Introduction: Tihar festival, what is it?
One of the most popular festivals in Nepal is Tihar. It is also referred to as the Festival of Lights, as during this period, people light small oil lamps known as diyos, decorate their houses with colorful candles, and place numerous bright electric lights around the windows, doors, and rooftops. At night, when the sun sets, the entire town is like a starry sea. All the corners of Nepal become sunny, hot, and cheerful.
This festival typically follows the Dashain festival, usually in October or November. Tihar is a five-day festival, and each day has its special connotation and celebration. It is celebrated by people to express their love, respect, and gratitude to animals, gods, and their relatives. It is an era when everybody is close to one another and shares goodwill. It is at these times that people venerate crows, dogs, cows, oxen, and Goddess Laxmi. They also consider that these creatures are the agents of peace, good fortune, and prosperity. On the final day, brothers and sisters celebrate an occasion known as Bhai Tika, a special day that demonstrates the close love between these two people.
The families of Tihar also clean their houses very well and cover them with flowers, garlands, and colorful rangoli patterns on the floor before Tihar commences. They set up diyos at all corners at night, and sing merry songs. Young people and children go around the houses singing Deusi and Bhailo, making people happy and laughing. Families also cook good food such as sel roti, sweets, and fruits, and offer them to their neighbors and guests.
Not only is it a festival of lights, Tihar is also a festival of love, life, and togetherness. It is a lesson that made them all grateful for what they possessed, to love living creatures, and to keep their hearts bright, as the diyos which illuminate the night. It is one of those moments when the homes and hearts are shining with peace, hope, and happiness.
The Meaning of Tihar
Tihar has a very deep and unique meaning for Nepali people. A festival of lights is not only that, it is a festival expressing love, care, and respect to all living creatures. Tihar also makes everyone aware of the fact that animals, humans, and nature are all interrelated. It is a lesson that we must live well, and we must share joy with others. Tihar in Nepali life makes them feel closer to their families, friends, and community.
Light and Love and Joy, this festival is full of it. Brightening the homes with diyos and candles is something that makes one feel that light is coming not just into the houses but also into the hearts of people. Families gather, laugh, sing, and have meals. The individuals forget their concerns and have pleasant moments with their family members. Everything is peaceful and bright due to the light and fragrance of flowers. Another lesson that Tihar teaches us to appreciate is the need to be thankful to the family, friends, animals, and the blessings we have.
Tihar is another beautiful word with another meaning, which is togetherness and respect. These days, animal worshippers such as crows, dogs, cows, and oxen are worshipped to demonstrate that human beings and animals are equal in life. Tihar is an expression of love to someone; it can be a pet, a god, or a relative. It makes all people remember that love and respect make life beautiful. Tihar teaches people that in case the heart has love and the home has light, life would be full of happiness and peace.
Tihar Festival in Nepal: A 5-day Festival of Light and Life.
One of the most lovely and celebratory feasts in Nepal is Tihar. It is also called Deepawali or the Festival of Lights. It is a 5-day-long festival, and each day has its meaning and legend. Tihar is not merely about the lighting of the diyos and decorating the houses, but it is about living and loving and honoring the animals, gods, and the members of the family.
On the day of Tihar, the people light candles, flowers, oil lamps, and rangoli in their houses. Night is the time when houses are light and every heart seems to have been filled with joy. The entire family gathers and prepares yummy dishes such as sel roti and sweets, and spends time together. Children sing Deusi and Bhailo, play, and take little gifts from neighbors.
Tihar is different and special every day. Kaag Tihar is the first day during which everybody gives food to crows, which are supposed to deliver messages. The second day is Kukur Tihar, or the day of dogs, when they place garlands and tika on them. The third day is Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja, where cows are worshipped and Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, is invited into homes. On day four, individuals mark Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja, which involve worshiping oxen to cleanse themselves of blessings. The fifth and final day is Bhai Tika, a lovely day, and sisters apply tika on the forehead of their brothers and offer prayers.
