Tihar also known as festivals of light is one of the most popular festivals in Nepal where people light oil lamps, decorate houses with colors, worship animals, and gather their families. Tihar is celebrated for five days, in which crows, dogs, cows, oxen are honored, Goddess Laxmi is welcomed and the brother-sister relationship is celebrated.

People decorate their homes and streets with diyos, marigold garlands and rangolis. The groups go to the neighbourhoods to sing traditional Deusi-Bhailo songs. The festival is celebrated in Nepal with some similarities to Diwali in India although there are some differences.

What Is Tihar, Nepal’s Festival of Lights?

The festival of lights is a five-day long Hindu celebration of prosperity, respect for animals and family bonds. It is also referred to as Deepawali and is sometimes referred to as Yama Panchak, which is related to the god of death, Yama. Generally the festival is held in October or November, as per Nepali lunar calendar.

Every day is a new day with its own goal. Crows are fed, dogs are honored, cows are worshipped, Goddess Laxmi is prayed and brothers and sisters are celebrated. Another time of significance in the Kathmandu valley is celebrated with Newar traditions such as Mha Puja, and the start of the Nepal Sambat calendar, which is the Newar calendar.

It is also a period of time in which the families prepare special food, visit relatives, decorate their houses and invite people who sing Deusi-Bhailo songs. Many of these traditions are held at home; others occur in the public streets and neighborhoods.

The festival is a celebration of various facets of Nepali life. Religious ceremonies are performed, with music, food, family and community celebration.

When Is Tihar Celebrated in Nepal?

The festival usually falls in October or November, but its exact dates change every year because the festival follows the lunar calendar. Anyone planning a visit to Nepal should check the calendar for the year of travel rather than relying on dates from an older article.

In 2026, the main five days of Tihar fall between November 7 and November 11.

Festival day	Main observance	Date in 2026
Day 1	Kaag Tihar, worship of crows	November 7
Day 2	Kukur Tihar and Laxmi Puja	November 8
Day 3	Gai Tihar, worship of cows	November 9
Day 4	Goru Tihar, Govardhan Puja, Mha Puja, and Nepal Sambat New Year	November 10
Day 5	Bhai Tika	November 11

Some observances can fall on different days from the pattern readers may have seen in other years. In 2026, Kukur Tihar and Laxmi Puja fall on the same date, while Gai Tihar follows the next day. This is why checking the local calendar matters.

Want to experience Nepal’s festivals in person? Our local team can help you plan your trip.

The Five Days

Every day has a unique significance, ranging from honoring the animals to wishing for prosperity and celebrating family bonds. The five days also demonstrate the linkages between Nepali traditions and the normal life.

Day 1: Kaag Tihar, the Day of the Crow

It is dedicated to the crow, which according to tradition, is a messenger of the god of death, Yama. The crow feeding is an expression of respect and a prayer for peace and good fortune.

Families can leave rice, grain, sweets or other food outside their home for crows to eat. It is believed that these birds are messengers between the human world and the world of the gods.

Crows also have a place in Nepali stories and customs linked with death and the afterlife. Their role in Tihar reminds people to respect animals that often live close to human settlements but receive little attention during the rest of the year.

For visitors it offers an insight into the beliefs that underlie the festival. It’s also the beginning of 5 days of prayer, decorating the home and family fun!

Day 2: Kukur Tihar and Laxmi Puja

Kukur Tihar, Honoring Dogs

It is the day in which dogs are worshipped for their loyalty, companionship and their role in Hindu rituals. This event is an homage to both family dogs and stray dogs.

They put red tika on the forehead of the dog, marigold garlands around its neck and give it food. The tradition has also religious significance because of the association with Bhairava and Yama by dogs.

Kukur Puja is one of the most familiar of the festival practices in Nepal. It also serves as a reminder to treat animals kindly and respectfully all year round, not just during the festival.

