About the festival
Tihar, also known as Deepawali, is a 5-day festival of lights. Each day honors different beings: crows, dogs, cows, oxen, and brothers. Houses are decorated with oil lamps, colorful rangoli, and marigold garlands.
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Tihar
तिहार
November 9, 2026–November 13, 2026AD5 days
Festival of Lights celebrating bonds and prosperity
Traditions
- Bhai Tika — Sisters apply seven-color tika to brothers, praying for their long life
- Deusi Bhailo — Groups sing traditional songs door-to-door, spreading festive cheer
- Laxmi Puja — Homes are cleaned and decorated to welcome goddess of wealth
Foods
- Sel Roti — Sweet ring-shaped bread
- Malpuwa — Sweet fried pancakes
- Anarsa — Rice flour sweets
Significance
- Celebrates light over darkness, bonds between siblings, and prosperity
What to wear
- New clothes, especially bright colors. Women wear red/golden sari for Laxmi Puja
Tips for diaspora
- Light diyas at home, video call siblings for bhai tika, join local deusi bhailo groups