The Tihar Festival in Nepal is one of the most widely celebrated and vibrant Hindu festivals, often called the festival of lights. It is celebrated throughout the country, and in Nepali communities in India, including Sikkim and Darjeeling. Also known as Deepawali in Nepal, the Tihar festival honors Yama, the God of Death, and Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth. It is the second biggest festival after Dashain and occurs between October and November. Tihar in Nepal 2025 is celebrated from October 19 to 23 with five days of light, worship, and family togetherness.
The Tihar festival is made up of interesting and significant cultural/religious meanings. The first day is called Kaag Tihar. This day is for crows, as they are thought to be messengers of Yama. The second day, Kukur Tihar, is also for dogs - which recognizes their faithfulness and protective nature. The third day, Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja in Nepal, is where cows are worshiped, as well as the goddess of wealth. On this day, individuals decorate their homes with oil lamps, candles, and lights to welcome Goddess Laxmi. The fourth day of Tihar is focused on oxen, and the Newar community celebrates Mha Puja where they worship and purify themselves. The last day, Bhai Tika, is special for brothers and sisters in Nepal, where sisters put tika on their brothers' foreheads while praying for good health, success and long life.
Woman in pink traditional dress sitting beside colorful rangoli with oil lamps celebrating Laxmi Puja during Tihar festival"
During Tihar, homes and streets are illuminated and decorated. People celebrate by singing Deusi-Bhailo songs, giving blessings, and savoring delicious festival feasts. The festivals signify the triumph of light over darkness and the bond between humans, animals, and gods.
In this blog, we will explore the significance, traditions, and celebrations of the Tihar festival in Nepal in detail, including how the different days are celebrated throughout the country.
What are the Five Days of the Tihar Festival?
Tihar, also called Deepawali in Nepal, is a festival that lasts five days, marked by lights, prayers, and family reunions. Every day is a celebration with its own significance and rituals paying tribute to animals, gods, and the relationship between brothers and sisters. Below is a detailed description of what happens on each day of Tihar:
Day 1: Kaag Tihar – Honoring the Crow
The first day of Tihar is dedicated to crows, which are considered the messenger for Yama, the god of death. In the early morning, individuals place offerings of foods like rice, grains, or sweets on rooftops, or out in the participant's outside area to feed crows. It is believed that by giving food to the crows, the person will not have to experience sadness or bad luck for the rest of the year.
Crows are particularly revered because whenever they make a sound it is often interpreted as a message to either convey news or indicate that visitors are arriving. For Kaag Tihar, families start getting ready for the rest of the festival by cleaning their living spaces and beginning to create a good aura for the activities ahead.
Day 2: Kukur Tihar – Tribute to Dogs
The 'Kukur Tihar' holiday is a day to honor dogs, who are considered trusting guardians and faithful companions of humans. Dogs are thought to guard the gates of heaven and assist in guiding the souls of deceased people after they die. Both owned and stray dogs are celebrated. On this day, people put tika (a red mark) in the forehead of dogs, embellish them with beautiful flower garlands, and share special meals of food, meat, milk, eggs, or biscuits with them. Kukur Tihar is a reminder that people should be kind to, and grateful for, all animals that share their lives with humans. Streets and homes are filled with wagging tails and happiness, as dogs receive love and care from everyone.
olden retriever wearing traditional Nepali dhaka topi hat and marigold garland celebrating Kukur Tihar festival in Nepal
Day 3: Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja – Honoring the Cow and Goddess Laxmi
The third day is one of Tihar's most significant and entertaining days. Cows are honored in the morning as symbolic of purity, wealth, and motherly love. People put flower garlands around their necks, dots of tika on their foreheads, and grains and grass in front of them. Hindus believe that the cow represents goddess Laxmi herself, bringing wealth and fortune to the home.
In the evening, people celebrate Laxmi Puja. Houses are swept, cleaned, and decorated with rangoli and rows of oil lamps (diyo) to greet the goddess Laxmi, who represents wealth and good fortune. Families perform puja rituals, inviting her blessings to their home for the coming year.
