Nepal’s 1-Day Weed Day: Tradition, Tourism, and Controversy

 By Tobias Mutunga

The Common Pulse | August 2025

Every year, Nepal captures global attention for a unique cultural phenomenon often dubbed “Weed Day” ,  a day when cannabis use becomes unusually visible and, in many cases, tolerated. Though marijuana remains illegal under Nepalese law, this one-day observance intertwines religion, tradition, and modern tourism in a way that sparks fascination and debate.

The Religious Roots

“Ganja Day,” as some call it, is closely tied to Maha Shivaratri, one of Hinduism’s most significant festivals. Devotees of Lord Shiva, revered as the cosmic god of destruction and transformation, believe that cannabis is sacred to him. Scriptures and folklore describe Shiva as a divine ascetic who consumed marijuana to aid in meditation and connect with higher states of consciousness.

On Maha Shivaratri, thousands of pilgrims, sadhus (Hindu holy men), and tourists gather at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. Smoking marijuana, often rolled in chillums (traditional clay pipes), is considered part of worship and spiritual devotion. During this day, police enforcement is generally relaxed, particularly within temple grounds, creating a sense of “official tolerance” for cannabis use.

A Day of Contradictions

While devotees see cannabis as a path to spirituality, the scene has also evolved into a tourist spectacle. Backpackers and travelers from around the world flock to Kathmandu and other temples to witness (and sometimes partake in) the ritual smoking. The air becomes thick with smoke, music, chanting, and a carnival-like atmosphere.

However, this raises contradictions:

• Legality: Cannabis was legal in Nepal until 1973, when the government banned it under pressure from the United States. Despite this, one day of cultural exception continues to thrive.

• Tourism vs. Law: For locals, it’s a religious ritual. For many foreigners, it’s simply a free pass to smoke weed. This clash of perspectives often sparks debate about exploitation of culture.

• Public Health Concerns: Authorities worry about drug misuse, but enforcement tends to remain symbolic during Weed Day.

Economic and Social Dimensions

The event also highlights the potential of cannabis as an economic driver in Nepal. From the 1960s “Hippie Trail” to modern-day tourism, cannabis culture has always drawn visitors. Local vendors often benefit indirectly through sales of food, drinks, souvenirs, and lodging. Some activists argue that legalizing and regulating marijuana could provide significant revenue for Nepal’s struggling economy.

The Global Spotlight

In an era when countries like Canada, Uruguay, and parts of the U.S. have legalized recreational cannabis, Nepal’s Weed Day stands as a curious blend of tradition and rebellion. It is not a state-sanctioned legalization but rather a cultural exception that survives through religious sanctity and social acceptance.

The future of Nepal’s Weed Day remains uncertain. Calls for reform of Nepal’s cannabis laws have grown louder, with lawmakers occasionally debating legalization for medicinal and economic purposes. Yet, for now, Maha Shivaratri remains the one day when weed smoke rises openly in Kathmandu skies, blurring the line between religion, law, and tourism.