Tihar is a festival that illuminates homes and glorifies hearts. It teaches individuals how to live a life of love, gratitude, and peace. The five days of Tihar demonstrate that it is very important to treat human beings and animals with respect and to rejoice in all aspects of life in a joy-giving and kindly manner.
The Festival of Lights in Nepal: Why Tihar is So Named?
In Nepal, Tihar is referred to as the Festival of Lights, as during this period, the entire nation is full of light, joy, and optimism. To make their houses and hearts bright, people light diyos (oil lamps) and candles. The festival demonstrates the triumph of the light over the darkness and the good over the evil, and makes all happy and peaceful. This is why Tihar can be called the Festival of Lights:
Worship of Goddess Laxmi
The third day of Tihar is known as Laxmi Puja, where people worship Laxmi Goddess who is the Goddess of wealth and good fortune. Family members wash and light their houses with flowers to greet her. People think that the goddess Laxmi comes to bright and clean houses to bring prosperity and happiness to these homes. The diyos is lit up to help her find her way into the house and have a pleasant beginning to the year.
Rangoli Decorations and Light Decorations
The residents of Tihar create beautiful rangolis on the floor using flowers, colored powders, and rice flour. They put diyos all around these designs in order to make them shine at night. The rangoli is even more colorful and beautiful by way of the lights. Such decorations introduce good-luck spirits and turn houses into cozy and happy places.
Light that signifies Fortune and a Lucky Day
The practice of lighting lamps on Tihar is also said to ensure that homes are safe from bad spirits, and the rituals bring peace and security. The lights are bright, which drives away darkness and misery. When their houses are illuminated, people are happy, and they feel secure. It shows everyone the fact that light always conquers darkness, as good conquers evil.
Unity and Celebration
One such festival is Tihar, a togetherness festival. Once all the people set on diyos and candles, the entire neighborhood will appear glamorous and beautiful. Families come and see each other, sing Deusi and Bhailo, and rejoice. The light brings love, friendship, and togetherness, thus everyone feels like they are together.
End of Harvest Season
Tihar follows immediately after harvests in Nepal. Diyos also lighting depicts gratitude to good harvest and blessings of nature. It is one method of families expressing gratitude for what they have and also praying as they are already known to have a bright and successful year to come.
Significance of Tihar in Nepalese Culture.
Tihar is a very special thing in Nepalese culture. It is the most colorful, joyful, and significant annual festival. Tihar is not a time of lights and celebration, but also a time of spiritual development, love in families, and social cohesion. It demonstrates the extent of the respect of Nepali people towards nature, animals, gods, and each other. The following are the key reasons why Tihar is quite significant in Nepalese life.
Congratulations on Life and Nature.
Tihar is the festival that expresses respect for all animals. Every day of Tihar is devoted to the animals, such as crows, dogs, cows, and oxen. These animals are also worshiped as they are useful and associated with human life. As an example, crows are supposed to deliver messages, dogs are good friends, cows provide milk and are sacred in Hinduism, and oxen assist farmers in their farms. By celebrating these animals, Tihar is a lesson to people on how to be at peace with nature and respect all the animals that occupy the same world with us.
Spiritual Significance
Tihar is a profoundly spiritual term. On the third day, which is known as Laxmi Puja, the people venerate the deity Laxmi, who is a goddess of prosperity, fortune, and good fortune. Houses are tidied, painted, and illuminated to receive her blessings. The fact that lighting is done during Tihar also symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the good against evil. It brings hope and peace to people and makes them remember to keep their hearts pure and bright.
Strengthening Family Bonds
Love is central to Tihar, which is family love. Bhai Tika is the fifth day that is celebrated because of the close relationship that exists between brothers and sisters. On this day, the sisters paint their brothers with some colorful tika and pray that their brothers would live long, and the brothers present gifts and even vow to guard their sisters. This custom demonstrates the value of family togetherness, love, and care within the Nepali culture.
