Tihar, also known as Deepawali or the Festival of Lights, is one of the most cherished and colorful festivals in Nepal. Celebrated over five days, Tihar is a time when the entire country comes alive with oil lamps, candles, vibrant colors, music, and devotion. It is second only to Dashain in importance among Hindu festivals in Nepal, and is deeply rooted in both religious significance and cultural practices. For travelers and culture enthusiasts, Tihar offers a unique window into Nepalese traditions, family life, and spiritual beliefs.
Asiana Treks and Tours invites travelers to experience the magic of Tihar firsthand—where streets, homes, and temples are lit with thousands of lights, people honor animals and deities, and the atmosphere is filled with joy and reverence. The festival is not just a celebration; it's a reflection of the Nepalese way of life, a blend of the spiritual and the earthly, the mythological and the social.
Highlights of Tihar:
Whether you're witnessing the crow being honored on Kag Tihar or experiencing the bond between brothers and sisters on Bhai Tika, celebrating Tihar with Asiana Treks and Tours is a cultural immersion unlike any other.
Tihar is a five-day Hindu festival celebrated mainly in Nepal, also known in other parts of South Asia as Diwali. However, the Nepali version of the festival is distinctly different in form and focus. Often referred to as the "Festival of Lights," Tihar honors not only gods and goddesses but also animals, nature, and the sacred bond between siblings. Each day of Tihar holds its own rituals and symbolic meaning, starting with the worship of crows and ending with the heartfelt celebration of Bhai Tika, where sisters pray for the long life of their brothers.
For Nepalese people, Tihar is more than just a festive occasion—it is a time of spiritual reflection, family bonding, and community celebration. Lamps, candles, and electric lights glow from every corner of the country, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Songs like Deusi and Bhailo fill the air, while people exchange gifts and share traditional foods. The entire country seems to pause and take part in this shared moment of joy and light.
At Asiana Treks and Tours, we view Tihar as a golden opportunity for visitors to connect deeply with the Nepalese way of life. From crafting beautiful rangolis with locals to joining families during Bhai Tika, our curated experiences ensure that you don’t just observe the festival—you live it.
Key Elements of Tihar:
Tihar's origins are rooted in both Hindu mythology and ancient cultural practices unique to the Himalayan region. According to legend, one of the key stories behind Tihar is the tale of Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna. On Bhai Tika, Yamuna prayed for her brother's long life, and as a result, Yama granted a boon that any sister performing the rituals with genuine love would ensure her brother's prosperity and protection. This emotional tale forms the foundation of the fifth day of Tihar, which is celebrated with deep affection between siblings.
Another significant aspect of Tihar is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. On the third day—Lakshmi Puja—homes are thoroughly cleaned and illuminated with oil lamps and candles to welcome the goddess. It is believed that a clean, well-lit home will attract her blessings for the upcoming year. This connection to wealth and cleanliness also underscores the importance of balance between the material and spiritual worlds in Nepali culture.
Tihar also reflects Nepal's unique relationship with nature and animals. The festival’s first few days honor crows, dogs, and cows—each revered for their roles in Hindu belief and everyday rural life. The cow, for instance, is worshipped as a symbol of wealth and motherhood, while dogs are seen as the guardians of the underworld and messengers of Yama.
Cultural Significance:
With Asiana Treks and Tours, you'll delve into these mythological tales and rituals firsthand, experiencing the beauty of Tihar not just as a festival, but as a living tradition passed through generations.
Tihar is a five-day Hindu festival that brings light, love, and spirituality to homes and streets across Nepal. Unlike many festivals, Tihar gives special significance not only to gods but also to animals and human relationships, especially the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. In 2025, the Tihar festival will be celebrated from November 19 to November 23, with some traditional rituals combined or aligned due to calendar variations and regional practices.
At Asiana Treks and Tours, we believe that understanding the purpose and story behind each day of Tihar enhances the experience for visitors. Let us guide you through each day of the festival and what it means.
Day 1: Kaag Tihar (Crow Day) – November 19, 2025
This day is dedicated to crows, considered the messengers of death in Hindu mythology. On this day, families offer rice and sweets placed on rooftops and in the open to appease these birds and ward off misfortune.
