From October 31 to November 4, 2024, Nepal comes alive with Tihar, a celebration that blends devotion, ancient legends, and the beauty of lights into a truly unique festival
Have you ever heard of Tihar?
It is a festival—indeed, the Nepalese festival par excellence—a celebration so spectacular it could even rival the Rio Carnival! Also known as the festival of lights, it takes place every autumn, generally between October and November, following the Nepalese lunar calendar. In 2024, it will light up Nepal from October 31 to November 4, bringing five days of pure magic!
Want to know more?
In this article, I’ll share some fascinating insights about Tihar, starting from its origins through to the annual program followed during the five days of celebrations.
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The origins of Tihar
Tihar, also known as Deepawali or Diwali, is a five-day festival rooted in ancient legends.
It is said that it all began with an encounter between Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna.
According to legend, Yama and Yamuna were very close. However, because of Yama’s responsibilities and duties as the god of death, the two rarely saw each other.
Yamuna, eager to see her brother, repeatedly invited Yama to visit her, but he simply could not free himself from work. He always came home tired, and so on.
In short, the two just could not find a way to spend time together.
One day, however, Yamuna made one final heartfelt request, begging Yama to come and see her. This time, her brother finally decided to accept the invitation.
When Yama arrived at Yamuna’s home, she welcomed him with great joy, seated him, washed his feet as a gesture of respect and affection, and placed tika on his forehead as a sign of blessing. She then offered him delicious dishes prepared with care and treated him with the utmost hospitality.
Moved by his sister’s devotion, Yama asked her to make a wish. Yamuna wished that he would visit her every year on that special day and that any sister who performed this ritual with her brother would never have to fear an untimely death.
Yama, happy to grant his sister’s wish, agreed.
And they all lived happily ever after.
The five vibrant days of Tihar
Day 1: Kaag Tihar
The celebrations begin with crows!
These black birds, often seen as bearers of bad omens, become true stars during Tihar. People feed and honor them almost as if they were divine beings.
Why?
Because they are considered the messengers of Yama, the god of death. In other words, it is best to keep them on your side!
Day 2: Kukur Tihar
If you are a dog lover, this is your day!
During the second day of Tihar, dogs are the ones being celebrated and honored, receiving garlands, all kinds of food, and even tika on their foreheads.
Day 3: Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja
On the third day, the celebration doubles!
In the morning, cows are worshipped as symbols of wealth. They are adorned and fed well in gratitude for their gifts, such as milk.
Then, in the evening, it is time for Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Homes are lit up beautifully and decorated in wonderful ways, while people pray for a year filled with wealth and happiness.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja
Here things become even more meaningful, and Tihar takes on two different expressions depending on the region in which it is celebrated.
With Govardhan Puja, people commemorate the moment when Krishna lifted an entire mountain to protect his devotees from a storm sent by Indra, the god of rain.
How is it celebrated? By building mini mountains of cow dung, which are then decorated with flowers and colors.
With Mha Puja, meanwhile, the Newar community of Kathmandu celebrates the self by drawing mandalas and performing self-blessing rituals.
Day 5: Bhai Tika
And here we are at the grand finale of Tihar, the day when brothers are treated like kings.
Sisters become true artists: they prepare delicious dishes, create colorful tika, and place flower garlands around their brothers’ necks.
In return for this special treatment, brothers give meaningful gifts and promise lifelong protection to their sisters—a deeply moving moment of the festival.
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In conclusion
Tihar is a true explosion of joy, color, and tradition. It is as if Nepal decided to throw the most wonderful celebration of the year and invite everyone and everything: gods, animals, mountains, and even yourself!
If you have not yet added Nepal to your travel wish list, do it now!
And if you would like to experience it during Tihar and enjoy a truly unique atmosphere—perhaps combined with an incredible trekking adventure on the roof of the world—you can do so with Sto Gran Tour by booking your place on the 2-week Nepal tour next November!
If Tihar is not quite what inspires you, Nepal will still be there waiting for you all year round.
Choose the time you would like to travel with us, pack your backpack, and we’ll be waiting for you!