Cultural Heritage
Tihar is a wonderful depiction of Nepalese culture and traditions. At the gate of their houses, people create colorful rangolis (patterns with powders or flowers), sing Deusi and Bhailo songs, and cook special dishes such as sel roti, sweets, and fruits. These events demonstrate the fact that the country enjoys art, music, and food. In these practices, Tihar preserves the Nepali culture as very alive and creative.
Community Spirit
It is also a festival of unity. In this period, the houses, streets, and temples are illuminated by using lamps and decorations. Blessings and happiness are shared by visiting neighbors and friends. The fun element of Deusi-Bhailo, where groups move around the houses singing and dancing, helps generate happiness and togetherness in the society. It unites the people of every age group to have fun as a family.
Cultural Identity and Continuity
Tihar is significant in maintaining the Nepali culture. Parents and grandparents teach their children and young people their rituals and customs. This assists in the transmission of culture between generations. It makes everyone remember to be close to their roots, beliefs, and values, and ensure that Nepali identity remains strong and proud.
Tourism and Cultural Interchange
Tihar is also a very special time in Nepal tourism. The beautiful lights, music, and celebrations are seen by visitors around the world. Tourists like to watch Deusi-Bhailo, eat traditional foods, and also get to know about Nepali practices. The celebrations of Tihar and its welcoming nature, along with the colorful flower arrangements, make people outside Nepal learn about and appreciate the Nepalese culture and hospitality. It not only enhances the cultural image of Nepal but also helps in the tourism and local economy.
Tihar is then a festival where it can be said that it lights up homes, love for family, and unites the society. It relates individuals to their faith, culture, and nature. The festival also educates all people to live kindly, in gratitude, and joy, and it is one of the most mash-up and significant festivals in the Nepalese culture.
Five Days Tihar Festival: day-by-day guide
Tihar is a popular and the most colorful Nepalese festival. It is celebrated over a period of 5 days, and every day has its own meaning and worship. It is during this period that individuals express love, respect, and gratitude to the animals, gods, and family members. Houses are illuminated with lights and flowers, and all the streets are full of happiness. We shall hear about every day of this special festival.
Day 1: Kaag Tihar (Crow Worship)
Kaag Tihar is the first day of Tihar, and it is devoted to crows, supposedly the messengers of Yama, the god of death. On this day, the people make food like rice, grains, and sweets, and set them on the rooftops or open spaces for the crows. Crow feeding is thought to be one way of chasing bad luck and negative energy. It is considered to be a good sign when the crows arrive and begin cawing, and it shows that they have accepted the offerings.
According to Hinduism, crows are considered to be divine birds that deliver messages between men and gods. People nourish them with love and wish them peace, safety, and happiness at home. The little gesture is a reminder to all people that, despite being the simplest beings, there is something unique about them in nature and life.
Day 2: Kukur Tihar (Dog Worship)
The second day is known as a day of dogs, Kukur Tihar. Dogs are perceived as close friends and guardians of the Nepali culture. They also have the belief that they are a path to heaven upon death. Dogs are painted on this day with tika (red dot on the forehead) and strands of marigold flowers around their necks. They are also served with nice meals as a form of appreciation for their loyalty and affection.
It is not just the celebration of the pet dogs, but also stray dogs that inhabit the streets. They are well-fed and adorably treated by people. The Kukur Tihar 2025 will be observed on October 20, and this is a wonderful day to show how much human beings love their dogs and how much the dogs love them. It informs all people that even animals should be respected, treated, and loved.
Day 3: Gai tihar and Laxmi puja (Cow Worship and goddess Laxmi Worship)
Tihar is a festival that is celebrated on the third day. In the morning, people pay tribute to the day when people worship cows, as they are regarded as sacred in the Hindu religion. Cows provide us with milk and are regarded as a representation of motherhood, kindness, and affluence. Tika, garlands, and food are presented to them by people as a way of showing their gratitude for the service and blessings.
The celebration then moves on to the evening with Laxmi Puja, which is the worship of Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and good luck. Oil lamps (diyo), candles, and colorful rangoli (made of powders or flowers) are used to clean and decorate houses. The lights are supposed to lead Goddess Laxmi into houses to bring good fortune and good luck. This is a night of happiness and cheerfulness as families sing, dance, and have fun with each other.
