Tihar Festival in Nepal 2026: Dates, Traditions & Celebration
Tihar is one of Nepal’s most beautiful and colorful festivals, widely known as the Festival of Lights. Celebrated over several days, Tihar fills homes, temples, streets, and neighborhoods with oil lamps, candles, electric lights, flowers, rangoli, music, and family gatherings.The festival is deeply connected with Nepal’s religious traditions and family values. Each day has its own meaning and rituals, including the worship of crows, dogs, cows, oxen, and the goddess Laxmi. The final day, Bhai Tika, celebrates the special relationship between brothers and sisters.Although Tihar is primarily associated with Hindu traditions, its customs vary among Nepal’s different communities. In Kathmandu Valley, the Newar community also observes Mha Puja, a meaningful ritual dedicated to the self and personal well-being.
When is Tihar in Nepal in 2026?
According to the Nepali Calendar 2083 BS, Tihar 2026 begins on Saturday, 7 November 2026, and concludes with Bhai Tika on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.
Tihar 2026 Dates
7 November 2026 – Kaag Tihar: Crows are traditionally worshipped and offered food.
8 November 2026 – Kukur Tihar & Laxmi Puja: Dogs are honored during Kukur Tihar, while homes are illuminated in the evening to welcome Goddess Laxmi.
10 November 2026 – Govardhan Puja & Mha Puja: Oxen are traditionally honored, while the Newar community observes Mha Puja.
11 November 2026 – Bhai Tika: Sisters and brothers celebrate their bond through tika, blessings, gifts, and family gatherings.
Why is Tihar called the Festival of Lights:During Tihar, Nepali homes and communities glow with rows of diyas, candles, decorative lights, and traditional oil lamps. Entrances are decorated with colorful rangoli and flower garlands, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.Laxmi Puja is particularly associated with lighting the home and welcoming Goddess Laxmi, who is revered as the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Experience Tihar in Nepal
For visitors, Tihar is a wonderful opportunity to experience Nepal beyond its mountains and trekking trails. Kathmandu becomes especially lively, with decorated homes, traditional music, festive markets, cultural performances, and beautifully illuminated neighborhoods.Travelers visiting Nepal during Tihar can combine the festival with cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Pokhara, or other destinations and experience Nepal’s traditions at a particularly vibrant time of year.Tihar is more than a festival of lights,it is a celebration of family, gratitude, prosperity, nature, and the bonds between people. If you are planning to visit Nepal in November 2026, experiencing Tihar can add a memorable cultural dimension to your journey.
