October 1, 2026

Dashain and Tihar 2026: Dates, Calendar, Traditions & Guide

Quick Answer: Dashain and Tihar 2026 Dates

Dashain 2026 (2083 BS): starts Sunday, October 11 (Ghatasthapana, Ashwin 25) and ends Sunday, October 25 (Kojagrat Purnima, Kartik 8).
Dashain Tika 2026: Wednesday, October 21 (Bijaya Dashami, Kartik 4). The reported auspicious tika time starts at 11:53 AM NST.
Tihar 2026: Saturday, November 7 (Kaag Tihar, Kartik 21) to Wednesday, November 11 (Bhai Tika, Kartik 25).
Laxmi Puja 2026: Sunday, November 8 (Kartik 22), in the evening.
Bhai Tika 2026: Wednesday, November 11 (Kartik 25). The reported tika time is around 11:39 AM NST.

Introduction: Why These Two Festivals Matter

For roughly a month every autumn, Nepal slows down and fills up at the same time. Offices close, buses leave Kathmandu packed to the roof racks, and villages that were quiet for most of the year fill with returning relatives. Marigold garlands go up, goats are bought, and oil lamps appear on doorsteps.

That is the season of Dashain, Nepal's longest and most important festival, and Tihar, the festival of lights that follows about three weeks later.

The practical problem is that the dates are not fixed on the Gregorian calendar. Both festivals follow the lunar Bikram Sambat (BS) calendar, so they move every year. In 2026 they fall in Ashwin and Kartik of 2083 BS. Different websites also publish slightly different dates, especially for Tihar, because some foreign calendars count this (lunar days) differently from Nepal's official panchang.

This guide gives you the dates as they apply in Nepal for 2026 and 2083 BS. It also covers what happens on each day, how families and communities celebrate, what is open and closed, and how to plan a visit. You will find food, clothing and etiquette advice, plus answers to the questions people search most.

A note on accuracy: Dates here follow Nepal's 2083 BS public holiday list and published panchang sources. Because lunar festivals can shift by a day depending on tithi calculations, confirm the final dates with the Government of Nepal's gazette or a trusted local source shortly before you travel.

Dashain and Tihar 2026 at a Glance

Dashain 2026

Ghatasthapana: Oct 11 (Ashwin 25)
Fulpati: Oct 17 (Ashwin 31)
Maha Ashtami: Oct 18 (Kartik 1)
Maha Navami: Oct 19 (Kartik 2)
Bijaya Dashami (Tika): Oct 21 (Kartik 4)
Kojagrat Purnima: Oct 25 (Kartik 8)

Tihar 2026

Kaag Tihar: Nov 7 (Kartik 21)
Kukur Tihar & Laxmi Puja: Nov 8 (Kartik 22)
Govardhan Puja / Mha Puja: Nov 10 (Kartik 24)
Bhai Tika: Nov 11 (Kartik 25)

Official public holidays (2083 BS): The government's list gives Dashain holidays from Ashwin 31 to Kartik 6 (October 17-23), plus Ghatasthapana and Kojagrat Purnima as separate festival holidays. The Tihar holiday block runs from Kartik 22 to Kartik 26 (November 8-12).

Why Maha Ashtami and Navami dates vary: Dashain follows the tithi, not the calendar date, and tithis often straddle two days. Some calendars list Ashtami and Navami a day apart from the table above, and some Indian calendars show Dussehra on October 20. In Nepal, the official Bijaya Dashami and tika day is October 21.

Dashain 2026 Day-by-Day Calendar (Ashwin 25 to Kartik 8, 2083 BS)

Dashain lasts 15 days, from the new moon to the full moon of the Hindu lunar month. The first ten days build up to Bijaya Dashami, and the last five days (the waxing moon) are for visiting relatives and receiving tika.

Days 1-6: Quiet Preparation (Oct 11-16)

Oct 11, Ghatasthapana (Ashwin 25, Sunday): Families sow barley (and sometimes maize or wheat) seeds in a clay vessel of sand and cow dung in a dark room of the house or in a puja space. A priest or the senior family member invites the goddess Durga to reside there. The sprouts that grow over the next nine days become jamara, the yellow-green shoots that are placed on foreheads and behind ears on Dashami.
Oct 12-16: Daily worship is held at the jamara vessel. Markets get busier, and families clean and repaint homes. Many people start traveling home.

