Festival guide

Tihar

Tihar is a Religious festival or observance celebrated in Nepal-wide.

4 views Nov 8, 2026 October / November Nepal-wide Public holiday
WhatDeepawali, Yam Panchak, Festival of Lights

Tihar is a Religious festival or observance celebrated in Nepal-wide.

WhenNov 8, 2026

Festival of lights; Yam Panchak dates change by tithi and official calendar.

WhereNepal-wide

Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and many towns glow with lights. Newar communities also mark Mha Puja and Nepal Sambat around this period.

WhyMeaning

Tihar is highly visible for travellers because homes, shops and streets are decorated with lights, rangoli/mandala designs and music. It is one of Nepal’s most photogenic festivals.

WhoReligious

This is connected to Nepal’s public cultural calendar.

HowTraveller context

Evening walks can be beautiful, but watch traffic and crowds. Ask permission before photographing people, homes or private rituals.

About Tihar

Tihar is part of Nepal’s festival and cultural calendar. It is listed as a Religious festival for travellers researching when to visit, where to go and what cultural context to understand.

Where it is celebrated: Nepal-wide.

Date note: Festival of lights; Yam Panchak dates change by tithi and official calendar.

Festival details should remain admin-editable because many Nepal festivals follow lunar, tithi, community or official government calendars and can shift each year.

What happens

Tihar is a multi-day festival of lights with worship of crows, dogs, cows, Laxmi, brothers and family bonds depending on the day and community tradition.

Why it matters

Tihar is highly visible for travellers because homes, shops and streets are decorated with lights, rangoli/mandala designs and music. It is one of Nepal’s most photogenic festivals.

Rituals and traditions

Common days include Kaag Tihar, Kukur Tihar, Gai Tihar/Laxmi Puja, Govardhan Puja/Mha Puja and Bhai Tika. Details vary by calendar and community.

Food and offerings

Sel roti and festive sweets are commonly associated with Tihar in many households.

Where to experience it

Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and many towns glow with lights. Newar communities also mark Mha Puja and Nepal Sambat around this period.

Traveller tips

Evening walks can be beautiful, but watch traffic and crowds. Ask permission before photographing people, homes or private rituals.

Safety and respect

Be careful around candles, electric lights, fireworks/noise and busy evening streets.

Crowds and transport

Travel demand is high before and after Tihar, though the atmosphere in cities can be lively and visually rewarding.

Festival timeline

Kaag Tihar

Crows are honored.

Kukur Tihar

Dogs are honored with garlands and tika.

Laxmi Puja

Homes and businesses light lamps and worship Laxmi.

Mha Puja / Govardhan Puja

Community-specific rituals take place.

Bhai Tika

Sisters and brothers exchange blessings.

Traveller questions

Do festival dates change?

Many Nepal festival dates change each year because they follow lunar, tithi, community or official calendars. Always verify the current year before travel.

Can visitors participate?

Visitors can usually observe public celebrations respectfully. Private family rituals require an invitation.