Tihar Diwali 2025: Dates, Seasons, and Special Traditions of Nepal’s Five-Day Festival by Tour of Nepal
Tihar, also known as Deepavali in Nepal, is one of the most vibrant and joyous festivals celebrated in the country. This five-day festival is rich in unique rituals that highlight the relationship between humans and the natural world. Tihar 2024 will begin on November 1st and end on November 5th. Unlike the traditional Diwali celebrated in India, Tihar incorporates a variety of customs that focus on animals, deities, and the bonds between family members.
What is Tihar Diwali 2025?
Tihar Diwali, or Yama Panchak, is a festival celebrated over five days, each dedicated to a specific aspect of life—animals, gods, and human relationships. It is a celebration of life, prosperity, and gratitude towards nature, featuring special rituals and offerings to animals such as crows, dogs, cows, and oxen. The final day of the festival, Bhai Tika, is particularly significant as it symbolizes the protection and well-being of brothers, reinforcing family ties and love.
Important Days for Tihar Diwali 2024
| Day | Date | Rituals | Description |
|—————-|——————-|—————————|—————————————————————————-|
| Kag Tihar | November 1, 2024 | Worship of Crows | Crows are fed as messengers of death, and offerings are made to avert misfortune. |
| Kukur Tihar| November 2, 2024 | Worship of Dogs | Dogs are adorned with garlands and offered food, honoring their loyalty and protection. |
| Gai Tihar | November 3, 2024 | Worship of Cows, Laxmi Puja | Cows are revered as symbols of wealth, and homes are lit for Goddess Laxmi to bring prosperity. |
| Goru Tihar | November 4, 2024 | Worship of Oxen | Oxen, which are vital to farming, are honored for their contributions. |
| Bhai Tika | November 5, 2024 | Celebration of Brotherhood | Sisters bless their brothers for protection and well-being, exchanging gifts. |
Unique Rituals of Tihar Diwali 2024
Kag Tihar: The festival kicks off with Kag Tihar, a day dedicated to crows. These birds are believed to be messengers of death, and by feeding them, people seek to avert misfortune. The feeding of crows is a gesture of respect and a way to ward off negativity.
Kukur Tihar: On the second day of Tihar, dogs are worshipped for their loyalty and protective nature. Dogs are decorated with garlands of flowers and are given delicious treats, symbolizing the deep bond between humans and animals.
Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja: Gai Tihar celebrates cows, which are considered sacred and symbols of wealth in Nepalese culture. The day also features Laxmi Puja, a ritual where homes are illuminated to welcome Goddess Laxmi, bringing prosperity and good fortune.
Goru Tihar: The fourth day honors oxen, essential animals for farming in rural Nepal. The animals are given a day of rest and reverence, highlighting their contribution to agricultural life.
Bhai Tika: The final day, Bhai Tika, focuses on the relationship between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform a special ritual, praying for the long life and happiness of their brothers. This celebration of sibling love is marked by the application of tika (a ceremonial mark) and the exchange of gifts.
Why is Diwali 2025 Special?
Connection to Nature: Unlike many other festivals that center on deities, Tihar uniquely celebrates the animals that play crucial roles in human life. It is a celebration of the interconnectedness between humans, animals, and nature.
Family Bonding: Bhai Tika, the final day of Tihar, emphasizes the strong bond between siblings. It is a day to celebrate the protection, love, and care shared between brothers and sisters.
Cultural Significance: Each day of Tihar is dedicated to a different aspect of life—be it animals, prosperity, or familial relationships. This diversity of rituals highlights the deep cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations in Nepal.
FAQ on Tihar Diwali 2024
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What is the significance of Kukur Tihar?
Kukur Tihar celebrates the loyalty and protection provided by dogs, who are honored with flower garlands and special food on this day.
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How is Tihar different from Indian Diwali?
Tihar focuses on honoring animals such as crows, dogs, cows, and oxen, while Indian Diwali is centered around the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya and the triumph of good over evil.
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What happens on Bhai Tika?
On Bhai Tika, sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being, marking the special bond of protection and care with the application of tika and the exchange of gifts.
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Why is Gai Tihar important?
Gai Tihar is important because cows symbolize wealth and prosperity in Nepalese culture, and they are revered for their sacred and valuable role in farming.
Tour of Nepal invites you to experience the vibrant cultural and spiritual essence of Tihar, a festival that brings families together and celebrates life, nature, and prosperity in the heart of Nepal.