Day 7: Fulpati (Oct 17, Saturday)

On the seventh day, a sacred kalash (water vessel), banana stalks and jamara are carried in a procession to the home of the deity. The Fulpati procession travels from Gorkha to Kathmandu, and a ceremonial parade at the Hanuman Dhoka area in Kathmandu follows. October 17 is also the first day of the official Dashain holiday block.

Day 8: Maha Ashtami (Oct 18, Sunday)

Durga is worshipped in her fierce form as Kali. Many households and temples make animal offerings, particularly at night (Kalratri), a custom that remains controversial and varies by community. Vegetarian and non-sacrificial worship such as fruit, flowers and incense is common.

Day 9: Maha Navami (Oct 19, Monday)

Navami is the day of tool and vehicle worship. Cars, motorbikes, trucks and work tools receive a dab of tika, a flower garland, and sometimes a blood offering or coconut. Navami also honors Vishwakarma and Durga as protectors. Government offices and the army traditionally hold ceremonial offerings on this day.

Day 10: Bijaya Dashami / Dashain Tika (Oct 21, Wednesday)

This is the main day. After morning prayers, the eldest family member prepares tika from rice, yogurt and vermilion, then applies it to the foreheads of younger relatives along with jamara. They give blessings and dakshina (money, often crisp new notes). The auspicious time is reported to begin at 11:53 AM NST, but families typically spread tika over the afternoon. Relatives who cannot be present on the day can receive tika over the following days.

Days 11-14: Visiting and Receiving Tika (Oct 22-25)

Oct 22-23 (Ekadashi, Dwadashi): The last official public holidays of Dashain. People travel to visit extended family, receive tika, and often return to the city afterward.
Oct 24: Continued visiting. This is also a typical return-travel day for the diaspora and domestic workers.

Day 15: Kojagrat Purnima (Oct 25, Sunday)

Dashain ends on the full moon. Devotees of Laxmi stay awake through the night to receive blessings. The name roughly means "who is awake?", based on the belief that the goddess walks the earth and blesses those who are awake.

Tihar 2026 Day-by-Day Calendar (Kartik 21-25, 2083 BS)

Tihar, also called Yamapanchak or Swanti among the Newar community, is five days long and honors Yama (the god of death), animals, light and family. In 2026, the second and third days overlap because the tithi calculations fall that way.

Tihar 2026 Dates

Day 1 – Kaag Tihar: Nov 7 (Kartik 21) — Crows
Day 2 – Kukur Tihar: Nov 8 (Kartik 22) — Dogs
Day 3 – Gai Tihar & Laxmi Puja: Nov 8 (Kartik 22) — Cows & Goddess Laxmi
Day 4 – Govardhan Puja / Mha Puja: Nov 10 (Kartik 24) — Oxen & the self
Day 5 – Bhai Tika: Nov 11 (Kartik 25) — Brothers & sisters

Day 1: Kaag Tihar, Saturday, November 7

Crows are seen as messengers of Yama and as symbols of grief and bad news. Families place rice, sweets and other food on rooftops, balconies and courtyards. Some calendars list a day earlier for Kaag Tihar, so check locally.

Day 2: Kukur Tihar, Sunday, November 8

Dogs are honored for loyalty and for the myth that they guard the gates of Yama's realm. They receive a tika on the forehead, a marigold garland around the neck, and a feast. Stray dogs in Kathmandu are fed and garlanded too. This is a favorite day for visiting photographers, but be calm and respectful with animals.

Day 3: Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja, Sunday, November 8

In the morning, cows are worshipped as a form of Laxmi. They receive garlands, tika and fresh grass. After sunset, the main event begins. Homes are cleaned, decorated with rangoli, and lined with diyos (clay lamps) and lights. The front door is left open so the goddess can enter, and a small path of footprints or lamps often leads in from the entrance. In the evening, groups of girls sing Bhailo from house to house.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja, Tuesday, November 10

This day differs by community. Some Hindu families worship oxen or the Govardhan hill. Among the Newars of the Kathmandu Valley, Mha Puja ("worship of the self") is a ritual of honoring one's own body and soul, and it also marks the new year of Nepal Sambat. In 2026, this day begins the year 1147. Groups of boys often sing Deusi on this evening.

