Dashain and Tihar are Nepal's two biggest festivals, and experiencing them as a visitor is one of the most immersive cultural encounters South Asia has to offer. Dashain, a 15-day celebration of the goddess Durga's victory over evil, fills the country with family reunions, kite-flying, and bamboo swings. Tihar, Nepal's festival of lights, honours the bonds between humans, animals, and the divine with oil lamps, rangoli, and music. Together, they transform Nepal from October through November into one extended celebration.
What Is Dashain?
Dashain (also spelt Dasain) is the longest and most anticipated festival in Nepal. It falls in September or October, determined by the lunar calendar. In 2026, Dashain runs approximately from 4 October to 18 October, with the most important day — Vijaya Dashami — falling around 13 October 2026.
The festival celebrates the goddess Durga's triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolising the victory of good over evil. For Nepalis, Dashain is what Christmas is to the West and Diwali is to India — the one festival when everyone goes home.
Key Days for Visitors
- Ghatasthapana (Day 1) — Seeds are planted in a sacred vessel, marking the festival's start. Priests begin recitations.
- Fulpati (Day 7) — A grand procession brings sacred flowers and plants from Gorkha to Kathmandu. Best witnessed at Hanuman Dhoka.
- Maha Ashtami (Day 8) & Maha Navami (Day 9) — The most intense days. Animal sacrifices take place at temples across the country. Be aware that this can be confronting for visitors — the Dakshinkali and Taleju temples see the largest ceremonies.
- Vijaya Dashami (Day 10) — The main day. Elders place tika (red vermillion and rice) on the foreheads of younger family members and give blessings. This is a deeply emotional family day.
- Kojagrat Purnima (Day 15) — The full moon concludes Dashain. Celebrations wind down.
What You Will See
During Dashain, the entire country slows down. Government offices close for a week or more. Buses are packed with people returning to their villages. In the cities, expect:
- Bamboo swings (ping) — Tall bamboo swings appear in open spaces and village squares. Locals of all ages queue for a turn.
- Kite flying — The skies above Kathmandu fill with kites during Dashain. Buy one in Asan Bazaar and join in.
- Empty tourist areas — Many restaurants and shops in tourist zones close. Thamel can feel like a ghost town during the main days.
- Music and gambling — Card games (particularly marriage, a Nepali card game) are played openly. Music echoes from every household.
What Is Tihar?
Tihar arrives about two weeks after Dashain, usually in late October or November. In 2026, Tihar falls approximately from 22 October to 26 October. Known as the festival of lights, it is Nepal's equivalent of Diwali — but with a uniquely Nepali character.
Each of the five days of Tihar honours a different being:
- Kaag Tihar (Day 1) — Crows are honoured with food offerings. Crows are considered messengers of death in Hindu tradition, and feeding them is believed to ward off grief.
- Kukur Tihar (Day 2) — Dogs are worshipped. Every dog — strays included — receives a tika, a marigold garland, and special food. This is the day that goes viral on social media globally, and for good reason. The streets are full of bewildered but well-decorated dogs.
- Gai Tihar & Laxmi Puja (Day 3) — Cows are honoured in the morning. In the evening, the goddess Laxmi is welcomed with oil lamps, candles, and rangoli (mandala designs made with coloured powder). This is the most visually spectacular night — buildings across the Kathmandu Valley glow with thousands of lights.
- Goru Tihar & Govardhan Puja (Day 4) — Oxen are honoured. In the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley, this is also Mha Puja — a day of self-worship and new year celebrations.
- Bhai Tika (Day 5) — Sisters place elaborate tikas on their brothers' foreheads and give garlands, praying for their long life. Brothers give gifts in return. One of the most emotionally significant days in the Nepali calendar.
What You Will See
- Oil lamps and candles everywhere — window ledges, rooftops, doorways, temples
- Deusi-Bhailo — Groups of young people go from house to house singing traditional songs, similar to carolling. Residents give money or sweets in return. You will hear the songs echoing through every neighbourhood.
- Marigold garlands — Markets overflow with fresh marigold and globe amaranth flowers. The orange and yellow hues are everywhere.