Young children go from door to door singing Deusi songs in exchange for money or treats. The night is filled with music, laughter, warmth, and light as every home shines brightly during this special occasion.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja, Goru Tihar, and Mha Puja
In some parts of Nepal, the 4th day of Tihar is celebrated differently. In many areas of the country, oxen are worshiped (Goru Tihar) as an appreciation for all of the hard work they do plowing the fields and assisting agricultural efforts. The oxen are dressed in ceremonial garlands, tikas are placed on their faces, and special food is offered out of respect for their diligent work.
The other part of the day is called Govardhan Puja, which celebrates the occasion where Lord Krishna protected the people by lifting the Govardhan Mountain to shield them from rain. On this day, people make a small representation of the mountain using cow dung, freshly decorate the dung mound with flowers and special foods, then perform local rituals on and around the mound.
In the Newar community, the day's celebrations focus on Mha Puja, or the worship of the self. This day is where local citizens focus on purifying their bodies and minds, lighting candles, and making colorful mandalas. It is a day for personal reflection on one’s soul, inner peace, and assurance of well-being. The day also marks the Newar New Year, so the day is particularly special.
Day 5: Bhai Tika - Honoring the Bond Between Brothers and Sisters
The last day of Tihar is Bhai Tika, regarded within the Tihar celebration as one of the most emotional and meaningful days. On this day, sisters pray for their brother's long life, health, and success. Sisters apply a special seven-colored tika (Saptarangi Tika) on their brother's forehead, then they design an amazing mandala on the floor, and finally offer sweets, dry fruit, and gifts. Then brothers, in return, give gifts or money to the sisters and promise to protect them their entire lives. Even people who do not have either a brother or sister often celebrate this day with a cousin, or friend, as a representative of brotherly love and sisterly affection.
Bhai Tika reinforces the bond between brothers and sisters and reminds everyone of the importance of love and support within families.
Woman in red kurta and young Siblings exchanging Tihar gift box with marigold garland during Bhai Tika ceremony
Traditional Food and Sweets Enjoyed During Tihar Festival
During Tihar, families prepare and enjoy numerous traditional dishes and sweets. Sel roti, a crispy rice flour doughnut, and laddus, ball-shaped sweets made with flour, sugar, and ghee, are considered the most frequently prepared. Savory dishes such as chiura (beaten rice), assorted nuts, and seasonal fruits are also served, primarily during the Bhai Tika. Many families prepare special curries, rice, and vegetables to serve to players and guests of the Deusi Bhailo songs in their home.
Religious and Cultural Significance of the Tihar Festival
Tihar festival has a significant religious and cultural value for the people of Nepal. It is not just a festival of lights; it signifies coexistence and harmony between gods, humans, and animals. The rituals performed over the course of the days serve as a gesture of gratitude, respect, and unity, and unite the elements of Tihar traditions.
From a religious perspective, Tihar recognizes Yama, the god of death, and reflects the significance of Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune. Through worship of animals such as crows, cows, and dogs, Tihar expresses reverence for living beings. As well as lighting oil lamps and candles to symbolize the festival lights and decorations, it is believed to invite Goddess Laxmi to the home and eliminate darkness and negative energy.
Culturally, Tihar can strengthen the bond within the family and community setting. For instance, the Deusi Bhailo songs sung with groups of youths resonate joy and community experiences in respective neighborhoods. The last day, known as Bhai Tika, is an observance for the brother-sister relationship and reiterates the essentialness of love and protection in family life.
Travel Tips for Tourists Experiencing the Tihar Festival in Nepal 2025
To plan your trip ahead of time as Tihar is a very popular festival, it is important to secure transportation and accommodations since it will fill up quickly. Consider combining your trip with a heritage tour of Kathmandu that visits the many famous temples, palaces, and cultural sites in the city.
Be mindful of the local customs. Modest dress is always appreciated, and be aware of etiquette when visiting temples, and always be mindful when you are observing or joining in rituals.