Day 5: Bhai Tika, Wednesday, November 11

Sisters apply a seven-colored tika to brothers' foreheads, circle them with oil and water, and drape them in garlands of everlasting flower (makhamali). They offer a feast, and brothers give gifts or money in return. The reported auspicious time is around 11:39 AM NST. Sisters with no brothers sometimes honor cousins or male friends.

Firecrackers: Authorities in Nepal have restricted fireworks in recent years due to injuries. Expect lights and lamps rather than big fireworks displays.

Dashain vs Tihar: What's the Difference?

Both are Hindu festivals and both focus on family. Their moods are quite different.

Dashain vs. Tihar

Length: Dashain – 15 days | Tihar – 5 days
Focus: Dashain – Goddess Durga and victory over evil | Tihar – Light, Laxmi, Yama, animals and siblings
Mood: Dashain – Family reunion and gatherings | Tihar – Bright, joyful and community-focused
Key Rituals: Dashain – Tika and jamara | Tihar – Laxmi Puja, Bhai Tika and Deusi-Bhailo
Colors & Symbols: Dashain – Red tika and yellow jamara | Tihar – Marigold, rangoli and oil lamps
Food: Dashain – Goat meat, rice, beaten rice and curd | Tihar – Sel roti, anarsa, laddu and other sweets
Season: Dashain – Mid-to-late October | Tihar – Early-to-mid November
Travel Impact: Dashain – Major domestic travel period | Tihar – Increased travel, especially around Bhai Tika
Indian Equivalent: Dashain – Navaratri/Dussehra | Tihar – Diwali

In short: Dashain centers on blessings, family reunions and elders, while Tihar celebrates light, worship, siblings and the home.

How Nepal Celebrates Dashain

At Home

The center of Dashain is the family home. The jamara vessel sits in a quiet room, and every morning someone waters it and offers prayer. The dining room fills with relatives who may not have met since last year.

On Tika day, younger relatives line up before the eldest, sometimes dozens of people in a single living room. After the tika, they receive dakshina and blessings. Visits then move from home to home, and older relatives are visited first. Many families make the effort to reach a village home, which is why bus and flight demand spikes.

In Public

Bamboo swings (ping): Villages build tall swings from bamboo and rope in the weeks before Dashain. They are enormous, and visitors can often try them.
Kites: Colorful kites fill the autumn sky, especially around Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.
Cards and games: Playing cards is a traditional pastime during Dashain.
Temples and shrines: Durga and Kali temples, plus shaktipeeth sites, see long queues on Ashtami and Navami.

Regional Variations

In the Kathmandu Valley, Newar communities observe Nawadurga dance traditions, with masked dancers who embody the nine forms of Durga. In the hills and the Terai, customs around sacrifice, jamara and blessings vary by caste and ethnicity. Not every community celebrates Dashain in the same way. Some indigenous groups mark it with reservations or as a general holiday rather than a religious festival, and tourists should avoid assuming a single uniform tradition.

How Nepal Celebrates Tihar

The Lights

From Laxmi Puja evening, Nepal turns into a landscape of lamps. Homes, shops, temples and government buildings are outlined in clay lamps, candles or electric string lights. Streets and courtyards are decorated with rangoli, patterns made from colored powder, flower petals, rice or sand. The designs often include lotus flowers, footprints for the goddess, and peacocks.

The Songs

Deusi-Bhailo is the signature performance of Tihar. Groups of youths go door to door in the evening, singing blessings and verses to the household and performing dance steps. The household offers money, fruit, rice or sweets. Songs are traditional and often improvised, and many neighborhood groups also raise money for local causes. If a group arrives at your door, listening, clapping and offering a small gift is the polite response. Lyrics vary by region and group and are widely shared by local cultural organizations, so look for a recorded performance rather than a fixed text.

The Animals

Tihar is unusual because it dedicates a day each to crows, dogs and cows (and oxen). The dog day in particular has attracted international attention. Dogs are garlanded, given a red tika and fed a special meal.

