Teej falls in the Nepali month of Bhadra, usually between mid-August and mid-September, and is dedicated to the goddess Parvati, who according to legend fasted and prayed until Shiva accepted her as his wife. Married women fast for the health and long life of their husbands, and unmarried women for a good husband. Many keep a strict fast without even water on the main day, after a feast called dar khane the night before, when families and friends gather to eat, sing and dance.
On the main day, Pokhara fills with women in red and green saris, red bangles, glass beads and gold jewellery. Lines of devotees form at the boat ghats to cross to Tal Barahi temple on Phewa Lake, and at Bindhyabasini temple above the Old Bazaar, where women offer flowers, fruit and lamps. In temple courtyards and along Lakeside, groups sing Teej songs, some devotional, some light-hearted and some sharply critical of social issues, and dance in circles for hours.
Teej falls in the monsoon, so expect rain, cloud and fewer foreign visitors, which makes it a good time to see local life rather than mountain views. Visitors are welcome to watch and photograph from a respectful distance; ask before photographing individuals. Dates follow the lunar calendar and change every year, so check current dates before you travel. Hotel rates in Pokhara are lower in this season, and the green rice terraces around the valley make the wet weather easier to accept.
Tips
- Arrive at the Barahi ghat early in the morning, as queues for boats to Tal Barahi grow long by mid-morning.
- Carry an umbrella or rain jacket, since Teej falls in the monsoon and showers are frequent.
- Ask before photographing women at prayer or dancing, and avoid using flash inside temples.
Questions travellers ask
When is Teej in 2026 and 2027?
Teej falls in the Nepali month of Bhadra, usually between mid-August and mid-September, on dates set by the lunar calendar. The exact day is announced each year by Nepal's calendar committee and is a public holiday for women. Check current dates before you travel and plan Pokhara visits around the main day.
Where can I see Teej celebrations in Pokhara?
The biggest gatherings are at Tal Barahi temple on its island in Phewa Lake, reached by boat from Lakeside, and at Bindhyabasini temple above the Old Bazaar. Groups also sing and dance along Lakeside and in community halls. Mornings are busiest at the temples.
Can tourists join Teej celebrations?
Visitors are welcome to watch and often to join the dancing when invited, especially women. Dress modestly, remove shoes at temples and ask before taking close-up photos. Do not eat in front of fasting women in temple areas. Many women enjoy explaining the festival to curious visitors.
Is August a good time to visit Pokhara for Teej?
It is good for culture but not for mountain views. August is the heart of the monsoon in Pokhara, with heavy rain, cloud hiding the peaks and some adventure activities limited. In return you see a major festival, green rice terraces and fewer tourists, with lower hotel prices.
