Happy Father’s Day. 23rd August, 2025/7th Bhadra 2082
About Nepal’s Father’s Day
Nepal has a festival dedicated to each family member, celebrating the love, respect, and bond shared between them, whether it’s Mother’s Day (Mata Tirtha Aunsi), Father’s Day (Kushe Aunsi), or celebration of siblings- Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Tika, showing gratitude and honoring their roles in the family. Each of these festivals emphasize the deep-rooted cultural values of respect, care and devotion within the family unit.
Father’s day is one such celebration in Nepal that honors fathers, fatherhood and father figures, recognizing their role in the family and society. It’s a day in Nepal to recognize and show gratitude for the support and love fathers provide in a family. In Nepal, Father’s Day is also widely known as Kushe Aunsi, Gokarna Aunsi, Pirti Tirpani Aunsi and most commonly “Buwa Ko Mukh Herne Din”.
The word Kushe is derived from the word Kush, a holy plant (grass) in Hinduism, worshiped as a symbol/image of Lord Vishnu. This sacred grass is believed to absorb negative vibrations, cleanse surroundings and bring well-being, prosperity and spirituality to the household. Therefore, on this day (the new moon day known as Aunsi in Nepal), people bring new Kush plants into their home and keep it near the water sources, in the storeroom, and in the kitchen to provide continuous purification, thus, giving this festival a name, “Kushe Aunsi”.
When is Father’s Day in Nepal?
Like many other cultural festivals celebrated in the country, Father’s Day in Nepal follows the lunar calendar, therefore, the date does not coincide with International Father’s Day or Father’s day celebrated on any other dates across the world.
Nepal celebrates Father’s Day on the new moon day of the month of Bhadra, which usually falls in late August or early September on the Gregorian/Solar calendar. Thus, Father’s Day in 2025 is on 23rd August, which makes Father’s Day Nepali Date 2082 Bhadra 7th. Similarly, Father’s Day Nepali Date in 2081 was on 17th Bhadra (2nd September,2024).
When is Father’s Day celebrated around the world?
Father’s day is not only celebrated in Nepal, but also around the world, though on different dates.
For example, the International Father’s day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. This date was first observed in the USA and has since been embraced by many other countries such as Afghanistan, Algeria, Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominica, Ecuador, eSwatini, Ethiopia, France, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guernsey, Guyana, Hongkong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Isle of Man, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Laos, Macau, Mali, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Thus, the International Father’s day 2025 was celebrated on 15th June.
In Mongolia Father’s Day is celebrated on 18th March. Similarly, countries like Andorra, Angola, Antwerp, Bolivia, Croatia, Honduras, Italy, Liechtenstein, Mozambique, Portugal, Spain, Ticino Libya and Kosovo celebrate Father’s day on 19th March. South Korea celebrates it as Parent’s day, honoring both mother and father together on the 8th of May. In Romania and Tonga it is celebrated on the second and the third Sunday respectively, in May. Germany celebrates it on Ascension Day, which falls on the Thursday forty days after Easter, thus the date varies each year. Lithuania and Switzerland celebrate father’s day on the first Sunday in June, Austria and Belgium on second Sunday in June, Denmark on 5th June, Armenia, Guatemala & Elsalvador on 17th June, Azerbaijan on 19th June, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and United Arab Emirates on 21st June, Nicaragua and Poland on 23rd June and Haiti on the last Sunday in June. Similarly, Uruguay celebrates Father’s day on the second Sunday in July, Dominican Republic on the last Sunday in July, Taiwan on 8th August, Brazil and Samoa on the Second Sunday in August, South Sudan on the last Monday in August.
Likewise, in Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, Father’s day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September, in Latvia on the second Sunday in September, in Luxembourg the first Sunday in October, in Russia the third Sunday in October, in Belarus 21st October. In Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden the second Sunday in November, in Indonesia 12th November, Thailand 5th December and Bulgaria 26th December.
Moreover, some countries observe this day based on their unique calendar, such as people celebrate Father’s day in Myanmar as per the Burmese Calendar, which falls on the full moon day of Taubang, which is the twelfth and the last month of the traditional Burmese calendar. Also, some Islamic nations, such as Iran, Iraq, Mauritania, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen that follow Islamic calendar celebrate Father’s day on the seventh month of Islamic Calendar which falls around December-January of the Gregorian calendar.
In conclusion, the most popular month for Fathers day celebration around the world is June and the day is Sunday.
How is Father’s Day celebrated in Nepal?