Asiana Tip:Join locals as they set up early morning offerings and learn the symbolism behind this simple but significant gesture.
Day 2: Kukur Tihar (Dog Day) & Lakshmi Puja (Cow Day + Goddess of Wealth) – November 20, 2025
In 2025, Kukur Tihar and Lakshmi Puja fall on the same day, creating a beautifully rich combination of traditions.
Morning: Kukur Tihar (Dog Day)
Dogs, seen as loyal protectors and messengers of Yama, are worshipped with garlands (mala), tika (red mark), and special treats. Street dogs are also lovingly included.
Afternoon to Evening: Lakshmi Puja (Cow Day & Worship of Wealth)
The cow, sacred to Hindus and associated with wealth, is worshipped in the afternoon. In the evening, homes are lit with diyas (oil lamps) to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, who brings prosperity and good fortune. Families clean and decorate their homes with rangoli and lights to invite her blessings.
Asiana Experience: Witness Kathmandu transform into a city of light, and even take part in lighting lamps in a Nepali home.
Day 3: Gai Tihar, Govardhan Puja, and Mha Puja – November 22, 2025
This day includes multiple significant celebrations.
Gai Tihar (Ox Day)
The ox, essential to Nepal’s farming communities, is honored for its role in agriculture. Offerings of food, garlands, and respect are given to oxen across the country.
Govardhan Puja
This ritual commemorates Lord Krishna’s act of lifting Mount Govardhan to protect villagers from a storm. Cow dung effigies of the mountain are created and worshipped as symbols of divine protection and nature’s power.
Mha Puja (Newar New Year)
For the Newar community, this day marks the Nepal Sambat New Year. During Mha Puja, individuals worship their own bodies and souls, cleansing negative energy and inviting prosperity.
Asiana Highlight:Explore the cultural richness of the Newar community and participate in Mha Puja rituals in Bhaktapur or Patan.
Day 4: Bhai Tika (Brother-Sister Day) – November 23, 2025
The most emotional day of Tihar is Bhai Tika, where sisters honor their brothers with tika, garlands, and sweets, praying for their health, happiness, and long life. In return, brothers give gifts and pledge to protect their sisters.
Sisters draw protective mandalas on the floor, and place seven-colored tika (Saptarangi Tika) on their brothers’ foreheads. This day beautifully symbolizes the deep love and respect between siblings, and is one of the most awaited days in Nepali families.
Asiana Moment: If you're traveling solo or with siblings, we can arrange cultural exchanges where travelers can observe or even respectfully participate in Bhai Tika with host families.
Summary of Tihar 2025 Schedule:
| Date | Tihar Day | Main Celebrations |
| Nov 19 | Kaag Tihar | Worship of Crows |
| Nov 20 | Kukur Tihar & Lakshmi Puja | Dogs, Cows, and Goddess Lakshmi |
| Nov 22 | Gai Tihar, Govardhan Puja, Mha Puja | Oxen, Krishna, Newar New Year |
| Nov 23 | Bhai Tika | Brothers and Sisters Day |
Why Celebrate Tihar with Asiana Treks and Tours?
Tihar is a visual delight. As the sun sets, homes, temples, and city streets come alive with the glow of countless oil lamps (diyo), candles, and modern string lights. These lights are not only meant for beauty—they are symbolic of welcoming Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. The brighter the home, the more likely it is to attract her blessings. During the Lakshmi Puja, families light up every corner, creating a magical ambiance that reflects the joy and spirituality of the festival.
One of the most vibrant traditions is the creation of rangoli, intricate patterns made on the ground using colored powders, flowers, rice, and sometimes even lentils. These designs are usually drawn at the entrance of homes to guide the goddess inside. Rangoli patterns often depict traditional motifs such as lotus flowers, footprints of Lakshmi, or abstract geometric shapes. It’s a communal activity that brings families and neighbors together.
In villages and cities alike, the atmosphere is transformed during Tihar. Streets are cleaned, storefronts decorated, and neighborhoods compete to display the most beautiful lighting and art. Travelers with Asiana Treks and Tours can join local families in crafting rangoli or help light traditional oil lamps, gaining hands-on experience in Nepali festive customs.
