Nepal‘s mosaic of human geography consists of Hindu castes and more than 60 independent ethnic groups resulting from the mixture of the Indo-Aryan and Mongolian races. More than 100 languages and dialects are spoken across the country. The culture, rites, rituals, festivals, processions, foods, and drinks are unique and numerous in almost all ethnic and religious groups. The distinct colors of this vast mosaic can be seen in Kathmandu valley not only because it has served as the nation’s capital since the 18th century, but also because the valley’s one million or so Newars have complex, varied, and peculiar cultural heritages, festivals, celebrations, and processions.
Nepalese celebrate a number of festivals and occasions throughout the year. Again many of the festivals are peculiar to different ethnicities. For the Hindus, the major festivals are Dashain, Tihar, Janai Purnima, Mahashivaratri, Bala Chaturdashi etc. In Kathmandu valley, there are boisterous cultural processions running for weeks like the Bisket Jatra, the Seto Macchindranath Chariot Procession festival, the Rato Machhindranath Chariot Procession festival, Ghode Jatra, Indra Jatra etc. In the Himalayan region, Lo Sar, a.k.a. Lhosar (the New Year) is a major festival. In Khumbu region, the Mani Rimdu also holds special attraction. In the terai region, Chhath is of special importance.