Bhai Tika

The last day is the emotional high point. The sister's rite includes drawing a line of oil around her brother, sprinkling water, applying a multicolored tika, and offering a nut garland. According to tradition, the oil and water line is a ritual protective barrier against Yama. Sisters then feed their brothers a feast, and the brothers present gifts or money.

Best Places to Experience Dashain and Tihar in Nepal

For Dashain

Kathmandu Valley (Hanuman Dhoka, Patan, Bhaktapur): The best place for visitors to see Fulpati ceremonies, temple worship, and Newar traditions in an urban setting. Bhaktapur's squares and Patan Durbar Square remain vivid festival backdrops.
Gorkha: The Fulpati procession starts here. It is a quieter, historic hill town and a good choice if you want to see the ritual start.
Nuwakot: A hill-fort town known for Dashain observances and a quieter alternative to Kathmandu.
Pokhara: A good option for combining Dashain atmosphere with lakes and mountain views. Local families also celebrate here, though the tourism businesses stay open.
A village homestay: The most authentic way to see Dashain is as a guest of a family in a village. Homestays in the hills around Kathmandu, Pokhara and Gorkha can be arranged months ahead through reputable local operators.

For Tihar

Kathmandu (Thamel, Durbar Square, Swayambhunath): A city lit up at night. Rooftops, temple compounds and courtyards are covered in lamps.
Patan and Bhaktapur: For Newar traditions, including Mha Puja and Nepal Sambat new year observances.
Pokhara's Lakeside: Lamps and floating candles give the lakeside a quieter festival glow.
Neighborhood walks: In any town, an evening walk on Laxmi Puja night is often the best experience, because you can see rangoli, lamps and Bhailo groups in the streets.

Tip: Visit places in the early evening on Laxmi Puja. By around 7 PM, the lights are at their best, and Bhailo groups are active.

Is Nepal Open During Dashain and Tihar?

Yes, Nepal is open to visitors during both festivals. Airports, tourist services and most hotels operate normally. However, many local services slow down or close for several days.

Typically Open

International and domestic airports (with heavy traffic)
Hotels, guesthouses and tourist restaurants (especially in Thamel, Lakeside and Chitwan)
Trekking operators and permit offices (check opening hours)
Pharmacies and hospitals in major cities (emergency services remain available)
Major tourist attractions (some may have reduced hours)

Typically Closed or Limited

Government offices, banks and many private offices during the official holiday blocks (Oct 17-23 for Dashain and Nov 8-12 for Tihar)
Many local shops, markets and small restaurants, especially on Tika day (Oct 21) and Bhai Tika (Nov 11)
Some local transport routes, with reduced bus schedules as drivers go home
ATMs may run low on cash, since bank refills are limited

Practical advice: Withdraw cash and arrange visa and permit paperwork before the holiday blocks begin. Book your first night or two in advance, and confirm that your hotel is operating normal check-in hours on the day you arrive.

Traveling to Nepal During Dashain and Tihar

Why It Is a Good Time to Visit

Autumn is peak trekking season. The monsoon has ended, the skies are generally clear, and mountain views are excellent. Dashain falls in October and Tihar in early November, which is why Nepal's tourism calendar is so busy at this time.

Planning Checklist

Book international flights
As early as possible (3+ months ahead is wise)
Book domestic flights (e.g., Kathmandu-Pokhara)
4-8 weeks ahead, and confirm again before travel
Book hotels
4-8 weeks ahead for Kathmandu and Pokhara; earlier for popular lodges
Book trekking permits and guides
4+ weeks ahead
Reserve bus tickets
Often sell out; book early or use tourist buses
Withdraw cash Before Oct 17 and Nov 8

Flights and Buses

Domestic flights and long-distance buses are some of the busiest of the year. Local travelers fill buses heading out of Kathmandu in the days before Ghatasthapana, Fulpati and Dashami, then reverse the flow afterward. If you are traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara by air, book as soon as your dates are firm. Roads can be crowded and journeys slow, so build in extra time.

Trekking During the Festivals

Popular treks including Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and the shorter Poon Hill trek are all active in October and November. Be aware that some tea houses close for a few days during the main festival period when local owners go home. Trails can be busy, so book lodges ahead where possible and carry small cash.

