Kathmandu During Dashain and Tihar

Dashain and Tihar are the biggest festivals of Nepal. Since both these festivals often fall in the same month—with a gap of about only a week or two—most schools and offices give a month-long holiday. As a result, a lot of people go out of Kathmandu during this time, either to go on a vacation or to visit their hometown and loved ones. Consequently, Kathmandu looks quite different during this time.

In the first few days of Dashain, markets remain open for last-minute festive needs, always overcrowded with customers. In fact, weeks before the actual festival, shops overflow with new clothes, toys, and festive food. Families flock to Indra Chowk, New Road, and Asan Bazaar, hunting for the perfect gifts and festive items. Children can be seen flying kites from rooftops, while adults gather to play cards and gamble. Every home starts a thorough cleaning—symbolizing a spiritual fresh start.

Dashain celebrates the triumph of good over evil, specifically the victory of the Hindu goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Vijaya Dashami, which falls on the 10th day of Dashain, is the most important day. During that day, elders place tika (a mixture rice and red vermillion) and jamara (barley sprouts) on the foreheads and ears, respectively, of younger family members, offering blessings for health, prosperity, and longevity. It’s also a time when people travel far and wide to be with their families. Next few days are about continuing blessings and visiting extended relatives. By the end, most Nepalis will have traveled to see family and friends, exchanged love, and enjoyed generous feasts. In temples like Dakshinkali, people queue up to offer goats and chickens as part of age-old traditions. As the main days of Dashain arrive, Kathmandu empties out. Many people head back to their ancestral villages and towns to receive blessings from elders. The usual traffic jams disappear. Shops and offices are closed. For a few days, Kathmandu feels quiet—almost vacant.

By the time Tihar rolls in, Kathmandu comes back to life—and in spectacular fashion. The city starts to shimmer. Literally! Homes, shops, temples, and streets are covered in twinkling lights and butter lamps. Strings of marigolds hang above doorways. The days look colorful and vibrant and the nights look bright and full of commotion. What makes Tihar magical is that during this festival, the streets glow with lights, music echoes into the night, and every house is decorated with rangoli (mandalas made from rice powder), flowers, and candles. Laxmi Puja is when the city truly dazzles. Households create colorful rangolis in front of their doors to welcome Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. Children roam in groups singing bhailo and deusi (traditional Tihar songs)while neighbors welcome them with cash, treats, and big smiles.

On Kukur Tihar, you’ll spot dogs (including stray dogs on the street) garlanded with flowers and adorned with tika. And on Kaag Tihar, you can see crows being worshipped similarly. These are a sight to behold. So, if you ever find yourself in Nepal in the fall, don’t miss the chance to be in Kathmandu and to witness (and maybe even take part in) these two great festivals of Nepal.

Dashain 2025 Date and Time

Dashain in 2025 will be celebrated from September 22nd to October 6th, with the main Tika day falling on October 2nd. The festival officially begins with Ghatasthapana on September 22nd and concludes with Kojagrat Purnima on October 6th. Within this period, the seventh day (Phulpati) will be on September 29th, Maha Ashtami on September 30th, and Maha Navami on October 1st.

Tihar 2025 Date and Time

Tihar in 2025 will be celebrated from October 19 to October 23. The festival, also known as Deepawali or the festival of lights, spans five days, each dedicated to different rituals and worship. It starts with Kaag Tihar (Crow Puja) and ends with Bhai Tika (Brother's Puja).