Tihar (Deepawali): Nepal’s Festival of Lights—Meaning, Rituals, and Etiquette
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Tihar, Nepal’s five-day festival of lights, arrives in late October or early November, illuminating homes, lanes, and temples with earthen lamps (diyo), marigold garlands, and rangoli designs.
Search intent match: If you’re asking “What is Tihar and how is it celebrated in Nepal?”, this concise, expert overview covers the days, rituals, foods, and respectful participation.
The five days, at a glance:
Day 1 — Kaag Tihar: Crows are offered sweets and grains, acknowledging messengers and warding off misfortune.
Day 2 — Kukur Tihar: Dogs receive tika, garlands, and special meals, thanking guardianship and loyalty.
Day 3 — Gai Tihar & Lakshmi Puja: Cows are honored in the morning; at night families invite Goddess Lakshmi with clean thresholds, lamps, and open ledgers. Bhailo songs and gifts circulate among neighborhoods.
Day 4 — Govardhan Puja/Mha Puja: Oxen are revered; Newar communities perform Mha Puja, ritually honoring the self and beginning the Nepal Sambat New Year with mandala offerings.
Day 5 — Bhai Tika: Sisters apply seven-colored tika to brothers, exchange gifts, and pray for one another’s longevity and fortune.
Cultural texture: Deusi–Bhailo caroling, sel roti, festive card games, and sparing fireworks shape evenings. Many households now favor eco-friendly clay lamps and biodegradable decorations.
Authority, quality, and trust: This guide uses established Nepali cultural terms, notes regional variations, and avoids sensationalism around animal rituals. Dates vary by lunar calendar; confirm local timings each year.
Respectful participation tips:
Remove shoes in shrines and accept tika with your right hand.
Support animal welfare during Kukur Tihar.
Photograph politely; ask before entering private courtyards.