Decor Highlights of Tihar:
One of the most joyful aspects of Tihar is the tradition of Deusi and Bhailo—folk songs sung in neighborhoods during the evening hours, typically starting from the second or third day of the festival. Groups of children, teenagers, and sometimes even adults, go door-to-door singing, dancing, and sharing blessings in exchange for money, food, or sweets. Deusi is usually sung by boys, and Bhailo by girls, though mixed groups are common today.
The songs carry messages of prosperity, protection, and good wishes, and often involve call-and-response verses. Some verses are humorous or improvised, while others stick to traditional lines. The hosts reward the performers with tokens of appreciation, creating a fun and interactive environment that blends entertainment with cultural expression. In some communities, these gatherings become mini-festivals with music, dancing, and laughter echoing through the streets late into the night.
Asiana Treks and Tours offers travelers the chance to witness or even participate in Deusi-Bhailo festivities in rural villages or urban neighborhoods. Guests can dress in traditional attire, learn the lyrics, and join local children in this cherished tradition. For many visitors, this experience becomes one of the most heartwarming memories of their time in Nepal.
Key Features of Deusi-Bhailo:
No festival in Nepal is complete without a generous spread of delicious food, and Tihar is no exception. It’s a time when families prepare a variety of special dishes, many of which are rich in symbolism and flavor. Traditional sweets like sel roti—a homemade ring-shaped rice flour doughnut—are particularly popular. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, sel roti is made fresh and served with yogurt or curry, representing abundance and prosperity.
Another festive favorite is anarasa, a deep-fried rice dough sweet often coated in sugar or sesame. Dishes like fenugreek pickle (methi achar), meat curries, vegetable tarkari, and beaten rice (chiura) are also common, offering a balance of savory and sweet. On Lakshmi Puja, many families prepare elaborate feasts to please the goddess, with food offerings carefully arranged on banana leaves or brass plates.
Food also plays a big part in social bonding during Tihar. During Bhai Tika, sisters prepare a special plate of favorite dishes for their brothers as part of the blessing ceremony. It is a beautiful moment of care and appreciation expressed through the language of food.
Asiana Treks and Tours offers curated food experiences during Tihar—whether it’s learning to make sel roti with a Nepali family or enjoying a Tihar feast in a village homestay. This is a culinary celebration that touches all senses.
Tihar Food Highlights:
While the essence of Tihar remains rooted in tradition, the way it's celebrated across Nepal has evolved with time. In urban areas like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lalitpur, Tihar is marked by dazzling light displays, modern LED decorations, and neighborhood competitions for the best rangoli or street illumination. Shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels also get into the festive spirit with themed events, special menus, and cultural performances. Social media plays a growing role as families share images of their celebrations online, and younger generations often remix traditional Deusi-Bhailo songs with modern beats.
In rural communities, the heart of Tihar beats with the same sincerity as generations past. The traditions are more intimate and less commercial. Families still make handmade oil lamps, gather in courtyards for rituals, and cook food over wood fires. The participation of the entire village in Deusi-Bhailo, home visits, and communal rituals keeps the cultural threads alive.
Asiana Treks and Tours offers travelers a unique perspective by bridging both worlds—giving visitors a chance to see high-tech lights in the city as well as participate in authentic village rituals. Experiencing Tihar in both contexts highlights the harmony between Nepal’s rich traditions and its vibrant modern identity.
Tihar Today:
Beyond the celebrations, Tihar is a deeply spiritual and cultural festival that reflects the core values of Nepali society—gratitude, harmony, respect, and prosperity. Each day of the festival is a symbolic gesture of honoring life in all its forms. From feeding crows as messengers of death to garlanding dogs, worshipping cows, and blessing siblings, Tihar teaches the value of every creature and every relationship in our lives.
The worship of Goddess Lakshmi embodies the belief in cleanliness, light, and wealth—not just material, but emotional and spiritual richness as well. Mha Puja, celebrated by the Newar community, emphasizes self-respect and inner cleansing, a ritual of introspection and renewal. Meanwhile, Bhai Tika strengthens family ties and shows the importance of sibling love and loyalty in the cultural fabric of Nepal.
