Tihar is generally described as a five-day festival, although the exact naming and order of some observances can vary between calendars and communities.
The five-day framework
- Kaag Tihar: crows are honored with food offerings.
- Kukur Tihar: dogs receive garlands, tika and food.
- Gai Tihar and Lakshmi Puja: cows and Lakshmi are honored in traditions that may place these observances differently depending on the calendar.
- Goru/Govardhan and Mha Puja: oxen, Govardhan traditions and Newar self-worship may be observed.
- Bhai Tika: sisters and brothers celebrate their bond with tika, blessings and gifts.
For the exact year-specific sequence, see Tihar 2026 dates and verify with a current Nepali calendar.