Laxmi Puja: Welcoming the Goddess of Wealth

Laxmi Puja is one of the most significant days of the festival as people offer puja to Goddess Laxmi to attain wealth, good fortune and prosperity. Marigold garland, lights and rangoli designs are put around the doorways to clean and adorn the home. Some families make little footprints leading into the house to receive the goddess.

At the end of the day, families light up the diyos after the sun sets, on the windows, balconies, courtyards, and doorways. They present sweets and fruits to God during the prayers and shopkeepers may bow down to their accounts and cash boxes for a favorable year.

It helps to lighten homes and streets throughout Nepal, making it a festive season. Laxmi Puja is a great chance for visitors to see the decorations, and to learn about the traditions that make this festival unique.

Day 3: Gai Tihar, Honoring Cows

Cows are considered religious and sacred in Hindu beliefs, and thus are honored by the Gai Tihar festival. Cows are fed grass or feed in the family’s presence, marigold garlands are tied around their necks and tika is applied as a sign of respect.

Cows are a significant part of Nepali life and culture, and have been important to the region’s agriculture for centuries. In this festival, people show their gratitude for what they have done for their families and communities.

It is celebrated on November 9th in 2026. The event is a celebration of the significance of animal welfare and the care of animals in everyday life.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja, and Mha Puja

There are a number of traditions during the fourth day of the festival. Goru Tihar is to pray for the welfare of oxen who are used in the agricultural process, and Govardhan Puja is based on Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to save the villagers and their cows. These rituals are symbolic of animal, nature and agricultural life.

The Newar celebrate Mha Puja, a ritual to pay homage to the self and make wishes for health, happiness, and wealth.

Families create mandalas and perform prayers as part of Swanti, the Newar festival period. Mha Puja also marks the beginning of Nepal Sambat, the Newar calendar.

Day 5: Bhai Tika, Celebrating Sibling Bonds

Bhai Tika is the ultimate celebration and the final day where the bond of brother and sister is celebrated. Sisters apply tika with 7 colors, garland with flowers and pray for the long life and good health of their brothers. Brothers give blessings and gifts in return.

The day has been associated with the traditional Yama-Yamuna story, which tells of the prayer of Yama and his sister Yamuna for a long life.

At Bhai Tika, families get to enjoy their celebrations together, exchange gifts and enjoy festive foods together, which is one of the most significant events.

Why is It Called the Festival of Lights?

It is known as the festival of lights as people light their homes and neighbourhoods with oil lamps, candles and electric lights, particularly during Laxmi Puja. The lights will give a warm festive feeling around Nepal.

Diyos are small oil lamps used by the family around doors, windows, courtyards and prayers areas. Colourful electric lights and marigold garlands are also a feature of many homes during the festival.

They make rangoli with colour powders, rice flour and flowers around the door leading to their house. These are decorations to welcome Goddess Laxmi during the Laxmi Puja and are a way to pray for wealth and prosperity.

At night time, the lights add to the residential streets and traditional neighbourhoods, making them very lovely. These displays are for guests to enjoy, and they provide an opportunity to learn about the traditional festivals of Nepal and to respect the local culture.

Bhai Tika at Rani Pokhari

Rani Pokhari in Kathmandu is a special place to observe Bhai Tika, especially for people who cannot celebrate the festival with their brothers or sisters. The historic temple at the center of the pond usually opens to the public on Bhai Tika, allowing visitors to offer prayers and honor the festival’s message of love and family bonds. Check local notices for opening times before visiting.

Many people visit Rani Pokhari during Bhai Tika to receive blessings and take part in the festive atmosphere. The site holds cultural and religious importance in Kathmandu, making it a meaningful place to experience this tradition. Visitors should expect crowds and follow local rules while visiting.

Traditions That Bring Nepal to Life

This festival brings music, food, flowers, and community gatherings into Nepali homes and neighborhoods. These traditions make the festival lively and meaningful.

Deusi-Bhailo Songs and Community Gatherings

Deusi-Bhailo is a traditional singing and dancing custom during the festival. Groups visit homes, sing blessings, and receive money, sweets, or food. Children and adults take part, sharing festive cheer with their communities.