Traditionally, Father’s Day in Nepal is celebrated by performing a special ritual in which children (both son and daughter) apply tika (a mixture of vermillion, yogurt and rice) on their father’s forehead as a sign of respect and blessings. They also offer flowers as a symbol of love and respect. Additionally, a small Father’s Day gift, often symbolic of affection or appreciation are also presented to fathers. People also visit temples to pray for the well being and long life of their fathers. Children also seek blessings from their fathers for good health and prosperity. Families gather together and share special meals, with fathers often being treated to their favorite dishes and spend quality time with their father.
This festival is celebrated by both, those whose fathers are alive and those who have lost their father. In Nepal those who have lost their father celebrate this festival by offering prayer to the Shiva shrine at Gokarna Temple, a temple that provides a sacred space where the spiritual, emotional and cultural aspects of fatherhood are honored. By visiting this temple on this day, people are able to connect with their heritage, seek blessing and pay respect to their ancestors, ensuring that the importance of fatherly love and guidance is passed down through generations. People whose father has died also perform Shraddha (yearly death rituals) at this temple on this day.
Casually, Father’s Day is also celebrated by wishing “Happy Father’s Day” not just to the biological father, but also grandfather, stepfather, foster father, uncle, elder brother, brother-in-law or to anyone who plays the role of a father in their lives.
Moreover, children who live abroad or away from home also celebrate Father’s day by sending Father’s day gifts, such as Father’s Day cards and Father’s Day cake along with Father’s Day wishes.
What are simple yet meaningful ways to express love and appreciation on Father’s Day?
Although not our culture, cakes have become an integral part of many celebrations these days. Therefore, cake shops in Nepal have started to offer the service of custom cakes, allowing customers to personalize their orders for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, as well as Father’s Day blending modern trends with traditional celebrations. Hence, if your father has a sweet tooth you can either customize one or choose from a variety of Father’s Day cake designs offered by cake shops in Nepal, add a heartfelt Father’s Day message to artistically express your love and respect for him and make this Father’s Day special and memorable.
Moreover, one post on Facebook or Instagram with a heartfelt message, a cherished memory, or a photo that captures the essence of your bond with your dad is also a simple yet meaningful way to express love and appreciation toward your father. Therefore, you can post a photo of you and your father with simple yet, a very meaningful and hearttouching Happy Fathers Day Wishes and Quotes such as;
“Behind every strong and independent daughter is a truly supportive father.”
“I hope one day to be half the man you are.”
“You’ve shown me strength isn’t all about muscles.”
“ My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me”.
“To the world, you are a dad, but to our family, you’re the world.”
“No matter how far away I roam, I’m your daughter and with you I’m home.”
“I am a princess not because I have a prince, but because my father is a King.”
Moreover, if you are an introverted person, and want to secretly tell your father how much you appreciate him, you can also send him following Father’s Day messages.
“ Happy Father’s Day to the man who has always been my hero. Thank you for your endless love, guidance and support. I am so lucky to have you as my father.”
“To the best dad in the world, your wisdom and strength have shaped me into who I am today. I love you more than words can express. Happy Father’s Day!”
“Happy Father’s Day, Dad! Your love and sacrifices never go unnoticed. Thank you for always having my back, no matter what.”
Another meaningful way to express love and gratitude on this day is to open your heart out to your father by sending emotional personal messages such as:
“Father, your love is my greatest treasure. Thank you for everything and for being the best father ever.”
“If I were given another life and the chance to choose, I would choose you as my father once again.”
“Thank you for teaching me what it means to a man. I am proud to be your son.”
“Dad, your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for always putting our needs before your own.”
Are you searching for the perfect Father’s Day gift ideas for 2025?
In the past years, you’ve probably showered your father with tangible Father’s Day gifts, such as clothes, watches, electronic gadgets etc.
Businesses in Kathmandu, such as Your Koseli, NauloKoseli, Giftmandu will give you some of the best Father’s Day gift ideas, if you are looking for a material gift.
However, the greatest gift you can give to your father is your time. They show not just thought, but effort, and that’s what truly makes a gift special. Shared time is equal to shared memories and those last longer than any material gift.
If your father is physically fit, how about booking a trekking trip in Nepal? Nepal offers an array of easy to the most difficult treks in the world. Depending on your father’s physical condition, you can plan a trekking trip together.
If trekking is not his forte, how about comfortable tours in Nepal, such as Kathmandu Chitwan and Pokhara Tour, tour to Muktinath, or a tour as simple as Mt. Everest Mountain Flight?
Your father would also love a relaxing massage and spa together. Or a peaceful weekend getaway not far away from Kathmandu Valley.
He will definitely cherish these moments spent together for a lifetime.
If you’d like Amigo Treks and Expedition to plan a perfect tour or trek for your father this year, we are always at your service. Remember we are only one email info@amigotrekking.com away from you.
The upcoming festival in Nepal is Teej, which will be celebrated on 26th August 2025.
