Tihar 2026: The Five Days, Bhai Tika, and Celebrating in America
If Dashain is the big one, Tihar is the beautiful one — five days of lights, marigolds and songs at the door. It falls about two weeks after Dashain, in October or November.
The five days
| Day | Name | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaag Tihar | Crows are fed — the messengers |
| 2 | Kukur Tihar | Dogs get tika, a garland and good food |
| 3 | Laxmi Puja | Cows honoured in the morning; homes lit and Laxmi welcomed at night |
| 4 | Govardhan Puja / Mha Puja | Newar communities celebrate Mha Puja and the Nepal Sambat new year |
| 5 | Bhai Tika | Sisters give seven-colour tika to brothers and pray for their long life |
Tihar in America
- Bhai Tika across an ocean. Sisters commonly send tika materials by post weeks ahead, then do the ritual on video call. Post early — international mail slows down near the holidays.
- Deusi Bhailo. Groups still go door to door in areas with a dense Nepali population, and community organisations often run an indoor version.
- Lights that pass an inspection. Diyo with real flame is a fire-code problem in most US apartments — LED diyo look close and will not cost you a deposit.
Frequently asked questions
When is Bhai Tika in 2026?
Bhai Tika is the fifth and final day of Tihar, which follows the lunar calendar and usually falls in October or November. Hamro App's Nepali calendar shows the exact date for the current year.
What are the five days of Tihar?
Kaag Tihar (crows), Kukur Tihar (dogs), Laxmi Puja (cows in the morning, Laxmi at night), Govardhan Puja or Mha Puja, and Bhai Tika.
How do you do Bhai Tika if your brother is in Nepal?
Most families post the tika materials weeks in advance and perform the ritual together over a video call. Send early, because international post slows near the holidays.
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