Namo Nepal

Experience the Festival of Lights – Tihar 2025 in Nepal

Tihar, also known as the Nepali festival of lights, celebrates life, prosperity, and the bonds of family. It spans five days of vibrant rituals, glowing lamps, music, and joyous gatherings. Witness Nepal come alive with candles, rangoli patterns, and festive cheer.

Colorful nights of illuminated houses in Kathmandu during Tihar festival

Why Celebrate Tihar?

Lights, Love, and Devotion in Every Corner

Tihar honors the animals, deities, and relationships that enrich life. From revering crows and dogs as messengers and protectors, to sacred worship of cows and oxen symbolizing prosperity, to the heartfelt sister-brother blessings on Bhai Tika, Tihar weaves spirituality and joy seamlessly.

5 days

Hindu rituals & festivities

4 days

Animal worship (Crow, Dog, Cow, Ox)

Millions

Homes decorated with diyas & lights

Tihar: The Festival of Lights and Colors

A Deep Dive into Culture and Spirituality

Tihar is rooted in Hindu beliefs, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Unique to Nepal, it overlaps with Indian Diwali but has distinct customs, known locally as Yamapanchak. Each day focuses on various animals and relationships central to community life.

Homes and streets glow with oil lamps (diyas), vibrant rangoli designs, and decorative garlands, enhancing the festival's enchanting atmosphere across the nation.

Traditional oil lamps lit in Nepali homes during Tihar

Key Days and Celebrations of Tihar

Black crow adorned with marigold garlands for Kaag Tihar

Kaag Tihar (Day 1) – Honoring the Crow

Dedicated to the crow, Yama’s messenger. People feed and respect crows to ensure good news and ward off evil.

Dogs festooned in colorful marigold garlands for Kukur Tihar

Kukur Tihar (Day 2) – Saluting the Loyal Dog

Dogs are celebrated and worshipped with tika and garlands for their loyalty, companionship, and protection.

Homes illuminated with oil lamps and festive lights for Laxmi Puja

Laxmi Puja (Day 3) – Goddess of Wealth Returns

Homes are decorated with lights to welcome Goddess Laxmi, who blesses prosperity and fortune. Prayers and diyas are offered.

Essential Traditions and Customs of Tihar

Tihar unites spirituality with fun, including traditional songs, dance (Bhailo and Deusi), and gift exchange. It reinforces family bonds and community ties in a harmonious, joyful setting.

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Lighting Diyas and Lamps

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Creating Vibrant Rangoli

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Bhai Tika Ceremony for Siblings

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Traditional Nepali Delicacies

Immerse in Tihar’s Magical Atmosphere

Stroll through Nepali towns and villages during Tihar nights when every home shines with countless diyas, children sing Bhailo songs, and the air fills with the scent of incense and festivity. The rhythmic beats of traditional music paint a vivid cultural portrait of Nepal’s joyful celebrations.

Origins, Mythology, and Regional Variations

Tihar’s origin traces back to ancient Hindu scriptures, celebrating divine entities and natural bonds. It is known as Yamapanchak and Dipawali. Regional differences lend a rich tapestry of practices, from urban festivities in Kathmandu to rural ceremonies in the mountains. *Note: Environmental considerations are rising, with many communities choosing to reduce firecracker use.*

Nighttime street adorned with flickering lamps and bustling festival crowds during Tihar

Join Nepal’s Festival of Lights and Love

Discover the warmth, light, and deep cultural heritage of Tihar. Experience an unforgettable journey of spirituality and joy with family and community.

Get ready to celebrate Tihar 2025 with us!

Children walking door-to-door singing Deusi and Bhailo during Tihar

Tihar Celebration Highlights

Embrace the diverse, vibrant activities that make Tihar a spectacle of color and devotion.

  • Lighting decorative diyas and candles
  • Crafting ornate rangoli designs
  • Participating in Bhailo and Deusi dance songs
  • Worshipping animals ceremonially
  • Sharing traditional festive meals

FAQs About Tihar Festival

Frequently asked questions to help you understand and enjoy Tihar fully.

What is Tihar and how is it different from Diwali?
Tihar is a 5-day festival celebrating light, animals, and sibling bonds. While similar to Indian Diwali, Tihar includes unique customs like the worship of crows, dogs, and the special Bhai Tika ceremony.
When is Tihar celebrated in 2025?
Tihar typically falls in October or November. In 2025, the five days of Tihar start around October 29 to November 2 (exact dates vary by lunar calendar).
What animals are worshipped during Tihar?
Crows (Kaag Tihar), dogs (Kukur Tihar), cows (Gai Tihar), and oxen (Goru Tihar) are all worshipped on separate days for their roles in human life.
What is the significance of the Bhai Tika ceremony?
Bhai Tika is the final and most important day, where sisters apply a ceremonial tika to their brothers' foreheads for longevity and protection, cementing their special bond.
Are fireworks allowed during Tihar?
While traditionally used on Laxmi Puja, the use of fireworks is increasingly restricted or discouraged in many communities due to safety and environmental concerns.
Can tourists participate in Tihar celebrations?
Yes, tourists are welcome to observe the public celebrations, enjoy the lights, and even receive a tika if invited by a local family, always with respect.
What foods are traditionally prepared for Tihar?
Traditional delicacies include sel roti (sweet rice bread), *anarsa*, *finii*, and other deep-fried sweets, often enjoyed with fresh fruit and traditional meals.
How do people decorate their homes during Tihar?
Homes are thoroughly cleaned, painted, and decorated with garlands of marigolds and globe amaranth (*makhamali*), oil lamps (diyas), and colorful floor art (rangoli).
Is there any dress code during Tihar?
While no strict code exists for tourists, locals wear their best or newest traditional clothes (like *Daura Suruwal* or *Sari*) as a symbol of renewal. Modest dress is always appropriate.
How can I best experience Tihar as a visitor?
Visit temples on Laxmi Puja, watch the Deusi/Bhailo song and dance groups, try local sweets, and walk through neighborhoods at night to see the stunning lights.

Light Up Your Spirit with Tihar!

Join Nepal’s grand festival of lights and immerse yourself in a colorful celebration of culture and faith. Don’t miss Tihar 2025.

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