07–11 NOV 2026
Tihar, Kathmandu
Nepal's five day festival of lights, from 7 to 11 November 2026, with Laxmi Puja on 8 November and Bhai Tika on 11 November.
Tihar, also called Deepawali or Yamapanchak, is Nepal's festival of lights and the country's second biggest festival after Dashain. Over five days, homes, shops and temples in Kathmandu are lit with oil lamps and strings of lights, and each day honours a different being.
In 2026, Tihar runs from 7 to 11 November. Kag Tihar, for crows, opens the festival, followed by Kukur Tihar, when dogs are garlanded and given treats, on the same day as Laxmi Puja on 8 November. Gai Tihar honours cows, Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja, the Newar new year ritual, follow, and the festival ends with Bhai Tika on 11 November, when sisters put a seven colour tika on their brothers' foreheads.
Evenings are the best time to explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, Asan and Patan, when groups go door to door singing Deusi and Bhailo songs. Many shops and offices close for the holiday, so check opening hours and book transport out of the city well ahead.
Tihar, also called Deepawali or Yamapanchak, is Nepal's festival of lights and the country's second biggest festival after Dashain. Over five days, homes, shops and temples in Kathmandu are lit with oil lamps and strings of lights, and each day honours a different being.
In 2026, Tihar runs from 7 to 11 November. Kag Tihar, for crows, opens the festival, followed by Kukur Tihar, when dogs are garlanded and given treats, on the same day as Laxmi Puja on 8 November. Gai Tihar honours cows, Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja, the Newar new year ritual, follow, and the festival ends with Bhai Tika on 11 November, when sisters put a seven colour tika on their brothers' foreheads.
Evenings are the best time to explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, Asan and Patan, when groups go door to door singing Deusi and Bhailo songs. Many shops and offices close for the holiday, so check opening hours and book transport out of the city well ahead.
Tags
Share a quick rating, tip, or photo so the next traveler knows what to expect.
