How Nepali Diaspora Celebrates Tihar Abroad:- Tihar, also known as the festival of lights, is one of the most vibrant and important festivals in Nepal. Celebrated over five days, Tihar honors animals, such as crows, dogs, cows, and celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.

For the Nepali diaspora living abroad, celebrating Tihar holds deep cultural significance. While far from their homeland, Nepalis find creative and meaningful ways to honor the festival’s traditions and stay connected to their roots.
This blog will explore how Nepali communities across the world celebrate Tihar, adapt its rituals, and maintain the spirit of this beautiful festival even when far from home.
Nepal, nestled in the Himalayas, is a diverse country known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant traditions. Home to Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, it attracts adventurers and trekkers worldwide. Nepal’s ancient cities, such as Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, showcase intricate temples and stupas reflecting its deep spiritual roots in Hinduism and Buddhism.
The country also boasts a rich biodiversity, with national parks protecting rare wildlife like tigers, rhinos, and snow leopards. Famous for its warm hospitality, Nepal offers visitors unique experiences, from trekking the Himalayas to exploring serene lakes and heritage sites.
Table of Contents – How Nepali Diaspora Celebrates Tihar Abroad
1. Understanding the Significance of Tihar
Tihar, also known as Deepawali in some parts of Nepal, is celebrated in honor of the goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is a time of joy, lights, and togetherness, when Nepalis decorate their homes, light oil lamps, and perform rituals to ensure good fortune in the coming year. The five days of Tihar each have their own significance:
- Kag Tihar (Day 1): Honoring crows, believed to be messengers of death.
- Kukur Tihar (Day 2): Honoring dogs for their loyalty and protection.
- Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja (Day 3): Honoring cows for their contribution to society and worshipping Goddess Laxmi.
- Gobardhan Puja (Day 4): Honoring oxen and celebrating nature.
- Bhai Tika (Day 5): Celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, where sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and prosperity.
For the Nepali diaspora, the challenge is to maintain these customs and perform the rituals while living in countries where the festival may not be widely recognized. However, with creativity and a strong sense of community, Nepalis abroad ensure that Tihar is celebrated with the same enthusiasm and respect for tradition.
A video about Bhaitika
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2. Tihar Preparations Abroad: Keeping Traditions Alive
In Nepal, preparations for Tihar begin days in advance, with families cleaning and decorating their homes, buying new clothes, and preparing special foods. For Nepalis abroad, these preparations are no less important, even if they must adapt to local conditions.
Many families living in countries with Nepali stores can find the necessary items, such as marigold garlands, oil lamps (diyas), and sweets for the festival. However, in places where Nepali stores are not readily available, people improvise with locally sourced items to recreate the festive atmosphere.
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Homes are decorated with lights, candles, and flowers, just as they would be in Nepal. Some Nepali families living abroad make it a point to create rangolis (decorative designs made from colored powders) outside their homes, while others use electric lights and candles to illuminate their surroundings.
For the Nepali diaspora, these decorations serve not only to celebrate Tihar but also to share their culture with their neighbors in foreign lands.
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Preparation for Tihar also involves cooking special meals and sweets, such as sel roti, a traditional Nepali rice doughnut, and other delicacies. Nepali women often gather in groups to prepare these treats, sharing recipes and stories from home, making the festival feel more communal and connected to their heritage.
3. Celebrating Kag Tihar and Kukur Tihar Abroad
The first two days of Tihar, Kag Tihar and Kukur Tihar, are dedicated to honoring crows and dogs. For Nepalis abroad, these days are marked by small but meaningful rituals.
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In Nepal, food offerings are left out for crows early in the morning as a way of appeasing them and ensuring good luck. Abroad, Nepali families continue this practice by placing food on balconies, windowsills, or gardens, inviting birds to partake in the offerings.
Kukur Tihar, the second day, is often the most heartwarming for many Nepalis abroad, especially those who own dogs. On this day, dogs are given special treatment, adorned with garlands, red tika, and fed delicious meals.
For Nepalis who have adopted dogs in their host countries, this day serves as a reminder of the cultural importance of animals in their lives. Even for those who do not own pets, many choose to honor street dogs or visit animal shelters, spreading love and gratitude to man’s best friend.
This practice helps Nepalis abroad maintain a connection to their cultural beliefs while also introducing the beauty of their traditions to non-Nepali friends and neighbors.