Deusi and Bhailo Tradition
Deusi and Bhailo are another beautiful section of this day. In the evening, bands of boys and girls head to different houses singing the old songs and dancing. Boys mainly sing deusi, and girls sing Bhailo, but today, boys and girls sing with equal participation, expressing equality and friendship. The house owners offer those presents, fruits, money, or sweets.
They sing songs with the accompaniment of such instruments as madal, harmonium, and occasionally modern ones, such as guitars. The night becomes alive due to these traditions, where they play music, laugh, and enjoy being together.
Day 4: Goru Tihar and Govardhan Puja (Ox Worship and Mountain Symbolism)
On the fourth day, there is the oxen (goru) and the Govardhan Puja. Oxen play a significant role in agriculture because they are used to plow the fields and assist farmers. During this day, people offer oxen garlands and tika and give them special meals as a sign of gratitude for their hard work and service.
The festival also celebrates Lord Krishna, who once hoisted the Govardhan hill to protect the people against heavy rains. To keep this story in mind, human beings construct a little hill of cow dung and pay tribute to it. This demonstrates an appreciation of nature and the ideology of faith that can save us from danger.
To the Newar community, it is also a very special day since they also observe Mha Puja, meaning self-worship. It is an occasion to be thankful to oneself on life and strength and make the Nepal Sambat New Year a clean mind and a good heart. Mha Puja is a reminder to everyone to take good care of themselves spiritually as well as physically.
Day 5: Bhai Tika (Brotherly worship)
The final day of Tihar is named Bhai Tika, and this day is a celebration of the close relationship between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply tika, which has seven colors (Saptarangi Tika) to the forehead of their brothers, wish them long life, and hope that they will remain safe and happy. Brothers, in their turn, present their sisters with gifts and blessings.
The garlands of marigold and makhamali are also worn by both brothers and sisters, and these are used as a symbol of love and unending affection. Families are united to enjoy their food and have a time together. Love, laughter, and affection experienced on this day render Bhai Tika to be one of the most poignant and unforgettable days of the festival.
It is not just a day of the siblings, but it is an eye-opener to all people to have love for their family and to show love. The festival is concluded with light hearts, gratitude, and hope for the bright days ahead.
Nepal Sambat: A New Year of History
The Nepal Sambat New Year is one of the most special aspects of the Nepal culture and history. It is the beginning of a special lunar calendar, which is primarily used by the Newar people. This calendar was started in 879 AD and was initiated by a generous and kind man by the name Shankhadhar Sakhwa. His contribution is remembered as a great hero and philanthropist who assisted in clearing the people of Kathmandu Valley of their debts. Due to his kindness and large heart, people managed to begin a new life without concerns, and to that end, the Nepal Sambat calendar was made as a sign of freedom and hope.
Nepal Sambat is a tale of humanism and human compassion. Many decades ago, there were poor individuals in the valley and loaded with loans. Shankhadhar Sakhwa paid off their debts with his fortune and provided them with a clean slate. He was generous, and people greatly admired him. This kindness of assisting others led to a new dawn, the Nepal Sambat New Year, which translates to freedom from financial burden and a new outlook in life.
Nepal Sambat is closely related to the Tihar festival. Tihar is celebrated on the fourth day of which is known as Mha Puja, and the start of the Nepal Sambat New Year. Tihar and Nepal Sambat mean the same thing, that is, light, renewal, and togetherness. At this period, families prepare their houses and decorate them, put on oil lamps, and make merry. Similar to Tihar, which is a source of love and light, Nepal Sambat is a source of hope and cultural pride. The two of them serve to remind all people of the value of unity, peace, and gratitude in life.
The fact that Tihar is linked with Nepal Sambat only adds more color and meaning to the celebration. Not only do the Newar people celebrate the beginning of the New Year, but it is also the time when all Nepali people should think of kindness, good acts, and the magnificence of cultural tradition that makes Nepal unique.
