Tihar 2026

Tihar 2026 is one of Nepal's major cultural celebrations and takes place over five days, from November 7 to 11. Known as the festival of lights and colors, it combines rituals, offerings, illuminated homes, garlands, family gatherings and different forms of worship. Each day has its own significance: Kaag Tihar honors crows, Kukur Tihar honors dogs, Gai Tihar is dedicated to cows and coincides with celebrations for Lakshmi, while the fourth day includes Govardhan Puja and, among the Newar community, Mha Puja. The festival concludes with Bhai Tika, when brothers and sisters exchange tika and blessings.

Five days of celebration

In 2026, Tihar begins on Saturday, November 7 and concludes on Wednesday, November 11. The first day is Kaag Tihar, followed by Kukur Tihar and the celebrations associated with Lakshmi. The final days include rituals involving cows and oxen, Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja before Bhai Tika. This sequence reflects the range of traditions that make up the festival and turns Tihar into a multi-day celebration taking place across homes and communities throughout Nepal.

Animals and tradition

The first days of Tihar are connected with different animals that hold an important place in the tradition. Kaag Tihar honors crows, which are associated with Yama, while Kukur Tihar is dedicated to dogs. Families make offerings and perform rituals of recognition and respect. Gai Tihar later includes the worship of cows, which have a symbolic connection with Lakshmi. These practices are a distinctive part of Tihar and reflect the relationship between religious observances, household life and animals.

Lights and Lakshmi Puja

Lighting is one of the most recognizable elements of Tihar. During the festival, homes are decorated with oil lamps, candles, electric lights and garlands. Lakshmi Puja is one of the central moments and is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess associated with wealth and prosperity. Families clean and decorate their homes and place lights around doors and windows. In cities such as Kathmandu, residential areas and urban spaces become especially bright during the celebrations.

Mha Puja and Bhai Tika

The fourth day includes Govardhan Puja and, within the Newar community, Mha Puja, a ceremony dedicated to the self. It also coincides with the beginning of Nepal Sambat, the traditional Newar calendar. The fifth and final day is Bhai Tika, dedicated to the relationship between brothers and sisters. Sisters place tika on their brothers and offer blessings, while brothers traditionally respond with gifts. These observances bring the five-day Tihar cycle to an end.