Tihar 2026: Dates, Five-Day Celebrations and Significance of Nepal’s Festival of Lights

Tihar, also known as Deepawali, or Festival of Lights, is one of the major Hindu festivals in Nepal. It takes place following Dashain. Tihar is a 5 day festival where we celebrate with our animals including crows, dogs and cows. We also celebrate it with Goddess Lakshmi who represents wealth and prosperity. We also celebrate the relationship between brothers and sisters with Bhai Tika. In 2026, Tihar will be celebrated on the following dates: 7th November – 11th November 2026 (Kartik 21-25 2083 BS).

Tihar 2026 Dates & Schedule

Tihar 2026 will be celebrated on the following dates;

The dates above are based on the information provided in the source. The lucky time to celebrate Bhai Tika (sait) has not been officially announced yet.

Why do we celebrate Tihar?

We celebrate Tihar to pay our respects to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Yama and our animals. This is an opportunity to show our thanks to nature, animals and family.

Tihar is closely linked to;

Goddess Lakshmi – Goddess of Wealth & Prosperity

• Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped during Tihar to bring wealth, prosperity and luck. Families will clean and decorate their homes. Oil lamps will be placed at the entrance and prayers are performed.
• Coloured footprints will be made using coloured powders and/or flour from the entrance of the house to the family shrine.

Lord Yama and His Messengers

• Crows and dogs are traditionally linked to Yama, the god of death in Hinduism. During Kaag Tihar and Kukur Tihar we offer food and worship these animals.
• This is to bring protection from bad luck and shows respect to animals who are seen as Yama’s messengers.

Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill

• During Govardhan Puja we celebrate the story of Lord Krishna lifting up Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from heavy rain and flooding caused by Indra.
• This celebrates the protection Krishna gave to the village and shows how important nature, cattle and farming are.

Mha Puja & Newars

• Mha Puja is an important ritual for the Newar community in Nepal. This is when you worship your body and soul. It represents cleansing, self respect, wellbeing and a new beginning spiritually.
• This is celebrated on the 4th Day of Tihar and marks the Newar New Year.

How is Tihar celebrated in Nepal?

Tihar is celebrated over 5 days with animals being worshipped, family rituals taking place, cultural performances and families coming together. Homes are cleaned and decorated with flowers, rangoli, lamps and colourful lights.

One of the most unique parts of Tihar is Deusi and Bhailo. Groups of boys and girls visit homes singing traditional songs. They offer blessings to families and are given money, sweets and gifts.

Day 1 – Kaag Tihar (worshipping crows)

• 7th November 2026 (Kartik 21 2083 BS)
• The first day is known as Kaag Tihar. Kaag means crow in Nepali. Crows are seen as Yama’s messengers.
• Offerings of rice, grains, sweets and other foods are given to crows. These are usually placed on the roof or in the courtyard. It is traditionally believed that this will help to remove sadness and bad luck.

Day 2 – Kukur Tihar & Lakshmi Puja

• 8th November 2026 (Kartik 22 2083 BS)
• Kukur Tihar is when we worship dogs. Dogs are respected due to their loyalty and are traditionally linked to Yama. Dogs are decorated with marigold flowers, red tika is placed on their forehead and they are offered special foods.
• In the evening Lakshmi Puja is celebrated. Homes are decorated with diyas and pretty lights. Families offer prayers, sweets and flowers to Goddess Lakshmi.
• These two celebrations take place on the same day according to the source.

Day 3 – Gai Tihar (worshipping cows)

• 9th November 2026 (Kartik 23 2083 BS)
• Gai Tihar is when we worship cows. Traditionally cows are seen as sacred.
• They are decorated with marigold flowers, tika is placed on them and they are offered grass and food. This is to thank them for their important role in farming.

Day 4 – Govardhan Puja, Goru Tihar & Mha Puja

• 10th November 2026 (Kartik 24 2083 BS)

The fourth day consists of three important celebrations,

• Govardhan Puja – To worship Govardhan Hill.
• Goru Tihar – Oxen are worshipped and offered foods to thank them for their contribution to farming.
• Mha Puja – The Newar community perform a ritual to worship themselves.
• New Year (Nepal Sambat) – The Newar community celebrate the start of the year.

Day 5 – Bhai Tika (celebrating brother/sister relationship)

• 11th November 2026 (Kartik 25 2083 BS)
• Bhai Tika is the last day of Tihar. This is to celebrate the brother/sister relationship.
• Sisters will place a colourful 7 colour tika (Saptarangi Tika) on their brother’s forehead. They will offer them garlands, sweets and prayers for them to have a long life, happy life and prosperous life. Brothers will offer them gifts and blessings.
• Within the Newar community this ritual is known as Kija Puja. The ceremony shows love, protection and lifelong family relationships.
• The lucky time to perform the Bhai Tika ceremony (sait) will be announced by the Panchang officials in Nepal.

Key Cultural Traditions within Tihar

Tradition and Significance

• Deusi-Bhailo: Traditional songs, dancing and community celebration.
• Diyas/Lamps: Symbolises light, hope and prosperity.
• Rangoli: Patterns placed on the entrance to the home.
• Marigold Flowers: Used to decorate homes, animals and people.
• Saptarangi Tika: 7 colour tika used during Bhai Tika.
• Sel Roti: Traditional rice bread eaten during festivals in Nepal.
• Mha Puja: Newars worship themselves.

Tihar & it’s significance in Nepal

Tihar is much more than just a festival of lights. It shows the diverse culture we have in Nepal, our religious beliefs and how connected we are to nature and animals.

The 5 day celebration recognises the contributions animals make, we worship Goddess Lakshmi and strengthens family relationships. The Deusi-Bhailo, Mha Puja and Bhai Tika all show how unique each community are in Nepal.