Tihar – The festival of lights in Nepal

nepalikoselifr
Oct 19
7 min read

Tihar, also known as Deepawali or Yamapanchak, is one of the most anticipated and colourful festivals in Nepal. Celebrated over five days, this festival lights up Nepalese homes with thousands of traditional oil lamps (diyas) and fills the entire country with a magical atmosphere.

When is Tihar celebrated in Nepal ?

Tihar usually takes place in October or November, according to the Nepalese lunar calendar. In 2025, the festival begins on October 19 and ends on October 23, marking the arrival of autumn and the harvest season.

The five days of Tihar

Day 1: Kaag Tihar - The day of the crow, messenger of gods

The first day, called Kaag Tihar, honours the crow, the messenger of the god Yama, the lord of death in Hindu mythology.

The spiritual role of the crow

In Nepalese culture, the crow is far more than just a bird. It is seen as a messenger between the world of the living and the spirit realm. Its cawing is believed to carry messages and omens. On this special day, people pay homage to crows to ward off misfortune and negative energy, and to invite peace into the home.

The morning ritual

At sunrise, Nepalese families prepare offerings of rice, grains, and sweets, which they place on rooftops or in courtyards. These foods are meant for the crows—the honoured guests of the day. When the crows come to eat and caw, it is believed that Yama has accepted the offerings, bringing blessings and protection to the household.

A symbol of gratitude

Kaag Tihar reminds us of the importance of recognizing the value of all living beings, even those we may overlook or fear. It is a moment to express gratitude toward nature and the role every creature plays in maintaining the world’s balance.

Day 2: Kukur Tihar - The day of the dogs, faithful guardian and protector

The second day of the Tihar festival is one of the most touching and joyful, it is dedicated to our faithful companions, the dogs. Known as Kukur Tihar, this day honours their loyalty, unconditional love, and devotion, celebrating the special bond they share with humans in everyday life.

The dog, guardian of the spiritual world

In Nepalese tradition, dogs hold a sacred place. They are considered guardians of the afterlife and messengers of Yama, the god of death. Honouring a dog during Kukur Tihar is a way to bless departed souls, ensuring them a peaceful passage into the spiritual realm.

A day of gratitude and love

On this day, dogs, whether pets or strays, are celebrated with deep affection. They are adorned with flower garlands, symbols of respect and purity, and a red tika is applied to their forehead as a sign of blessing and protection. Families then offer them special treats and meals in gratitude for their companionship and loyalty.

Lights and colours to honour life

During Kukur Tihar, the streets and homes come alive with light. Colourful powders are used to create beautiful mandalas and floor decorations, while candles and oil lamps illuminate the night—symbolizing inner light and gratitude toward all living beings.

Day 3: Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja - Honouring the sacred cow and the goddess of prosperity

The third day of the Tihar festival shines with a special radiance. It brings together two deeply symbolic celebrations: Gai Tihar, the day devoted to the cow, and Laxmi Puja, the ceremony in honour of the goddess of wealth and fortune.

The cow - A symbol of life and generosity

In Hindu culture, the cow is regarded as a sacred symbol of purity, abundance and motherhood. She is considered an incarnation of the goddess Laxmi, who bestows prosperity and kindness. On this day, cows are adorned with colourful garlands, their foreheads marked with a red tika, and they are offered food and prayers (pujas). Nepalese people express their gratitude to this generous animal, who provides milk, strength and fertility to the land, gifts essential to daily life and agriculture.

Laxmi puja - Welcoming light and prosperity

At dusk, the celebration takes on a luminous and spiritual dimension with Laxmi Puja. Homes are cleaned and decorated with oil lamps, candles and colourful rangolis, inviting Goddess Laxmi to enter and bless the household. Families perform prayers and make offerings, asking for prosperity, success and abundance in the coming year. The light that shines in every home symbolises hope, purity and the triumph of clarity over darkness.

An evening of joy and sharing

The streets of Nepal glow with thousands of lights, families light diyas (traditional oil lamps), fireworks sparkle in the sky, and gifts and sweets are exchanged in a joyful, festive atmosphere. It is a time of connection and gratitude, where the outer light reflects the inner light that each person nurtures to invite peace and harmony into their lives.

Day 4: Goru tihar & Govardhan puja - Honouring strength, nature and inner purification

The fourth day of the Tihar festival is marked by deep respect for nature, animals and the spiritual dimension of humanity. This day unites several celebrations: Goru Tihar, dedicated to oxen; Govardhan Puja, in honour of Lord Krishna; and Mha Puja, a purification ritual practised by the Newar community.