Mha Puja: The Self-Congratulation
The very important ritual among the Newar is Mha Puja, which translates to the worship of the self and is celebrated on the fourth day of Tihar. The worship is not worshipping deities or animals but worshipping the self, body, and soul. The ritual teaches human beings to love themselves, remain positive, and start the New Year with pure minds and positive wishes. It is a season of introspection, calm, and rejuvenation of the spirit.
In Mha Puja, individual members of a family are seated in a row or circle, and a beautiful mandala (colored design created using powder, rice, or flowers) is created in front of them. Fruits, flowers, and oil lamps are offered on the mandalas. The ritual is conducted by the oldest family member or a priest who recites prayers, lights lamps, and paints tika on the forehead of every individual as a blessing. The gentle light of the lamps and the aroma of the flowers form a harmonious and happy mood.
Mha Puja is not merely a ritual; it is a call to oneself to appreciate its own self. It helps everyone to look inwardly, to seek strength, and be grateful to life. Through making promises to do good and to be kind in the new year by worshipping themselves, people also make promises. Mha Puja celebration enriches Tihar, because it relates to individual development and cultural heritage.
It is a very beautiful demonstration of the way the Newar people admire their inner soul and the harmony of their community. This festival day is the beginning of the Nepal Sambat New Year, and it brings light, self-consciousness, and happiness to all homes.
The Nepalese version of how Tihar is celebrated
Tihar is a festival of lights, love, and unity. It is among the most joyful seasons of the year in Nepal, whereby families, friends, and communities gather to celebrate. Each day of Tihar has its own sense, and people have special traditions by which they rejoice and adhere to it. The messages promoted by the festival are togetherness, respect, and hope. Streets are lighted with songs and homes with bright lamps, and the hearts are happiness.
Decorating Homes
Before the commencement of Tihar, the homes of the people are perfectly dusted to receive goddess Laxmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune. The goddess is said to come into only the homes that are well-lit and neat. Once they get clean, the individuals adorn their homes with flowers, lights, and colored rangoli. The use of bright decorations renders the environment happy and friendly. Rangoli is a creation with powders, rice, or petals and is drawn in front of entrance doors to bring good fortune. These decorations are full of happiness, love, and hope to live a successful and happy life.
Lighting Oil Lamps
The most beautiful aspect of Tihar is the lighting of diyo (oil lamps). At night, when the sun goes down, houses and streets begin to light up with thousands of lamps, candles, and fairy lights. The diyos light witnesses the triumph of light over darkness and the good over the evil. Individuals assume that these bright lamps are where Goddess Laxmi follows them to their houses to bring them wealth and happiness. The nights are wonderfully peaceful and magical due to the golden light of the diyos. During Tihar nights, one feels like gazing at the stars on the earth.
Making Rangoli
Rangoli is prepared all over the doorsteps or courtyards during the Tihar with either bright colors, rice, or flower petals. And these designs are not only beautiful, they have a great deal to them. Rangolis bring luck and good blessings into the houses. They are made by the families, and it is a fun and creative experience during the celebration. There are plain designs and complex designs that look like flowers, lamps, or footprints of the Goddess Laxmi. Tihar rangolis are a colorful item that brings happiness and beauty to every house.
Worshipping Animals
Tihar is unique in another sense in that it also honors love and animal respect. Every single day of the festival is devoted to another animal that assists human beings in their life.
Kaag Tihar (Day of Crows): It is on this day that people feed crows as they are supposed to be messengers of Yama, the death god. They are lucky and peaceful to be fed.
Kukur Tihar (Day of Dogs): The dogs are also worshipped as they are loyal and can protect. They are presented with tika, garlands, and tasty food.
Gai Tihar: This is the day of cows that is celebrated due to the milk and role they play in agriculture. Garlands are strung over them, and they are courted.
Goru Tihar (Day of Oxen): Oxen are praised in that they assisted farmers on the farms. Tika and special food are offered to them as a way of appreciation.
Through these rituals, all people are reminded that humans and animals have a strong relationship and that everybody living should be taken care of and treated kindly.
