Dashain and Tihar: Nepal’s Grand Festivals of Joy and Togetherness

The beautiful nation of vibrant traditions, Nepal celebrated Dashain and Tihar that define Nepali culture, family bonding, and celebrations. Dashain teaches the triumph of good over evil and Tihar celebrates gratitude, prosperity, and the sacred bonds with animals and siblings. Celebrated during the autumn season, these festivals offer a glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural tapestry. 

This is the ideal time of year for tourists to travel to Nepal. The streets are a riot of color, music, and fun. Villages in the mountains appear enchanted, and families greet their people with smiles. Trekking with Yeti Hikes will allow you to experience both the natural beauty and the culture of festivals. 

Dashain Festival in Nepal

Bijaya Dashami, another name for Dashain, is derived from a Hindu tale. It commemorates Goddess Durga's triumph over Mahishasura, the demon king. After nine days and nights of fighting, she finally prevailed on the tenth day. The moral of this tale is that good always triumphs over evil.

Dashain eventually rose to prominence as Nepal's largest celebration. It is not just about prayers; it is also about joy, food, and family get-togethers. People travel throughout Nepal to see family, farmers give thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest, and kids relish their extended vacation.

People are celebrating Dashain everywhere you go, whether it's in Kathmandu or the Annapurna region's trekking villages with Yeti Hikes! 

How is Dashain celebrated in Nepal?

Dashain lasts for 15 days and each is auspicious on its own.

Day 1: Ghatasthapana

Families use clay pots to plant jamara, or barley seeds. Until the tika day, these sprouts are stored.

Day 7: Fulpati

Plants and sacred jamara are transported from Gorkha to Kathmandu. Jamara is also brought home by families.

Day 8: Maha Ashtami

People worship the goddess Durga. Families feast on large meals and sacrifice animals in many places.

Day 9: Maha Navami

For protection, tools, cars, and weapons are revered. Public access to Kathmandu's Taleju Temple begins.

Day 10: Bijaya Dashami

The most significant day is Bijaya Dashami, also known as Tika Day. Young ones are blessed with health and good fortune when elders apply jamara and tika (rice, yoghurt, and red powder) to their foreheads. Families get together to celebrate, eat, and laugh.

Days 11 to 15: Tika Continues

Families continue to get together. Kojagrata Purnima, the final day, is devoted to Goddess Laxmi. 

In villages, people build bamboo swings (ping) for children and youth. During Dashain, anywhere you go, you can enjoy a festive meal with the locals or play on these swings. 

Tihar Festival in Nepal

Another name for Tihar is Yamapanchak or Deepawali. It honors the tale of Yama, the death god, and his sister Yamuna. Yamuna's prayer for her brother's long life gave rise to the custom of Bhai Tika, in which sisters bestow happiness and good health upon their brothers.

Crows, dogs, cows, and oxen, animals that are a part of Nepalese daily life, are also worshipped, which makes Tihar unique. With lights and decorations, the festival also pays homage to Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth.

Tihar is the most picturesque time of day for tourists to stroll around. Oil lamps, candles, rangoli designs, and music abound in homes and streets. During Tihar, the villages along Yeti Hikes' trekking routes appear even more picturesque at night. 

How is Tihar Celebrated in Nepal?

Tihar Festival lasts for 5 days in Nepal, where each day is celebrated uniquely.

Day 1: Kaag Tihar

On the first day, Kaag Tihar, or Crow Day, people feed crows, who are thought of as messengers.

Day 2: Kukur Tihar

Dogs are decked out with tika and garlands on Day 2, also known as Kukur Tihar (Dog Day). As a token of appreciation for their loyalty, they receive delicious food. On this day, you can adore seeing joyful dogs decked out in flowers.

Day 3: Laxmi Puja and Gai Tihar: 

In the morning, cows are worshipped. People invite Goddess Laxmi by lighting candles and lamps in the evening. Young people go from house to house singing and dancing Deusi-Bhailo.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja

On the fourth day, Oxen are worshipped during Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja. Mha Puja, a ceremony to honour one's own soul, is celebrated by Newar families in the Kathmandu Valley.

Day 5: Bhai Tika/ Kija Puja

Sisters wish their brothers a long life by applying a seven-colored tika to their foreheads. In exchange, brothers give gifts.  This day exemplifies the intense love between siblings. 

Why visit Nepal during Dashain and Tihar Festival?

Dashain and Tihar are the ideal times to visit Nepal if you want to see more than just trekking and sightseeing. You can:

• Take in family blessings and tika ceremonies.
• On Tihar nights, join the locals in singing Deusi-Bhailo.
• Savor festival fare such as yomari, goat curry, sel roti (rice doughnuts), and desserts.
• See villages, temples, and streets decked out with flowers and lights.
• Participate in swings and community games in rural areas.

Experience the culture of Nepal with Yeti Hikes. Walking through mountain villages during the day and taking in the Tihar lights with the locals at night is an experience that will last a lifetime. 

Conclusion: Celebrate Life the Nepali Way

Tihar and Dashain are not merely celebrations; they are central to Nepali culture. Tihar illuminates the nation with thankfulness, music, and love, while Dashain brings blessings, joy, and family reunions. It is the ideal time of year for visitors to experience Nepal at its most joyful. Every moment is enchanting, from bamboo swings to Deusi-Bhailo songs, from tika ceremonies in Kathmandu to glowing lamps in mountain villages.

You will experience Nepal, not just see it. Thus, schedule your vacation for September through November and join Nepal in commemorating the festivals of Dashain and Tihar, which you will never forget.