Safety and Practicalities

Expect traffic and crowds in major cities, especially around temples.
Keep valuables secure in busy festival crowds.
Check weather forecasts. Kathmandu is generally dry and mild in October, with cooler nights into November.
Confirm entry requirements, visa rules and permit costs from official Nepali government sources before you travel, since those can change.

Traditional Dashain and Tihar Foods

Food is central to both festivals. Many dishes are made only at this time of year, and sharing meals is part of the ritual.

Dashain Foods

Khasi ko masu (goat meat): The classic Dashain dish, prepared as curry, fried, or as sekuwa (grilled). Meat is a central part of the feast for many families, though others, including many vegetarian families, avoid it.
Sel roti: A ring-shaped, slightly sweet rice bread, fried in oil. It is also a staple at Tihar.
Kheer: Rice pudding with milk and sugar, often flavored with cardamom and nuts.
Sikarni: A sweet yogurt dessert with dried fruit and spices.
Dahi and chiura: Yogurt with beaten rice, a simple traditional pairing.
Dal-bhat: The everyday staple appears in a festive version with extra side dishes.
Vegetarian alternatives: Mixed vegetable curries, paneer, lentil cakes and fresh seasonal vegetables.

Tihar Foods

Sel roti: Made in big batches and shared with visitors.
Anarsa: A rice-flour sweet with sesame, deep-fried.
Laddu: Round sweets in many varieties.
Gwaramari: A fried bread, also eaten with tea.
Fruits and nuts: Offered at Bhai Tika along with the ceremonial feast.
Newar festival foods: In the Kathmandu Valley, Newar families prepare dishes such as samay baji platters (beaten rice with spiced meat, beans, egg and other accompaniments) for Mha Puja and feasting.

Recipes and Home Cooking

If you are looking for traditional Dashain food recipes, start with a basic sel roti, kheer and a goat curry. They are widely shared in Nepali cookbooks and by home cooks online. Always check allergen and dietary information before eating at a festival meal, since many dishes include ghee, nuts or meat.

What Should Tourists Wear and Bring?

Clothing

Modest, comfortable clothing: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples. Light long sleeves and trousers or a long skirt work well.
Layers: Kathmandu is mild in the day in October but cooler in the evening. By November, nights can feel cold, so bring a fleece or light jacket.
Easy-to-remove shoes: You will remove shoes before entering temples and homes.
Festival clothes (optional): Visitors do not need to dress in traditional clothes, but a kurta, dhaka topi or a simple saree or kurta-suruwal can be a thoughtful gesture if you are invited to a family event. Many shops sell festival clothing.
Rain protection: A light rain jacket is useful in case of late showers, particularly in the hills.

What to Bring

Cash in small notes: For tips, dakshina, entry fees and small purchases.
Reusable water bottle: Helps reduce plastic waste and keeps drinking water safe.
Sun protection: Useful for strong autumn sunshine, especially at higher elevations.
Portable charger: Handy during long days and occasional power cuts.
Passport & visa copies: Keep copies for permits and hotel check-ins.
Small host gift: Sweets, fruit or flowers are suitable when visiting a local home.
Insect repellent & first aid: Useful for trekking and rural stays.
Travel insurance: Choose coverage that includes trekking and emergency evacuation.

Shopping for Festival Items

Dashain and Tihar are major shopping seasons. Retailers often run seasonal promotions starting several weeks before the festivals, covering electronics, smartphones, clothing and household goods. Compare offers across stores and check return policies. For traditional items, many visitors look for:

Diyos and rangoli colors: Traditional markets in Kathmandu and Patan, including the Indra Chowk and Asan areas, stock clay lamps, colored powders, marigold garlands and decorations. Bhaktapur's pottery area is known for clay lamps.
Traditional clothing: Tailors and shops across Kathmandu sell kurta, saree and dhaka items. Online stores and delivery services also operate, but order early so delivery does not clash with holiday closures.
Decoration items: Lights, torans, garlands and candles are widely available in the weeks before Tihar.

Prices and promotions change every season, so check current offers directly from retailers.

Festival Etiquette for Foreign Visitors

Nepali hosts are generally welcoming, and a few habits go a long way.

