Tihar Festival in Nepal 2025: The festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights & Colors!

Tihar,the festival of lights, is a time of joy, devotion, and vibrant celebrations. It honors Yama, the God of Death, while the worship of Goddess Laxmi, the bringer of wealth and prosperity, takes center stage.

Kaag Tihar (Day 1): The festival begins with the worship of crows, the messengers of Yama. Offerings of rice and light are placed on leaf dishes to honor them.

Kukur Tihar (Day 2): Dogs, regarded as the agents of Yama and loyal guardians, are adorned with garlands and tika and offered special treats.

Gai Tihar & Laxmi Puja (Day 3): The morning is dedicated to cows, symbols of prosperity, with prayers and offerings. In the evening, homes are illuminated to welcome Goddess Laxmi, with footprints drawn to invite her inside.

Govardhan Puja & Mha Puja (Day 4): Oxen, crucial to farming, are honored on this day. Meanwhile, the Newar community celebrates Mha Puja, a unique ritual of self-worship, recognizing one's own inner divinity.

Bhai Tika (Day 5): The festival concludes with Brothers’ Day, when sisters apply tika to their brothers' foreheads, offering prayers for their prosperity and longevity. Brothers, in return, give gifts and blessings to their sisters, strengthening their bond.

Throughout Tihar, homes across Nepal glow with candles, oil lamps, and twinkling lights. Kathmandu’s skyline, especially from Swoyambhunath Stupa, offers a breathtaking view of the illuminated city. The nights are filled with traditional Deusi-Bhailo songs, festive feasts, and, despite restrictions, bursts of fireworks lighting up the sky.