These spiritual themes resonate even more deeply for those who witness or take part in them during a journey through Nepal. At Asiana Treks and Tours, we believe that festivals like Tihar are the best way to truly understand the soul of the country. By observing or participating in rituals, sharing meals with families, and joining in the community music and dance, visitors don’t just see Nepal—they connect with it.
Core Values of Tihar:
Tihar is not just a festival—it is the celebration of life itself. Its colorful customs, sacred rituals, and heartfelt traditions bring together families, neighbors, and even strangers in a shared spirit of joy, devotion, and unity. Over five beautiful days, Tihar teaches us to pause and appreciate the relationships we often take for granted—our bonds with animals, nature, the divine, and each other.
In every lit diya, there is a prayer for light to overcome darkness. In every Bhai Tika ceremony, there is a promise of love and protection. In every rangoli, a hope for beauty, peace, and prosperity in the home. For Nepalese people, Tihar is more than a cultural event—it is a spiritual compass, reminding them of their values, heritage, and identity.
For travelers, Tihar offers more than just an itinerary stop—it’s a profound cultural experience. With Asiana Treks and Tours, you’re not just watching from the sidelines. You are invited to join in the rhythm, colors, and warmth of the festival. Whether lighting diyas with a host family, singing Deusi-Bhailo with children, or enjoying a festive feast, the spirit of Tihar becomes something you carry with you long after your journey ends.
Essence of Tihar:
In Nepal, the transition from Tihar to Chhath Parva is not just a shift in the calendar but a spiritual passage from celebration to devotion. Tihar, the Festival of Lights, concludes with Bhai Tika—a heartfelt exchange of blessings between brothers and sisters. Just a few days later, Chhath preparations begin in full swing, especially in the southern Terai and Madhesh regions.
This period between the festivals is vibrant with cultural activity. While Tihar celebrates beauty, music, animals, and family ties, Chhath turns inward, marked by self-purification, discipline, and connection with nature. Markets in the Terai bustle with locals buying bamboo baskets, clay stoves, sugarcane, thekua (sweet offerings), and seasonal fruits. Women begin cleaning their homes and cooking spaces, preparing mentally and physically for the four-day Chhath rituals.
With Asiana Treks and Tours, travelers can witness this cultural progression firsthand. We offer immersive tours that allow guests to experience the festive lights of Tihar and, soon after, the deep spirituality of Chhath. This rare combination showcases Nepal’s cultural diversity—from the colorful hills to the spiritual plains.
Key Highlights:
Chhath Parva, primarily observed in Nepal’s Terai region, is a unique and deeply spiritual festival dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Unlike Tihar, which emphasizes joy, decoration, and family bonding, Chhath is characterized by austerity, discipline, and inner devotion. It is a time of purification and prayer, not just of the body but of the soul.
Celebrated over four days, the rituals demand intense preparation and commitment, especially from the women (Vratis) who observe the fasts. Devotees offer prayers to the setting and rising sun, standing waist-deep in rivers or ponds. These serene scenes—rivers lined with glowing lamps, devotees dressed in traditional attire, and hymns echoing in the twilight—offer travelers an unforgettable spiritual spectacle.
Chhath isn't just a religious festival; it's a cultural phenomenon rooted in community, nature, and faith. Asiana Treks and Tours invites visitors to places like Janakpur, Birgunj, or Lahan, where Chhath is celebrated in its most authentic form. Guests can respectfully observe rituals, enjoy local hospitality, and learn about the philosophies behind each ritual step.
What Makes Chhath Special:
Known locally as Chhadd Puje, the Chhath festival unfolds over four spiritually significant days, each marking a step in the devotee’s path of purification, sacrifice, and gratitude. This structured spiritual journey honors the life-giving energy of the Sun God and the blessings of Chhathi Maiya, believed to protect health and ensure prosperity.
Day 1 – Nahay Khay: The first day marks physical and spiritual cleansing. Devotees bathe in holy rivers and consume a single satvik meal (typically pumpkin, rice, and lentils), cooked in a purified kitchen.
