Tihar, also known as Deepawali or Yamapanchak, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Nepal. Unlike other Hindu festivals that are celebrated in a single day, Tihar spans over five consecutive days, each with its own symbolic meaning, rituals, and practices. It falls during the month of Kartik (October–November), following the end of Dashain. Tihar is often described as the festival of lights, flowers, colors, music, food, and divine relationships, reflecting both the religious and cultural richness of Nepalese society.

What makes Tihar unique compared to other festivals across South Asia is the worship of animals—such as crows, dogs, cows, and oxen—alongside deities like Laxmi (the goddess of wealth) and Yama (the god of death). The festival also celebrates the sacred bond between brothers and sisters during Bhai Tika. Additionally, the traditions of Deusi and Bhailo—folk songs sung in groups while visiting homes—add music, joy, and community bonding to the celebration.

The essence of Tihar lies not only in its rituals but also in the warmth of family gatherings, preparation of special delicacies, decorations of houses with oil lamps and rangolis, and the spirit of gratitude towards nature, animals, and human relationships.

Day 1: Kaag Tihar – worship of crows

The festival begins with Kaag Tihar, a day dedicated to worshipping crows, regarded as the messengers of death and informants to Yama, the god of death. In Hindu mythology, crows are believed to carry messages between the human and spiritual realms.

On this day, people offer rice, grains, and other food items to crows by placing them on the rooftops or in courtyards. Feeding the crows is considered a way of warding off grief and bad luck and ensuring prosperity and happiness for the family. The cawing of a crow is often interpreted as the arrival of guests or important news; hence, they are revered as divine messengers.

This day highlights the cultural respect towards even the smallest creatures in the ecosystem and acknowledges their role in the cycle of life.

Day 2: Kukur Tihar – worship of dogs

Perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of Tihar is Kukur Tihar, the second day of the festival, dedicated to dogs. Dogs are considered the loyal companions of humans as well as the guardians of the afterlife. In Hindu belief, they are associated with Bhairava, a fierce form of Lord Shiva, and are also regarded as guides to Yama’s realm.

On this day, dogs—whether pets, stray, or community dogs—are worshipped with garlands (mala), tika, and delicious food. They are offered meat, milk, eggs, and bread. Streets in Nepal become vibrant with the sight of garlanded dogs wagging their tails, happily receiving affection and blessings from people.

The worship of dogs in Tihar reflects Nepal’s human-animal harmony and emphasizes loyalty, protection, and companionship. In recent years, Kukur Tihar has gained international attention, showcasing Nepal’s unique way of respecting animals.

Day 3: Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja

The third day of Tihar holds a double significance. In the morning, cows (Gai) are worshipped, while in the evening, the festival of lights reaches its peak with Laxmi Puja, the worship of Goddess Laxmi.

Gai Tihar

Cows are highly revered in Hindu culture, symbolizing prosperity, motherhood, and abundance. They are considered sacred and associated with various deities. During Gai Tihar, cows are garlanded, given tika, and offered delicious food items like grass, grains, and sweets.

In rural communities, this ritual reflects gratitude towards cows, as they provide milk and dung for fuel and play a vital role in agrarian livelihoods.

Laxmi Puja

The evening of the third day is the most significant and celebrated part of Tihar. People clean and decorate their houses with oil lamps (diyo), candles, and electric lights to welcome Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and fortune. Doors and windows are adorned with marigold garlands and rangoli designs, symbolizing prosperity and purity.

Families perform elaborate rituals to invite Goddess Laxmi into their homes, believing that her blessings will bring wealth and success. Business communities in Nepal also celebrate this day with special devotion, conducting Laxmi Puja in their shops and offices.

The night becomes magical, with cities and villages glowing in countless lights, the music of Deusi-Bhailo, and the aroma of festive delicacies wafting from homes.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja, Goru Tihar, and Mha Puja

The fourth day of Tihar varies according to cultural traditions, but it typically involves the worship of oxen, Govardhan Hill, and the celebration of Mha Puja among the Newar community.

Goru Tihar

Oxen (Goru) are worshipped for their contribution to agriculture. Farmers especially show gratitude to oxen, as they are essential for plowing fields and supporting rural livelihoods. They are decorated with garlands and fed with special treats.