4. Laxmi Puja Abroad: Worshipping the Goddess of Wealth
Laxmi Puja is one of the most important days of Tihar, and for the Nepali diaspora, it is a day filled with devotion and hope for prosperity. Families abroad create makeshift altars in their homes to worship Goddess Laxmi. These altars, decorated with flowers, oil lamps, and sweets, become the focal point of the household on this day.
One of the key customs of Laxmi Puja is to light oil lamps and place them throughout the house to welcome the goddess of wealth. Nepali families abroad follow this tradition, using candles, diyas, or electric lamps to illuminate their homes. In countries where it is safe, some families place oil lamps outside their front doors or in windows, symbolizing the presence of Goddess Laxmi in their home.
The ritual also involves cleaning the house thoroughly before the puja, as it is believed that the goddess only enters clean and well-kept homes. This tradition is maintained abroad as well, with families dedicating time to cleaning and preparing their homes for the festival. While performing Laxmi Puja away from Nepal may feel different, for the Nepali diaspora, it is a way to stay connected to their faith and culture, no matter where they are.
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5. Bhai Tika: The Celebration of Sibling Bonds
Bhai Tika, the fifth and final day of Tihar, is a special day for Nepali brothers and sisters. This day celebrates the bond between siblings, with sisters performing rituals to pray for their brothers’ long life and success. For Nepalis living abroad, Bhai Tika holds deep emotional significance, as many families may not be able to physically gather due to distance.
In these cases, Nepalis use technology to stay connected with their loved ones. Video calls have become a common way for sisters and brothers to perform the Bhai Tika ritual virtually. Sisters apply tika on their own foreheads, and brothers do the same on the other end of the call, symbolizing the exchange of blessings. This virtual celebration allows families to uphold their traditions even when separated by thousands of miles.
For those living close to their siblings, Bhai Tika is celebrated in person, with sisters preparing special food, gifts, and garlands for their brothers. Families gather to exchange blessings and share a festive meal, making this day one of the most cherished during Tihar.
6. Tihar and Community Gatherings: Strengthening Cultural Bonds Abroad
For the Nepali diaspora, Tihar is not just a family celebration; it is also an opportunity to gather as a community. Nepali associations and cultural groups abroad often organize large Tihar events, bringing together people from different parts of the country to celebrate the festival collectively. These events typically include cultural performances, music, and dance, as well as communal feasts.
During these gatherings, traditional rituals such as Laxmi Puja and Bhai Tika are performed, allowing community members to participate in the customs they may not be able to perform at home. For Nepali children growing up abroad, these community events provide a chance to learn about their cultural heritage and connect with other Nepali families.
In places with large Nepali populations, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, these gatherings serve as a way to maintain cultural ties and pass on traditions to the younger generation. For many Nepalis abroad, Tihar is a time when the entire community comes together to celebrate their shared heritage, making the festival even more meaningful.
7. Challenges Faced by Nepalis Celebrating Tihar Abroad
While the Nepali diaspora does its best to celebrate Tihar with enthusiasm, there are certain challenges that come with being far from home.
One of the biggest challenges is the lack of public recognition of Tihar in many countries. Unlike in Nepal, where Tihar is a national holiday, Nepalis living abroad often have to balance their work, school, and other commitments with the festival celebrations.
Another challenge is the availability of traditional items needed for Tihar rituals. In some countries, Nepali stores are limited, making it difficult to find items such as marigold flowers, oil lamps, and specific ingredients for festival foods. While some families can source these items through online stores or local markets, others must find creative alternatives.
Homesickness is also a common challenge during Tihar, as many Nepalis miss the lively atmosphere and family gatherings that are central to the festival in Nepal. Despite these challenges, the Nepali diaspora remains resilient, finding ways to adapt their celebrations and keep the spirit of Tihar alive.
8. Adapting Tihar Traditions to a Multicultural Environment
Living in multicultural countries offers Nepalis abroad the opportunity to share their traditions with others while also embracing new cultural experiences. Tihar provides an excellent opportunity for Nepalis to introduce their friends and neighbors to the festival of lights, explaining the significance of the rituals and inviting them to join in the celebrations.
Many Nepali families abroad welcome their non-Nepali friends to their homes during Tihar, offering them traditional foods, explaining the meaning behind the pujas, and even applying tika during Bhai Tika. This cultural exchange fosters understanding and appreciation between different communities, allowing Nepalis to celebrate Tihar while also integrating into their host country’s culture.