Applying Tika and Garland
The last day of the festival is the Bhai Tika as one of the most moving and significant traditions of the festival. On this day, sisters also dot their brothers with colors (tika, which is a mixture of seven colors) on their forehead and wish that they have a good life, a long life, and are healthy. In exchange, sisters receive gifts from their brothers who vow to protect them. They also share garlands of marigolds and makhamali flowers, the symbol of love and blessings. This is the incident that makes the family bond stronger and makes homes warm and joyful.
Deusi and Bhailo Songs
Tihar evenings are musical and jocular. Teams of people and mostly children and young adults, sing and go door to door singing Deusi and Bhailo songs. Deusi is performed by boys and men predominantly. Bhailo is a song that is mostly sung by girls and women.
They sing traditional songs, dance, and bless every household they visit. The families, on their part, reward them with sweets, fruits, or money as a form of reward. Equality can be seen today as both boys and girls sing Deusi-Bhailo together, and they sing in unity. This interesting activity makes people happy, and neighbors and communities reunite in happiness.
Exchanging Gifts
Another beautiful aspect of Tihar is gift-giving, and this is seen most on Bhai Tika. Brothers and sisters also present each other with gifts, either in the form of clothes, sweets, or money, in honor of love. These presents are not mere material possessions; they have a sense. They are caring, appreciative, and desiring each other to be happy. Giving and receiving also inform everybody that love, respect, and sharing are important in family life.
Preparing Special Foods
Delicious traditional foods would not make Tihar incomplete. Families make and consume delicious foods such as sel roti (round rice doughnut), barfi, laddu, and items made of meat. The foods are also taken jointly during family feasts. The aroma of the sweetness of sel roti and hearty laughter are heard in a home. There is also food given to neighbors and guests to make the festival even more glamorous. Tihar food is not only about the taste, it is also about wealth, plenty, and unity.
In Summary
Tihar in Nepal is not only a festival, but it is also a festival of life, light, love, and relations. All the lights on, all the songs played, all the smiles brought up in this period make people remember that they should be thankful, nice, and optimistic. What is beautiful about Tihar is its message: that, when we spread love and light on others, we make the world a better place and a happier one.
The Tihar Festival Celebration in Nepal as a Tourist
The festival of Deepavali is one of the most appropriate moments to visit Nepal since the entire nation is filled with lights, music, and joy. As a tourist, you are able to experience the actual cordiality of the Nepalese culture by being a part of the local families and communities in their celebrations. The festival is open to all people, including the locals and other visitors, to embrace joy, love, and light.
Tihar has a lot of beautiful things to visit and see. You will be able to participate in Deusi-Bhailo performances, whereby people sing and dance from house to house as they bless families with joy. It is an enjoyable form of getting into contact with locals and enjoying Nepalese hospitality. You may also stroll along the streets with lit lamps and observe some colorful rangoli artwork painted using flowers and powders in front of the houses. These lights appear miraculous in the dark and demonstrate the importance of the beauty and unity that people have.
The other special activity is how to use Saptarangi Tika (the seven-colored tika) and construct flower garlands during Bhai Tika, the last day of the festival. Local people are usually glad to share these traditions with the tourists, and it is a great experience to know about family love and blessings in Nepali culture.
The feast is also a significant element of the party! You have the opportunity to taste delicious Nepalese cuisine and sweets: sel roti (ring-shaped rice bread), laddu, barfi, and yomari. Each bite is full of pleasure and joy.
Temples and homes lit up in lights when visiting during Tihar are also a serene and heartwarming experience. The spiritual power is seen everywhere as people pray for peace, prosperity, and good luck.
By 2025, Tihar will be among the most beautiful festivals that you will visit in Nepal. It is not just about practices but also about celebrating, being nice, and cultural knowledge. Tourists are also able to participate in local family festivals, and they get an insight into the Nepali warmth and leave a lifetime memory.
Places of Population around Tihar
Tihar is a festival celebrated throughout Nepal, although certain locations are usually very active and attractive during the festival. These towns and cities are full of lights, music, and cultural dynamics.
Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu Valley is the cultural center of Nepal it is the best place to celebrate Tihar. Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur cities are laden with oil lamps, flowers, and colorful decorations. This is even more special because the Newar people celebrate Mha Puja and Nepal Sambat New Year. It is inspiring to walk around the ancient palaces and temples of Patan and Bhaktapur, and the lights shone on all the walls, and the air was filled with the sound of Deusi-Bhailo.
Pokhara
Pokhara, with the serene lakes and mountain scenery, appears to be even prettier in Tihar. The houses and hotels illuminate Phewa Lake, giving a perfect image at night. The celebrations allow the visitors to have the serenity of nature and the hype of the celebrations.
Bandipur
Bandipur is highly recommended in case you wish to witness a traditional celebration. This is a beautiful hilltop town, adorned with flowers and oil lamps. The main square has people joining in singing and dancing, and this makes the community feel warm. It is a serene and enchanting spot to have Tihar without the urban bustle.
Lumbini
Although Lumbini is the place where Lord Buddha was born, it is also observed there where Tihar is celebrated. The monasteries/temples are radiantly lit and calm. During this festival of unity, visitors have an opportunity to feel the unity of the various religions and cultures in Nepal.
Trekking During Tihar
Tihar also occurs in one of the best trekking seasons in Nepal, when the sky is clear and the mountains are breathtaking. This period is the month when many trekkers decide to see the beauty of nature in the Himalayas, as well as celebrate the festival.
Everest Base Camp Trek: Trekkers can view the tallest mountain in the world, as well as observe Sherpa villages where lights and songs are being used during the celebration of Tihar.
Annapurna Circuit: It is an incredible route with excellent mountain scenes and cultural tourism because the local villagers celebrate the festival with Deusi-Bhailo and decorations.
Langtang Valley Trek: Located in a serene and scenic valley, this trek will provide tourists with an opportunity to be part of the village festivals of friendly people.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: It is a shorter trek with a great sunrise, which is best suited to all the tourists who seek adventure as well as experience the Tihar celebrations.
The trekking in Tihar is really a great experience, as you can experience the Nepalese hospitality even in the mountains. Trekking is received by the people in the village, who serve them, light lights, and laugh. It is an ideal combination of adventure, nature, and culture.
Dashain and Tihar: The colorful Nepal Festivals
Nepal has two largest and most joyful festivals called Dashain and Tihar, which are separated by a few weeks. Both are captivated by love, light, and family meetings; both mean something.
The festival is called Dashain, the Festival of Victory, and it marks the victory of good against evil. Families meet, are blessed by elders, and feast on tasty foodstuffs. It is a moment to be grateful to the gods and have joyful days together with beloved ones.
On the contrary, Tihar is referred to as the Festival of Lights. It glorifies love, kindness, and respect for the people and animals. It is one of the most colorful and joyful periods in Nepal, which is supported by lights, songs, and decorations.
The combination of Dashain and Tihar represents love, unity, and thankfulness of the Nepali culture in the form of a family. To the visitors, it is a memorable experience to attend both festivals. Tourists will really experience the beauty, warmth, and spirit of Nepal, whether it is flying kites and swings during Dashain, lighting lamps and singing Deusi-Bhailo during Tihar.
Conclusion
The Tihar, or the Festival of Lights, love, and prosperity, is one of the brightest and happiest festivals in Nepal. The festival is the one that unites families, friends, and communities and transforms the homes and streets with light, happiness, and music. People respect, show gratitude, and love animals, gods, and their family members during Tihar. The tradition of the festival is beautiful, such as the lighting of diyos, flowers, and rangoli in homes, singing of Deusi-Bhailo songs, and eating of good food. Through these rituals, the festival becomes a special gathering period for all people regardless of their religion or background.
