तिहार · Deepawali / Yama Panchak
Tihar, also called Deepawali, follows Dashain by a few weeks and turns Nepal's towns into a patchwork of marigold garlands, oil lamps, and coloured powder. It is a festival of light, but also of gratitude toward the animals and people who sustain daily life.
Each of the five days has its own focus: crows, dogs, cows, the goddess Laxmi, and finally the bond between brothers and sisters. The result is a festival that feels both domestic and public, moving from rooftops and courtyards into the streets.
The origins and observances of Tihar, plus practical advice for experiencing it respectfully.
Tihar is linked to the god Yama, lord of death, and to the story of his sister Yamuna, who persuaded him to spare her brother's life. That story underlies Bhai Tika, the final and most important day for many families.
In the Kathmandu Valley, Tihar overlaps with Mha Puja, the Newar worship of the self and the start of the Nepal Sambat calendar. The two traditions share the season but follow distinct rituals and calendars.
Kag Tihar and Kukur Tihar open the festival with offerings to crows and dogs. Gai Tihar follows, when cows are garlanded and fed, and Laxmi Puja fills doorways with lamps and rangoli to welcome prosperity into the home.
On Bhai Tika, sisters place a seven-coloured tika on their brothers' foreheads, offer sweets and fruit, and receive gifts in return. The ceremony is meant to affirm a lifelong bond of protection and affection, whatever the siblings' ages.
Kathmandu and Pokhara are particularly atmospheric during Tihar, with marigold markets, lamp-lit lanes, and rooftop celebrations. Expect firecrackers and loud music late into the night, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
Tihar is one of the best festivals for visitors because much of it happens in public streets and courtyards. Ask before joining a family's puja, accept prasad with your right hand, and remember that Bhai Tika is usually a private family occasion.
Tihar (तिहार) is a hindu festival observed mainly in Nationwide. It falls around October–November, in the Nepali month of Kartik, and typically lasts 5 days.
The main day is Bhai Tika, when laxmi puja and bhai tika takes centre stage. It is a national public holiday, so offices, schools, and many businesses close.
Festival dates follow the lunar Bikram Sambat calendar, so the English month range (October–November) is approximate and can shift by a couple of weeks from year to year. Confirm the current year's date with a local calendar or your hotel before booking transport.
Expect Nationwide to be busier than usual in the days around Bhai Tika. Book accommodation and long-distance travel early, carry cash, and allow extra time for crowds and road closures.
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