Rangoli and Marigold Garlands

Families decorate their doorways and courtyards with colorful rangoli made from powders, rice flour, or flowers. Marigold garlands brighten homes and are used in religious rituals. During Bhai Tika, makhamali garlands symbolize wishes for long life.

Traditional Foods During Tihar

Food is a major part of Tihar because families prepare meals for religious offerings, relatives, and visitors. The dishes vary between households and regions, but some are widely associated with the festival.

Food	What it is	How it is enjoyed
Sel roti	A ring-shaped bread made from rice flour	Served during family gatherings and festivals
Sweets	Traditional sweets prepared at home or bought from shops	Offered during puja and shared with guests
Fruits and grains	Common food offerings used in rituals	Presented during worship
Festive meals	A mix of family dishes and regional foods	Shared with relatives during the holiday

Is Tihar and Diwali same?

Tihar and Diwali share several customs, including lighting lamps, decorating homes, and worshipping Goddess Laxmi in many Hindu traditions. However, the festivals are not identical. Nepal’s the festival is especially known for its five-day observances, animal worship, and Bhai Tika.

Feature	Tihar in Nepal	Diwali in India
Common name	Tihar or Deepawali	Diwali or Deepawali
Main theme	Lights, prosperity, animals, and family bonds	Light, prosperity, and different religious traditions
Animal worship	Crow, dog, cow, and ox worship feature in the traditions	Customs vary by region and community
Sibling celebration	Bhai Tika is a central part of the festival	Bhai Dooj is observed in many communities
Local customs	Includes Deusi-Bhailo and Newar Mha Puja	Rituals differ widely across Indian regions

Both festivals have religious and cultural meaning, and the exact traditions vary within each country. Tihar has its own place in Nepal’s annual festival calendar, so it should not be treated as simply another name for every form of Diwali celebration.

Essential Tips for Visiting Nepal During Tihar

Planning ahead can make a visit during the festival easier because businesses, transport services, and attractions may follow different schedules during the holiday.

• Check the festival dates before booking. The dates change each year, and some observances may share the same day.
• Confirm transport and accommodation. Ask your hotel or travel provider about arrival times, local transport, and holiday arrangements.
• Plan sightseeing around the celebrations. Streets may be busy in some places, while other areas may be quieter.
• Respect local customs. Ask permission before taking photographs during rituals and do not enter homes or private courtyards without an invitation.
• Ask about local events. A local guide or host can explain which public celebrations are open to visitors.
• Allow some flexibility. Festival schedules, business hours, and public activity can change from one place to another.

Can You Combine this festival With a Trekking Trip in Nepal?

Yes, travelers can plan a cultural visit and include a trek in the same trip, provided they allow enough time for both. The right plan depends on the trekking route, the dates of the festival, and transport arrangements.

Some travelers prefer to spend the days around Laxmi Puja and Bhai Tika in Kathmandu before heading toward the mountains. Others may finish a trek before the festival so they can enjoy the celebrations with a local guide or host.

Before choosing an itinerary, consider these points:

• Set aside time to experience the main festival days.
• Check transport and accommodation schedules during the holiday.
• Avoid planning a tight connection between a trek and a festival event.
• Ask a local trekking company about the route, walking time, and services available on your dates.

For travelers interested in both mountain scenery and Nepali culture, Himalayan Gateway Trek can help them learn about suitable trekking options and cultural visits in Nepal.

Conclusion

The Festival of Lights is an important part of Nepal’s cultural life. Its five days bring together animal worship, prayers for prosperity, colorful decorations, traditional songs, and family gatherings. Each observance adds something different, from honoring dogs and cows to celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.

For travelers, this festival offers a chance to learn about Nepali traditions through public celebrations, decorated streets, local food, and conversations with people who celebrate the festival. The experience becomes more rewarding when visitors check the dates, plan ahead, and respect local customs.

FAQs