Dashain β The Longest Festival
Celebrated over 15 days in September or October, Dashain marks the victory of good over evil. Families reunite, elders bless younger relatives with tika (a mix of rice, yogurt and vermillion) on the forehead, and kites fill the sky over Kathmandu.
Tihar β The Festival of Lights
Following soon after Dashain, Tihar spans five days and honors different beings each day β crows, dogs, cows, and finally the bond between brothers and sisters (Bhai Tika). Homes are decorated with oil lamps and marigold garlands.
What Travelers Should Know
- Many shops and offices close, especially during the main Dashain days β plan bookings in advance
- Buses and domestic flights get busy as Nepalis travel home for the holidays
- Being invited to a tika ceremony by a host family is a memorable, genuine cultural experience
Planning an autumn trip? Talk to us about building festival experiences into your itinerary.
4 Comments
This is exactly the info I needed before my trek β thank you!
Well written! I'd add that hiring a local guide makes a huge difference too.
Great article, this really helped me plan my upcoming trip!
Very informative β thanks for the detailed breakdown.