Tihar — Nepal's dazzling five-day festival of lights, also called Deepawali — runs from November 7 to 11, 2026, culminating in Bhai Tika on Wednesday, November 11. Follow the days remaining on our live Tihar countdown.
When is Tihar 2026?
Tihar falls in the lunar month of Kartik, usually a couple of weeks after Dashain. In 2026 it spans November 7 to 11, with Laxmi Puja — the night homes glow brightest for the goddess of wealth — on November 8, and the closing Bhai Tika on November 11. Dates follow Nepal's Bikram Sambat calendar and shift each year; in 2027 Bhai Tika is expected on October 31.
The five days of Tihar
- Kaag Tihar — crows, the messengers of death, are offered food.
- Kukur Tihar & Laxmi Puja — dogs are garlanded and honoured; homes are lit for the goddess Laxmi.
- Gai Tihar & Govardhan Puja — cows are worshipped for their nourishment and blessing.
- Bhai Tika — sisters apply a seven-colour tika to their brothers and pray for their long life.
What makes Tihar special?
Tihar is unusual among festivals for honouring the animals that share people's lives — crows, dogs and cows each have their day. Homes are framed with oil lamps, candles and marigold garlands, and colourful rangoli welcome Laxmi at the doorstep. Groups of singers go house to house performing deusi-bhailo songs, and the festival ends on its most tender note with the brother-and-sister bond of Bhai Tika.
Count down to Tihar
Open the live Tihar 2026 countdown for the exact days remaining, see the related Dashain countdown, or create your own countdown to share the festival season.