About the Nepali Calendar in 2026
The Nepali (Bikram Sambat) calendar runs approximately 56 years and 8.5 months ahead of the Gregorian calendar. The year 2026 CE spans across two Bikram Sambat years — 2082 BS (Baisakh 1, 2082 to Chaitra 30, 2082, i.e. April 2025 to April 2026) and 2083 BS (Baisakh 1, 2083 onwards, starting April 14, 2026).
The Indian Gorkha community of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim and the Dooars follows the Nepali calendar for all major religious and cultural festivals. Below you will find exact Gregorian dates for every important Nepali festival in 2026.
Nepali Festivals & Holidays — 2026
All major festivals celebrated by the Indian Gorkha community, with exact Gregorian dates.
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Festival Dates — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about Nepali festival dates in 2026.
When is Dashain 2026?
Dashain 2026 (Vijaya Dashami / Tika Day) is on October 20, 2026. Ghatasthapana — which marks the official start of the Dashain festival — falls on October 11, 2026.
When is Tihar 2026?
Tihar 2026 runs from November 2 to November 4. Laxmi Puja (the festival of lights) is on November 2, and Bhai Tika falls on November 4, 2026.. Laxmi Puja (the festival of lights) is on November 2, and Bhai Tika falls on November 4, 2026.
When is Maha Shivaratri 2026?
Maha Shivaratri 2026 is on February 15, 2026 (Falgun 3, 2082 BS). It is celebrated with overnight vigils at Shiva temples across Darjeeling and Kalimpong. (Falgun 3, 2082 BS). It is celebrated with overnight vigils at Shiva temples across Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
When is Holi 2026 in Darjeeling?
Holi (Fagu Purnima) is celebrated on March 2, 2026 in the hilly regions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim. In the Terai plains, it is traditionally observed one day later. in the hilly regions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim. In the Terai plains, it is traditionally observed one day later.
When is the Nepali New Year 2026?
The Nepali New Year 2083 BS begins on April 14, 2026. This is celebrated as Nava Barsha across the Indian Gorkha community with cultural programmes and community gatherings.. This is celebrated as Nava Barsha across the Indian Gorkha community with cultural programmes and community gatherings.
When is Buddha Jayanti 2026?
Buddha Jayanti 2026 falls on May 1, 2026 (Baishakh 18, 2083 BS), coinciding with International Workers' Day. It is also celebrated as Ubhauli Parva by the Kirant community. (Baishakh 18, 2083 BS), coinciding with International Workers' Day. It is also celebrated as Ubhauli Parva by the Kirant community.
When is Chhath Puja 2026?
Chhath Parva 2026 is on November 14, 2026. It is celebrated along the riverbanks and ghats of Siliguri and Jalpaiguri with offerings to the Sun God.. It is celebrated along the riverbanks and ghats of Siliguri and Jalpaiguri with offerings to the Sun God.
What Bikram Sambat year is 2026?
The year 2026 CE spans across two Bikram Sambat years. From January to April 13, 2026, the BS year is 2082. From April 14, 2026 onwards (Nepali New Year), the BS year becomes 2083.
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