In some cases, Nepali families may combine their Tihar celebrations with local festivals, such as Diwali in India or Halloween in Western countries, creating a unique blend of traditions that reflect their dual identities. This ability to adapt and share their culture makes the Nepali diaspora a vibrant part of the multicultural societies in which they live.
9. The Emotional and Spiritual Significance of Tihar for the Diaspora
For Nepalis living abroad, Tihar is more than just a cultural festival; it is a time for spiritual reflection and emotional connection to their roots. The rituals of Tihar, such as lighting oil lamps for Goddess Laxmi, honoring animals, and celebrating the bond between siblings, are deeply meaningful and serve as a reminder of their values and traditions.
Even though they are far from home, the Nepali diaspora finds comfort in these rituals, which allow them to feel connected to their heritage. Tihar is a time for gratitude, where Nepalis abroad reflect on their blessings, honor their ancestors, and pray for prosperity in the coming year.
For many, celebrating Tihar abroad is an emotional experience, as it brings back memories of past festivals spent with family in Nepal. Despite the distance, the festival helps them stay connected to their homeland and reinforces their sense of identity as Nepalis.
10. Tihar in the Digital Age: Virtual Celebrations and Social Media
In today’s digital age, technology plays a significant role in how the Nepali diaspora celebrates Tihar. Virtual celebrations have become a common way for families to stay connected, especially for those who cannot travel home for the festival. Video calls, social media platforms, and messaging apps allow families to share moments of Tihar in real time, making the distance feel smaller.
Many Nepalis abroad use social media to share their Tihar experiences, posting photos of their decorations, rangoli designs, and family gatherings. This not only helps them stay connected with friends and family in Nepal but also allows them to showcase their culture to a wider audience.
Virtual events organized by Nepali associations have also become more common, allowing people from different parts of the world to come together and celebrate Tihar online. These events may include live-streamed pujas, cultural performances, and interactive discussions about the significance of the festival.
The digital age has made it easier for the Nepali diaspora to celebrate Tihar, even when physical distance separates them from their families and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do Nepalis abroad celebrate Tihar?
Nepalis abroad celebrate Tihar by performing traditional rituals, decorating their homes with lights and flowers, and gathering with family and community members to observe the festival.
2. Can Nepalis abroad still perform the Bhai Tika ceremony?
Yes, Nepalis abroad can perform the Bhai Tika ceremony, either in person if they are near their siblings or virtually through video calls if they are separated by distance.
3. What challenges do Nepalis face when celebrating Tihar abroad?
Challenges include balancing work and school commitments, finding traditional items for the rituals, and dealing with homesickness due to being far from family in Nepal.
4. How do Nepali associations help with Tihar celebrations abroad?
Nepali associations organize community events, provide access to traditional resources, and create spaces for Nepalis to celebrate Tihar together, maintaining cultural bonds abroad.
5. How do Nepalis abroad celebrate Laxmi Puja?
Nepalis abroad celebrate Laxmi Puja by decorating their homes with oil lamps, performing pujas to Goddess Laxmi, and cleaning their homes to welcome wealth and prosperity.
6. Can Nepalis abroad find traditional items for Tihar?
In some countries with larger Nepali populations, traditional items like marigold garlands and oil lamps are available in Nepali stores. In other places, families may use local substitutes.
7. How do Nepali children abroad learn about Tihar?
Nepali children abroad learn about Tihar through family traditions, community gatherings, and cultural performances that teach them the significance of the festival.
8. Can Nepalis celebrate Tihar with non-Nepali friends?
Yes, many Nepalis abroad share their Tihar celebrations with non-Nepali friends, offering them traditional foods, explaining the rituals, and inviting them to join in the festivities.
9. How do virtual celebrations help Nepalis stay connected during Tihar?
Virtual celebrations allow Nepalis abroad to participate in Tihar rituals and stay connected with their families through video calls, social media, and online community events.
10. What is the spiritual significance of Tihar for Nepalis abroad?
Tihar is a time for Nepalis abroad to reflect on their blessings, honor their traditions, and stay connected to their cultural and spiritual roots, even when far from home.
Tihar may be celebrated far from the colorful streets and villages of Nepal, but for the Nepali diaspora, the festival retains its essence of light, joy, and togetherness. Whether through community gatherings, virtual celebrations, or small family rituals, Nepalis around the world find ways to keep the spirit of Tihar alive, no matter where they are.
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