Day 2 – Kharna: A strict fast begins at sunrise. At night, devotees break their fast with kheer, ghee-fried roti, and fruits. Afterward, a 36-hour nirjala vrat (fast without water) begins.
Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya: The evening offering to the setting sun. Devotees gather by riverbanks, standing in water with bamboo baskets filled with fruits, sweets, and sacred items. Families sing traditional Chhath songs as lamps float on the water.
Day 4 – Usha Arghya: The most auspicious moment—offering prayers to the rising sun. The fast ends after this ritual, and devotees receive blessings.
Asiana Treks and Tours offers guided journeys that allow travelers to observe each of these phases up close in culturally rich areas of the Terai.
Ritual Highlights:
In the Madhesh plains of Nepal, Chhath Parva is not merely a religious practice—it is a defining expression of Madhesi cultural identity and unity. Passed down through generations, it reflects a way of life that revolves around nature, family, community, and ancestral reverence.
What makes Chhath particularly significant in Madhesh is its organic, eco-friendly nature. Everything used in the rituals—from bamboo baskets to banana leaves, sugarcane to clay stoves—is rooted in the agrarian lifestyle of the region. The worship of the sun and water echoes a profound respect for the natural elements that sustain life.
Chhath also fosters deep community engagement. In towns and villages, people come together to clean ponds, prepare ghats, and decorate public spaces with rangoli and lights. The sense of solidarity is palpable. For women especially, the vrat is a deeply personal spiritual undertaking for the well-being of their families. It’s not uncommon for entire neighborhoods to support one devotee’s ritual journey.
With Asiana Treks and Tours, you can explore Madhesh during Chhath, witnessing firsthand how culture and devotion are seamlessly woven into everyday life. From rural rituals to urban observances, the festival provides a lens into Nepal’s southern cultural soul.
Cultural Insights:
At its core, Chhath Parva is a spiritual path of renunciation, resilience, and reverence for nature. Among all festivals in Nepal, Chhath is uniquely demanding in both its physical rigor and spiritual discipline. It is defined by nirjala fasting (no food or water), long hours of prayer, and worship of the Sun God, who is seen as the ultimate life-giver and healer.
Unlike many festivals that involve indulgence and celebration, Chhath is about sacrifice and self-control. The primary devotee, often a woman known as a Vrati, undertakes the fast for over 36 hours. This is not just a religious duty—it is a deep act of love, undertaken to ensure the well-being and longevity of the family. The Vrati's silent determination becomes a powerful symbol of maternal devotion and inner strength.
Chhath also carries a broader message of balance between humanity and nature. Offerings are made to both the setting and rising sun, signifying reverence for life’s full cycle. The rituals, performed at riverbanks, remind us of the sacredness of water, sunlight, and natural elements often taken for granted.
Through Asiana Treks and Tours, travelers can respectfully observe this intimate and moving festival in culturally rich areas of Nepal. It offers a deeper understanding of faith in action and how tradition continues to guide daily life.
Core Themes of Chhath:
Experiencing the vibrant festivals of Nepal, such as Tihar and Chhath, offers travelers a unique cultural immersion into the heart of Nepali traditions. Asiana Treks and Tours specializes in providing curated travel experiences that allow visitors to participate in these festivities authentically and respectfully. With expert local guides, travelers gain deep insights into the spiritual significance, rituals, and customs associated with Tihar—the Festival of Lights—and Chhath, which honors the sun god and is celebrated with devotion in Nepal’s Terai region.
Asiana Treks and Tours crafts itineraries that align with the festival calendars, enabling travelers to witness the colorful decorations, traditional dances, and community celebrations that define these events. Beyond just observing, travelers get the chance to join in lighting oil lamps (diyas), singing Deusi-Bhailo songs, and enjoying traditional foods prepared especially for the occasion. The company also arranges visits to key temples and local households to better understand the religious and social dimensions of these festivals. Whether it’s exploring Kathmandu’s bustling streets during Tihar or experiencing the serene riverbanks during Chhath, Asiana Treks and Tours ensures an enriching and immersive cultural adventure.
Highlights for Travelers with Asiana Treks and Tours:
