Tihar on Nepali Calendar
Tihar, also known as the festival of lights, is one of the most beautiful and joyful festivals in Nepal. It is celebrated to cherish the bond between brothers and sisters. Homes and streets are decorated with oil lamps, candles, and colorful Rangoli to welcome goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth.
🗓️ Tihar Dates for 2026 / 2083
| Name | Date (AD) | Date (BS) | Day | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kag Tihar | 7 Nov 2026 | Kartik 21 | Saturday |  |
| Kukur Tihar | 8 Nov 2026 | Kartik 22 | Sunday | |
| Laxmi Puja | 8 Nov 2026 | Kartik 22 | Sunday | |
| Gobardhan Puja | 10 Nov 2026 | Kartik 24 | Tuesday | |
| Mha Puja | 10 Nov 2026 | Kartik 24 | Tuesday | |
| Bhai Tika | 11 Nov 2026 | Kartik 25 | Wednesday | |
Auspicious Bhai Tika time (Saait) for this year is at 11:39 AM.
💌 Send a Tihar greeting card.
Tihar is celebrated for five days where first four days are celebrated honoring animals like crows, dogs, cows, and oxen. Here we are explaining each of these days-
🐦 Day 1 – Kaag Tihar (Day of Crows)
Tihar starts with Kaag Tihar, the day of the crow. People put food like rice, bread, or sweets on rooftops or roads for crows. In Nepali stories, crows are messengers, so feeding them is like bringing good news and chasing away bad luck. Kids love watching the crows swoop down to eat!
🐶 Day 2 – Kukur Tihar (Day of Dogs)
This is one of the cutest days of Tihar! On Kukur Tihar, dogs are worshiped and decorated with garlands, tika, and tasty food. Dogs are considered loyal friends and protectors, so this day is all about saying thank you to them. Whether street dogs or pet dogs, everyone gets love and treats. Many kids enjoy giving flowers and biscuits to their furry friends.
🐄 Day 3 – Gai Tihar (Day of Cows) & Laxmi Puja
In the morning, cows are worshiped with garlands, tika, and special food. Cows are important because they give milk and are seen as symbols of wealth. In the evening, families clean and decorate their houses with lights, oil lamps (diyo), and Rangoli (colorful patterns) to welcome goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune.
Children go from house to house singing and dancing deusi-bhailo songs, and they often get money and treats in return!
🂡 Day 4 – Govardhan Puja & Mha Puja
On this day, people worship oxen (helpful animals for farming). Some families also celebrate Mha Puja, which means "worship of the self," to honor their own body and soul. Newar communities also celebrate this day as New Year (according to their calendar).
Kids love this day because there's still deusi-bhailo, where they sing, dance, and collect sweets and gifts.
👨👩👧👦 Day 5 – Bhai Tika
The festival ends with Bhai Tika, a very special day for brothers and sisters. Sisters put colorful tika (seven colors) on their brothers' foreheads, give them garlands, and pray for their long life and happiness. In return, brothers give gifts and promise to protect their sisters. It's a beautiful day of love and bonding in the family.