressed in red saris, traditional dar (feast) before the fast, singing and dancing to Teej songs, and applying mehendi (henna). Community organisations host grand Teej programs with cultural performances and competitions. Find Teej celebrations near you.

Holi — The Festival of Colours

Holi (Fagu Purnima) is the joyous festival of colours celebrating the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. In Australia, Nepali communities organise Holi events featuring colour play with organic colours, water balloons, live DJ music, traditional Nepali food, and cultural performances.

Holi events in Australia are among the most popular, often attracting participants beyond the Nepali community. Browse Holi events across Australia.

Nepali New Year (Naya Barsha)

The Nepali New Year (Bikram Sambat calendar) typically falls in mid-April. Communities celebrate with cultural programs, live music, traditional feasts, and welcoming ceremonies. Major events feature Nepali artists, traditional dances, and festive gatherings. Find Nepali New Year events.

Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is dedicated to the Sun God and is observed primarily by the Madheshi community. Devotees fast and offer prayers to the rising and setting sun, typically at riverbanks, lakes, or beaches. In Australia, communities gather at suitable waterfront locations for the traditional rituals. Browse Chhath Puja events.

Other Festivals Celebrated in Australia

• Buddha Jayanti: Celebrating the birth of Lord Buddha
• Saraswati Puja: Honouring the goddess of learning
• Maghe Sankranti: Celebrating the winter solstice with yomari and til laddu
• Lhosar: Nepali Tamang/Sherpa New Year
• Maha Shivaratri: Dedicated to Lord Shiva

For a complete list of dates, visit our Nepali Festival Calendar.

How to Find Festival Events Near You

The easiest way to find Nepali festival celebrations near you is through Nepalese Events Australia. Browse by city — Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, or Adelaide — to find upcoming festival events, buy tickets, and connect with your community.