If you are invited, participate politely and gratefully in the celebrations by singing Deusi Bhailo songs, while enjoying the local celebration! However, don't interrupt or impede ceremonies while you are joyfully engaging in the celebration.
If you have an opportunity, photograph the beautiful light and decorations of Tihar and the festivals in general, but be sure to always ask permission to photograph individuals and their private rituals.
Sample foods and sweets that are special during the festival such as sel roti, laddus, and other local foods, to experience the celebrations first-hand.
Be careful around animals (crows, dogs, and cows) that are honored during the festival, and be mindful not to disturb them while they are being honored.
Bring small cash notes for small offerings to priests, neighbors, and performers, as it is common to provide small gifts during Tihar celebrations.
Expect some crowded streets and plan to walk, or use public transport in busy areas, for safety and comfort in your travels.
Kathmandu valley illuminated with thousands of lights and diyas during Tihar festival celebration at night aerial view
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tihar Festival in Nepal?
The Tihar festival in Nepal is a five-day celebration, rooted in the Hindu tradition, which pays tribute to Yama, the God of Death, and Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth. This festival features a number of rituals, including worshiping animals, lighting diyos and lamps, singing traditional songs, and praying and worshiping for wealth and prosperity.
Why is Tihar called the Festival of Lights?
Tihar is known as the Festival of Lights because all homes and streets are decorated with diyos, candles, and electric lights to put away darkness and in welcome of Goddess Laxmi.
What is Laxmi Puja in Nepal?
Laxmi Puja is the name of the third day of Tihar in Nepal, where people clean and decorate their homes, light diyos and lamps, pray and offer sweets to Goddess Laxmi, and show appreciation for cows.
How do locals celebrate Tihar in Nepal?
Locals engage in activities such as ritual worshipping of crow, dog, cow, and oxen, followed by a ritual called Bhai Tika, home decorations, traditional food preparations, and singing Deusi-Bhailo songs.
Are fireworks allowed during Tihar?
Traditionally, fireworks were an active part of Tihar, but the government has restricted them, and most locals now rely on lamps and sparklers to celebrate Tihar safely.
How is Tihar different in various regions of Nepal?
Tihar is also called "Swanti" among Newars, who also celebrate another ritual called "Mha Puja," and "Deepawali" by Madheshis. Though the rituals and the way they celebrate vary from community to community, Tihar is celebrated with the same core customs.
What should tourists keep in mind while visiting during Tihar 2025?
Tourists should be encouraged to abide by local customs when visiting during Tihar; for example, dressing modestly, staying off the Rangoli, following restrictions of fireworks, and engaging carefully when there are performances of Deusi-Bhailo.
Conclusion
The Tihar Festival, 2025 in Nepal, is a cultural and religious celebration that spans five days. Each of the five days encompasses its own variety of significances; in Nepal people honor crows, dogs, and cows on specific days, perform Laxmi Puja and celebrate the bonds between brothers and sisters on Bhai Tika day. The rituals of the event reflect respect for living beings, respect for gods, and the bonds between family, relationships that Tihar expresses our gratitude for at its very core. Homes and streets are adorned with lights and candles reflecting the event celebrated over good and evil, the Tihar festival lights and decorations are symbolic of the occasion. Accompanied by singing and dancing Deusi Bhailo songs in the evenings and sharing Tihar food and sweets with friends, families, and in communities are a central part of the events unfolding during the Tihar festival.
Traditional Nepali sel roti sweet bread rings served with achar pickle on white plates for Tihar festival celebration
For tourists to the region, participating in Tihar offers an opportunity to engage with Nepali culture, traditions, and family values. Partaking in, and respectfully learning about the rituals and customs, as well as enjoying local food contribute to all aspects of experiencing Tihar. Combining the visit for the festival with a heritage tour in Kathmandu to discover temples, palaces, and cultural locations and incorporating the context of the festival into the visits.
To plan an incredibly complete Tihar experience in 2025 in Nepal, from festival activities to cultural tours and local guidance, you can reach out to Himalayan Recreation, our expert sales team can arrange trips and provide support to ensure a safe and memorable visit.
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