Govardhan Puja

This day also honors the legend of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill to protect villagers from torrential rains. A symbolic representation of the hill is made from cow dung and decorated with flowers, which is then worshipped as a gesture of respect to nature.

Mha Puja (Newar Tradition)

For the Newar community, this day is also celebrated as Mha Puja (self-worship). It is part of their New Year (Nepal Sambat). The ritual emphasizes purification and empowerment of the soul, reminding individuals to respect and nurture themselves. Beautiful mandalas are drawn on the floor, where family members sit and perform rituals that symbolize longevity, good health, and prosperity.

Day 5: Bhai Tika – the bond of brothers and sisters

The final and most emotional day of Tihar is Bhai Tika, which celebrates the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. According to mythology, Yama, the god of death, visited his sister Yamuna on this day. She welcomed him with rituals, applied tika, and prayed for his long life. In return, Yama granted that brothers who receive tika from their sisters would live long and prosper.

During Bhai Tika, sisters apply a seven-colored tika (saptarangi tika) on their brothers’ foreheads, offer garlands of marigolds, and prepare delicious meals. Brothers, in return, present gifts or money and vow to protect their sisters.

The day strengthens family bonds, and for those without siblings, it is common to celebrate with cousins or close friends considered as brothers or sisters.

Deusi and Bhailo: the soul of Tihar music

No celebration of Tihar is complete without Deusi and Bhailo, traditional songs and dances performed during the festival nights.

  • Bhailo is sung mostly by girls on the night of Laxmi Puja. They visit homes in their neighborhood, singing songs, dancing, and blessing the households with prosperity. In return, they receive gifts, food, or money.

  • Deusi is performed by boys, usually on the following nights. They chant rhythmic verses, often humorous or filled with blessings, while dancing in groups.

The hosts welcome these groups with enthusiasm, offering money, rice, fruits, or sel roti. The collected funds are often used for community or social activities.

Deusi and Bhailo are more than entertainment; they are cultural traditions that bring people together, strengthen social ties, and keep folk heritage alive.

Culinary delights of Tihar

Food plays a central role in Tihar celebrations. Families prepare a wide variety of traditional dishes that symbolize festivity, abundance, and sharing. Some popular Tihar delicacies include:

  • Sel Roti: a traditional homemade rice flour bread shaped like a ring, crispy outside and soft inside, a must-have for Tihar.

  • Anarsa : sweet rice-based snacks often prepared during this festival.

  • Meat dishes: especially goat meat preparations, enjoyed by families.

  • Mithai and sweets: Barfi, laddu, jalebi, and peda are common treats.

  • Dry fruits and nuts: offered during rituals and family gatherings.

These foods are not only delicious but also serve as offerings during pujas and as treats for guests, Deusi-Bhailo participants, and family members.

Cultural and social significance of Tihar

Tihar is more than just a religious festival; it is a celebration of life, harmony, and togetherness. Its significance can be summarized as:

  • Respect for nature and animals: by worshipping crows, dogs, cows, and oxen, Tihar acknowledges the vital role animals play in human life.

  • Spiritual and material balance: the worship of Goddess Laxmi emphasizes prosperity, while rituals like Mha Puja focus on self-realization and inner purity.

  • Strengthening family bonds: Bhai Tika highlights love and respect between siblings, ensuring family unity.

  • Community harmony: Deusi and Bhailo foster social interactions, joy, and collective celebration.

  • Preservation of tradition: Tihar keeps alive ancient customs, music, art, and culinary practices.

Conclusion

Tihar, the festival of lights in Nepal, is a magnificent blend of religion, culture, nature, and humanity. It is not just about illuminating homes with lamps but also about illuminating relationships, values, and traditions. From worshipping animals to honoring siblings, from preparing delicacies to singing Deusi-Bhailo, every aspect of Tihar carries a deep meaning.

In an age where modernization often overshadows tradition, Tihar continues to shine as a festival that unites families, neighbors, and communities. It reminds us to be grateful—not only to gods and humans but also to animals and nature that support our existence.

Tihar is indeed an amazing cultural celebration, making it one of Nepal’s most cherished and beautiful festivals.