Do:

Remove shoes before entering homes and temples.
Accept and give with your right hand, or both hands, when receiving tika, prasad or gifts.
Ask before photographing people, especially during rituals, and never use flash inside temples.
Accept tika graciously. If someone offers it, you can receive it with a slight bow of the head. Keep it on your forehead for the day if you can.
Take food and sweets offered, even if only a small amount.
Greet with "Namaste" and a slight bow, palms together.
Walk clockwise around temples and stupas.
Dress modestly and carry a scarf or shawl for temple visits.
Donate a small amount if you attend a ceremony, and give gifts or dakshina only if invited to do so.

Don't:

Touch the head of an adult or child, which is considered disrespectful.
Point your feet toward people, altars or deities.
Use your left hand to pass food or objects.
Step over offerings or sacred items, or touch the jamara vessel.
Treat animal rituals as spectacle. Some visitors find animal offerings distressing. Observe respectfully or step away, and avoid filming in a way that intrudes on the ritual.
Disturb or tease animals during Kukur Tihar or Gai Tihar.
Leave trash at temples and public squares.

Dashain and Tihar Greetings, Rangoli and Jamara

Dashain Wishes (Short Examples)

"Happy Bijaya Dashami! May the blessings of Durga bring you health, joy and success."
"Wishing you and your family a peaceful and prosperous Dashain."
"बिजया दशमीको हार्दिक शुभकामना!" (Bijaya Dashamiko hardik shubhakamana)
"Dashain ko hardik mangalmaya shubhakamana!"

Tihar Greetings

"Happy Tihar! May your home glow with light, love and good fortune."
"Happy Bhai Tika to my brother, long life and happiness always."
"तिहारको शुभकामना!" (Tiharko shubhakamana)

Easy Rangoli Ideas for Tihar

Start with a simple design and build up.

Lotus flower: Draw a circle, add eight petals, and fill with two or three colors.
Footprints of Laxmi: Small footprints leading inward from the door, in red or white.
Diya border: A ring of tiny dots or small lamps around a central pattern.
Petal rangoli: Use fresh marigold, chrysanthemum and rose petals instead of powder, which is easy to clean up and eco-friendly.

Draw the outline lightly first with chalk. Fill from the center outward. Use a funnel or a small cone of paper for fine lines.

How to Make Jamara at Home

Jamara is traditionally prepared on Ghatasthapana, which falls on October 11, 2026.

Choose a container: A clean clay or shallow plastic tray.
Layer the base: Put a layer of clean soil or sand, add a thin layer of cow dung if traditional (optional), and moisten lightly.
Sow seeds: Scatter barley (or maize/wheat) seeds densely, then cover with a thin layer of soil.
Keep it dark: Place the tray in a dim room away from direct sunlight. Darkness gives jamara its pale yellow color.
Water lightly each day with a spray or small cup.
Harvest on Dashami (Oct 21): After about 9-10 days, the shoots should be 10-15 cm tall. Gently cut and use for tika.

Jamara turns green if exposed to light, which is fine, but traditional jamara is yellow.

Can Tourists Participate in Dashain and Tihar?

Yes, in most cases. Nepalis are typically proud to share these festivals, and visitors are often welcome to watch public ceremonies, join community events and, if invited, take part in family rituals. See the FAQ below for specifics on what's appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does Dashain start in Nepal in 2026?

Dashain 2026 starts on Sunday, October 11, 2026 (Ashwin 25, 2083 BS) with Ghatasthapana.

When is Dashain Tika in 2026?

Dashain Tika falls on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 (Kartik 4, 2083 BS), on Bijaya Dashami. The reported auspicious time starts at 11:53 AM NST, and families usually apply tika through the afternoon.

When does Dashain end in 2026?

Dashain ends on Sunday, October 25, 2026 (Kartik 8) with Kojagrat Purnima, the full moon. Official public holidays end earlier, on October 23.

How many days is Dashain?

Dashain lasts 15 days, from the new moon to the full moon. The most important days are in the last week, and the official holiday period is about a week.

When does Tihar start in Nepal in 2026?

Tihar starts on Saturday, November 7, 2026 (Kartik 21, 2083 BS) with Kaag Tihar. Some calendars list November 6, so verify locally.

When is Laxmi Puja in Nepal in 2026?