- Rangoli at doorsteps — Intricate designs made from coloured powder, flower petals, and rice welcome Laxmi into homes.
How Can Tourists Experience Dashain and Tihar?
Join Local Celebrations
Many guesthouses and hotels organise Dashain and Tihar programmes for guests. Ask your hotel in advance whether they host a tika ceremony, Deusi-Bhailo evening, or festive dinner. Nepalis are remarkably welcoming — it is common for tourists to be invited into homes for tika during Dashain or to join Deusi-Bhailo groups during Tihar.
Best Places to Celebrate
- Kathmandu Durbar Square — The historic heart of the festival. Fulpati processions, Kumari sightings, and Tihar lights all centre here.
- Bhaktapur — The most traditional city in the valley. Bhaktapur's Newari culture means extra layers of ceremony, and its medieval streets look otherworldly by lamplight during Tihar.
- Patan — Known for its artisan culture, Patan's Durbar Square hosts beautiful community celebrations.
- Pokhara Lakeside — A more relaxed atmosphere, but Lakeside hotels and restaurants embrace the festivals with decorations and special menus.
- Villages in the hills — If you can arrange a homestay in Bandipur, Ghandruk, or a village near Nagarkot, the rural experience of Dashain is profoundly moving.
Search for Kathmandu hotels or Bhaktapur stays on BookGarum.
What Happens to Hotel Availability During Festivals?
This is the peak of peak season. October and November are already Nepal's busiest tourist months, and the festivals compound the demand.
Practical realities:
- Hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bhaktapur fill up 2-4 weeks before Dashain
- Prices are at their annual highest — expect to pay 20-40% above standard rates
- Many smaller guesthouses close entirely as staff return to their families
- Restaurants in tourist areas may operate on reduced hours or close for 3-5 days around Vijaya Dashami
- Domestic flights and tourist buses are fully booked days in advance
Our advice: Book your accommodation at least 3-4 weeks ahead. BookGarum shows real-time availability and lets you lock in rates early with no booking fees.
Cultural Etiquette for Tourists / पर्यटकों के लिए शिष्टाचार
Respecting local customs will transform your festival experience from observation to participation:
- Accept tika graciously — If a Nepali places tika on your forehead during Dashain, it is a blessing. Accept it with both hands in namaste and leave it on for the rest of the day. Do not wipe it off in front of the giver.
- Be sensitive about animal sacrifice — It is a deeply held religious tradition. If you are uncomfortable, simply avoid temples on Ashtami and Navami. Do not photograph sacrifices without permission, and never express disgust publicly.
- Dress modestly at temples — Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering temple areas.
- Give small gifts — If invited into a home, bring fruit, sweets, or a small cash gift (NPR 500-1,000). It is considered good fortune to give during Dashain.
- Learn a phrase — Saying "Dashain ko shubhakamana" (दशैंको शुभकामना — Happy Dashain) or "Tihar ko shubhakamana" will earn you instant warmth.
- Do not schedule tight itineraries — Expect delays, closures, and disruptions. Embrace the pace.
Tips for Indian Tourists / भारतीय पर्यटकों के लिए सुझाव
- दशैन दिवाली जैसा है, टिहार एकदम दिवाली है — लेकिन नेपाल में कुत्तों और कौओं की पूजा का अनुभव बिल्कुल अलग है। ज़रूर जाएं।
- The Sonauli border gets extremely busy during Dashain as Nepali workers in India return home. Allow extra time for crossing.
- Indian credit/debit cards work at most hotels. Pay via BookGarum using Razorpay (UPI, cards, netbanking) to avoid carrying excess cash.
- If you celebrate Diwali, Tihar will feel familiar yet distinct — enjoy the similarities and the differences.
Book Your Festival Trip on BookGarum
Experiencing Dashain and Tihar is one of the most rewarding things you can do in Nepal. The colour, the warmth, the music, the food, and the sheer joy of a nation celebrating together is unforgettable.
- Book early — Search festival-season hotels with instant confirmation
- No hidden fees — Transparent pricing in INR or NPR
- Read more: Best time to visit Nepal | Top 10 hotels in Thamel
Do not just visit Nepal — celebrate it.