Tihar is Nepal's festival of lights and, after Dashain, its second biggest festival. For five days in late autumn, homes are cleaned and decorated with marigold garlands, oil lamps and candles glow on every doorstep, groups of young people sing from house to house, and each day honours a different being, from crows and dogs to cows, the goddess of wealth and, finally, brothers and sisters. It is one of the most beautiful times to be in Nepal.
Quick answer: Tihar lasts five days in late October or November. In 2026 it runs from 7 to 11 November, with Laxmi Puja on 8 November and Bhai Tika on 11 November. Highlights are Kukur Tihar (honouring dogs), the lamps of Laxmi Puja, the Newar new year on Mha Puja, and Bhai Tika. Offices close on the main days; trekking continues normally.
Tihar day by day
| Day | Name | Honours | 2026 date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaag Tihar | Crows, messengers of death | 7 November |
| 2 | Kukur Tihar | Dogs, guardians of the underworld | 8 November |
| 3 | Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja | Cows and Laxmi, goddess of wealth | 8 November |
| 4 | Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja | Oxen; the self (Newar new year) | 10 November |
| 5 | Bhai Tika | Brothers and sisters | 11 November |
Tihar follows the lunar calendar, so the days don't always fall one after another; in 2026, Kukur Tihar and Laxmi Puja fall on the same day.
Kaag Tihar: the crows
On the first day, people leave food on rooftops for crows, seen as messengers of death, to ward off grief and bad news in the coming year.
Kukur Tihar: the dogs
The day most visitors love. Dogs, including street dogs, are garlanded with marigolds, given a red tika on the forehead and fed treats, in honour of their loyalty and their role as guardians of the gates of the underworld. You'll see happy, flower-covered dogs all over Kathmandu.
Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja
In the morning, cows, sacred in Hinduism, are worshipped and garlanded. In the evening comes Laxmi Puja, the most important night of Tihar. Homes and businesses are cleaned, decorated with marigolds and rangoli (coloured patterns), and lit with oil lamps and strings of lights to welcome Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. A path of red mud and lamps leads from the door to the family's prayer room. Cities glow all night.
Deusi and bhailo
From Laxmi Puja onwards, groups of children and young people go from house to house singing traditional songs: bhailo (traditionally by girls) and deusi (traditionally by boys). Households give money, rice and sweets in return for blessings. Today, many groups are raising money for community projects.
Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja
The fourth day honours oxen (Govardhan Puja). For the Newar community it is also Mha Puja, the worship of the self, when each family member's body and soul are purified for the year ahead, and the start of the Newar new year, Nepal Sambat. Look for colourful mandalas and family rituals in the old cities.
Bhai Tika
On the final day, sisters give their brothers a seven-coloured tika, garlands of long-lasting makhamali flowers and a protective blessing, and pray for their long life. Brothers give gifts and money in return. Families travel long distances to be together for Bhai Tika.
Travelling during Tihar
- Offices and banks close on Laxmi Puja and Bhai Tika; withdraw cash in advance.
- Transport is busy around Bhai Tika as people travel home.
- Cities are beautiful at night: walk through Thamel, Asan, Patan and Bhaktapur after dark on Laxmi Puja.
- Trekking continues normally: Tihar falls in the main autumn season.
- Fireworks: expect firecrackers in the evenings.
Tihar and Dashain
Tihar comes about two to three weeks after Dashain. Together they make October and November the most festive time of the year. See our Nepal in November and festivals guides.
How to enjoy Tihar respectfully
- Join in by buying a garland for a dog or lighting a candle.
- Give a little money to deusi and bhailo groups who sing for you.
- Ask before photographing family rituals.
- Don't step on rangoli patterns or the lamp path into homes.
Plan your trip
A November trek that starts or ends in Kathmandu around Laxmi Puja gives you the best of both: mountains and the festival of lights. Contact us and we'll plan around Tihar.