Laxmi Puja is on Sunday, November 8, 2026 (Kartik 22, 2083 BS), after sunset. In 2026, Kukur Tihar and Gai Tihar fall on the same day.

When is Bhai Tika in 2026?

Bhai Tika is on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (Kartik 25, 2083 BS). The reported auspicious tika time is around 11:39 AM NST. Some foreign calendars list November 10, so check a Nepali source.

How many days is Tihar?

Tihar lasts five days, from Kaag Tihar to Bhai Tika. In 2026 the second and third days overlap on November 8, but the five rituals are still observed. Official public holidays cover November 8-12.

What is the Nepali date for Dashain 2026?

Dashain 2083 BS begins on Ashwin 25 and Bijaya Dashami falls on Kartik 4, 2083.

What is the difference between Dashain and Tihar?

Dashain is a 15-day festival honoring the goddess Durga and focuses on family blessings, tika and jamara. Tihar is a five-day festival of lights honoring Laxmi, animals and siblings. See the comparison table above.

Can tourists experience Dashain in Nepal?

Yes. Visitors can watch public ceremonies, visit temples, see markets and kite flying, and sometimes be invited to a family tika. Planning ahead is essential because transport and accommodation get busy. Dress modestly, ask before taking photos, and respect family rituals.

Can tourists experience Tihar in Kathmandu?

Yes. Kathmandu is one of the best places to see Tihar. Walk through neighborhoods on Laxmi Puja night to see lamps and rangoli, listen for Deusi-Bhailo groups, and watch Kukur Tihar rituals. Be respectful of animals and household shrines.

Can tourists participate in Dashain and Tihar?

Often yes, if invited or if the event is public. Tourists can accept tika from hosts, share food, watch processions and contribute to Deusi-Bhailo groups. They should not enter private ritual spaces uninvited, handle sacred objects, or interrupt ceremonies. A small gift of sweets or fruit is a thoughtful gesture.

Is Nepal open during Dashain?

Yes. Airports, hotels, tourist restaurants and trekking services operate. But many government offices, banks and local shops close for several days around October 17-23. Withdraw cash and make reservations early.

Is Nepal open during Tihar?

Yes, tourism services remain open. Government offices and banks close during the official holiday block of November 8-12, and many local shops close on Laxmi Puja evening and Bhai Tika.

What should tourists know before visiting Nepal during Dashain?

Book flights, buses and lodging early because demand surges. Carry cash, expect closures around Tika day, dress modestly for temples, and allow extra travel time. Check current entry and permit rules, and consider trekking, since autumn weather is generally good.

Is Dashain a good time to trek in Nepal?

Yes. Post-monsoon skies are typically clear and trails are active. Book permits and lodges early, as some tea houses close briefly for the festival.

What is the best way to receive tika as a visitor?

Sit or stand calmly, accept the tika on the forehead with your right hand open, and receive blessings. If you are not a Hindu or prefer not to take part in a religious ritual, you can politely decline, and most hosts understand.

What do people eat during Dashain and Tihar?

Common foods include goat curry, sel roti, kheer, sikarni and beaten rice with yogurt. Tihar adds sweets like anarsa and laddu, and Newar communities prepare festival platters such as samay baji.

Conclusion: Plan Your Dashain and Tihar 2026

Key takeaways:

Dashain 2026: October 11-25, with Tika on Wednesday, October 21 (Kartik 4, 2083 BS).
Tihar 2026: November 7-11, with Laxmi Puja on Sunday, November 8 and Bhai Tika on Wednesday, November 11.
Official holidays: October 17-23 for Dashain and November 8-12 for Tihar.
Plan early: Flights, buses and lodging fill fast, and many local services close during holiday blocks.
Be respectful: Dress modestly, ask before photographing, and accept offered blessings with grace.

What to do next:

Save the dates to your calendar: Oct 11, Oct 21, Nov 8 and Nov 11.
Book travel and accommodation now if you plan to visit.
Share this guide with family, friends or fellow travelers.
Leave a comment below telling us how your family celebrates, or which tradition you most want to experience.
Subscribe to our newsletter for festival updates, travel tips, recipes and cultural guides.

Happy Dashain and Happy Tihar 2026 from all of us.