Tihar 2025 is something that is magical to both the visitors and the locals. It is a period to rejoice, build up relationships, and spend time in happiness. The celebration can teach valuable lessons concerning kindness, appreciating things, and respecting all living things. Participating in Tihar, the participants can actually see the soul of Nepalese culture, whereby old and new festivals merge with each other to bring happiness, tranquility, and a feeling of belonging. Tihar is not only a festival, but also an affair of love, light, and life as a whole, and the effects are forever engraved in the memory.
Tihar in Nepal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Tihar?
Tihar is a Nepalese five-day festival that glorifies light, love, and life. It is also known as the Festival of Lights since houses and streets are illuminated with oil lamps of various bright colors referred to as diyos. As part of Tihar, people offer their respects to animals, gods, and relatives using lamps, flowers, food, and songs. The festival has messages of happiness, respect, and oneness to all.
When is Tihar celebrated?
Tihar is celebrated typically in October-November, but it is what is decided by the lunar calendar, hence the actual dates vary each year. Tihar is going to be held in October 2025. The festival is vivid and significant as each of the five days has a special name and tradition.
Why does Tihar also happen to be called the Festival of Lights?
It is called the Festival of Lights since people put hundreds of candles, diyos, and electric lamps in their houses, streets, and temples. The lights are a symbol of the victory of good over evil and call Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, to bless the homes with good luck and prosperity. The festival makes the nights magical and serene as the lamps are glowing.
What is the number of days that Tihar takes, and what goes on, day after day?
Tihar is a five-day festival, and every day, there is a day of celebration. The day one is Kaag Tihar, the day of crows, which brings a message from deities. On the second day, Kukur Tihar, is a day of honor to the dogs because they are loyal and protectors. The 3rd day is the Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja, which is dedicated to cows and welcomes Goddess Laxmi into the homes. Goru Tihar and Govardhan Puja, the fourth day, glorify oxen and mountains, and some communities also practice Mha Puja, or self-worship. On the fifth day, the Bhai Tika day, brothers and sisters have their colorful tika, garlands, and gifts.
What animals are worshipped with?
In Tihar, animals are a significant thing. The crows are celebrated on the first day, dogs on the second, cows on the third, and oxen on the fourth day. People feed the animals, adorn them, and respect them because of their significance in the lives of people and their daily endeavors.
What is Bhai Tika?
The final day of Tihar is known as Bhai Tika, and the day of brother-sister love. Sisters put on colorful tika on the forehead of their brothers, give them flower garlands, and pray for their health and long life. In return, brothers receive presents and blessings. Bhai Tika brings the family closer and is the most emotional and significant aspect of Tihar.
What is Mha Puja?
On the fourth day of Tihar, Mha Puja or the worship of the self is observed primarily by the Newar people. It is a ritual to respect the personal body and soul. On Mha Puja, individuals put down colorful mandalas, offerings such as fruits and flowers, and wish to be healthy, strong, and prosperous in the New Year. It is a self-reflection and a spiritual revival.
Is it possible to celebrate Tihar in Nepal by tourists?
Yes! Tihar may be enjoyed by tourists through watching flaming lamps and rangoli decoration, attending Deusi-Bhailo singing and dancing, learning tika and flower garland making, tasting Nepali foods and sweets, as well as by visiting temples and cultural sites. The tourists are even able to participate in the celebrations of the local families, making the experience memorable and immersive with the culture.
What are the best places to go to in Tihar?
Patan, Bhaktapur, and Kathmandu city are well decorated and lit with lights, and some of the most popular destinations during Tihar in the Kathmandu Valley. Phewa Lake mirrors the lights on Phewa Lake, making Pokhara look magical. The Torres Bandipur has traditional hilltop festivals, and Tihar is celebrated in temples and monasteries in Lumbini, which is rich in both religion and culture.
In which ways does Tihar differ from Dashain?
Although the two are significant festivals in Nepal, they focus their interests. Dashain is the festival of good over evil, and it involves family reunions, old age blessings and swings, and kites. Tihar, on the other hand, glorifies light, love, and respect towards animals and siblings. It is laden with lamps, rangoli, songs, sweets, and rituals. Both festivals are held together, demonstrating the abundance of Nepali culture and traditions, as well as family values.
