Tihar is a five-day festival celebrated by many families in Nepal and by Nepali communities around the world. It honours crows, dogs and cows, welcomes the goddess Laxmi with lights, and ends with Bhai Tika, when sisters and brothers bless one another.
What is Tihar?
Tihar, also known as Deepawali or Yamapanchak, is one of Nepal's most widely observed festivals and usually falls a few weeks after Dashain. It is often called the festival of lights because many homes are lit with oil lamps (diyo), candles and strings of lights. The exact ways people observe the festival vary by family, community and region.
For many people, Tihar is a season of gratitude and family warmth. Each day has its own focus, and together they connect devotion, respect for animals, prosperity and family relationships.
The five days
- Kaag Tihar: Many households offer food to crows, which are traditionally regarded as messengers.
- Kukur Tihar: Dogs are honoured with tika, garlands and food, in recognition of their loyalty and companionship.
- Gai Puja and Laxmi Puja: Cows are worshipped in the morning. In the evening, many families clean and decorate their homes, draw rangoli and light lamps to welcome Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
- Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja: Some families honour oxen or perform Govardhan Puja. Many in the Newar community perform Mha Puja, a ritual of worshipping one's own body and spirit, and mark the start of the Nepal Sambat new year.
- Bhai Tika: Sisters place tika on their brothers and pray for their long life, and brothers offer gifts and blessings in return.
A traditional story
A commonly told story links Tihar with Yamaraj, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna. In the story, Yamuna's devotion and care for her brother lead him to bless her, and Bhai Tika is remembered as an expression of a sister's wish for her brother's long life. Versions of the story differ, and many families tell it in their own way.
Deusi and Bhailo
During the festival, groups of children and young people visit homes singing Bhailo and Deusi songs. Households usually offer food, money or sweets, and the visitors return blessings for the home. The songs and customs differ from place to place.
Find this year's dates
Tihar's dates follow the Nepali calendar and change from year to year. KhataPal's Tihar guide and Nepali calendar show the current published dates in both Bikram Sambat and Gregorian formats. Check the holiday list for the distinction between a public holiday and an observance.