Goru Tihar - Guardians of the earth

Oxen are regarded as the backbone of Nepalese agriculture. Tireless workers, they symbolise strength, perseverance and the intimate connection between human beings and the earth. On this day, they are honoured with garlands, tika and special meals, as a gesture of gratitude for their essential contribution to rural life. Through this ritual, Nepalese people express thanks to nature and the animals that sustain their lives, reminding everyone of the importance of respect and balance among all living beings

Govardhan Puja - The worship of the sacred hill

On the same day, devotees commemorate the legendary event when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from the torrential rains sent by the god Indra. To symbolise this divine act, families sculpt small hills from cow dung, representing Govardhan, and worship them in pujas filled with devotion and reverence for the nurturing earth.

Mha Puja - Purifying the soul and the body

Among the Newar communities, this day also marks Mha Puja, literally meaning “the worship of the self”. It is a ceremony of purification intended to honour the soul, strengthen self-awareness and invite prosperity and clarity for the year ahead. Elders bless the younger ones, colourful mandalas decorate the floors, and everyone reflects upon the value of life, wisdom and gratitude.

Day 5: Bhai Tika - The sacred bond between brothers and sisters

The fifth and final day of Tihar is perhaps the most emotional, it celebrates the love and connection between brothers and sisters. Known as Bhai Tika, this day honours family ties, gratitude, and mutual protection.

Une femme népalaise qui prépare des guirlandes de fleurs

The Bhai Tika ritual

On this day, sisters prepare a special puja for their brothers. They draw a colourful mandala on the floor where the brother sits, symbolizing a sacred and protective space. They then apply a multicoloured tika on his forehead, made of five hues representing the five elements. This gesture symbolizes blessings for a long, prosperous, and harmonious life. Sisters also offer flower garlands and a festive meal, while brothers give gifts and blessings in return tokens of love and appreciation.

Brotherly lova at the heart of tradition

Bhai Tika is much more than a ritual: it is a celebration of the unbreakable bond between siblings, of tenderness and mutual support. It reminds us that, despite differences or distance, the bonds of the heart remain eternal.

The deeper meaning of the Tihar festival

Thus ends the spiritual and radiant journey of Tihar — a festival that unites people, animals, nature and divinity in perfect harmony. Each of the five days, from the crow messenger to the goddess Laxmi, from the hardworking oxen to the love between siblings, conveys a message of gratitude, respect and unity.

The Festival of Lights does more than brighten the homes of Nepal, it illuminates hearts and minds, reminding us of the beauty, wisdom and richness of Nepalese culture.

Tihar traditions

Diyas and lights

Across Nepal, thousands of oil lamps known as diyas illuminate homes, courtyards and rooftops. Their gentle glow symbolises the victory of light over darkness and the benevolent presence of Goddess Laxmi. At nightfall, towns and villages shimmer with countless lights, creating a magical and serene atmosphere.

Rangolis

In front of each doorway, families create rangolis, beautiful, colourful patterns made with powder, dyed rice or flower petals. These artistic creations are more than mere decoration; they are meant to welcome deities and blessings into the home.

Each rangoli is unique, reflecting the creativity, patience and devotion of the family who designs it.

Deusi and Bhailo

One of the most vibrant aspects of Tihar is the traditional singing of Deusi and Bhailo. In the evenings, groups of children and young people walk from house to house, singing songs of blessing and joy.

In return, residents offer them food, money or sweets. This tradition strengthens community bonds and celebrates generosity and sharing.

Card games

During Laxmi Puja, families gather to play cards and various games of chance. This custom, far from being trivial, symbolises luck and prosperity for the year to come. In a festive atmosphere filled with laughter and conversation, it reminds everyone that Tihar is above all a celebration of joy, togetherness and inner light.

Spiritual significance

Beyond the joyful celebrations, Tihar carries a profound message of gratitude and respect for all living beings, from the smallest creature to the gods themselves. It is a time to strengthen family bonds, purify one’s surroundings and spirit, and welcome light into life, both literally and spiritually.

Tihar and Nepalese craftmanship

This festive period is also important for Nepalese artisans. Clay oil lamps, traditional textiles, decorated khukuris and puja accessories are in high demand. At Nepali Koseli, we are proud to offer authentic handmade products that help you celebrate Tihar and discover the beauty of this magnificent Nepalese tradition.