Tihar is a five-day Nepali festival associated with lights, flowers, worship, family, prosperity, and relationships. It is also known as Yamapanchak and is related culturally to wider South Asian traditions of Diwali or Deepawali, while retaining distinctive Nepali customs.
Different days honor crows, dogs, cows, oxen and family relationships. Lakshmi, the goddess associated with wealth and prosperity, is especially important during Lakshmi Puja.
Core themes
- Gratitude toward animals and nature.
- Welcoming prosperity and abundance.
- Strengthening sibling and family relationships.
- Community singing and neighborhood generosity.
- Light as a symbol of celebration and welcome.