How Nepalis Abroad Can Celebrate Tihar and Stay Connected to Their Roots

NepState Editorial Team

Oct 14, 2025 2 min read 0 comments

How Nepalis Abroad Can Celebrate Tihar and Stay Connected to Their Roots

Introduction:
Tihar is one of the most beloved festivals in Nepal. It’s a time for light, love, family, and cultural traditions. But for Nepalis living abroad, celebrating Tihar can be challenging without the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of home. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep the spirit alive and make the festival special, no matter where you are in the world.

1. Light Up Your Home

Tihar is all about light over darkness. You don’t need to be in Nepal to create a festive atmosphere:

Diyos and Candles: Place small oil lamps or candles around your home.
String Lights: Use LED lights to brighten rooms and windows.
Rangoli: Create colorful patterns at your doorstep using powders, flower petals, or even colored paper.

Lighting up your space instantly brings the Tihar vibe, making your home feel warm and festive.

2. Honor Animals

Tihar has special days to celebrate animals, and you can keep these traditions alive abroad:

Kaag Tihar (Crows): Feed crows or birds in your area to symbolize respect and gratitude.
Kukur Tihar (Dogs): Decorate your pet or a local dog with a garland and give treats.
Gai Tihar (Cows): If you don’t have cows nearby, consider donating to an animal shelter or local charity.

This keeps you connected to the essence of Tihar and its cultural significance.

3. Celebrate with Family and Friends

Even abroad, Tihar is a festival meant to bring people together:

Potluck Parties: Invite friends and family to share traditional Nepali dishes.
Virtual Gatherings: Use Zoom, Google Meet, or other video calls to celebrate with loved ones back home.
Community Events: Join local Nepali associations to enjoy group celebrations, music, and dance.

Sharing food, laughter, and rituals makes the festival memorable even far from Nepal.

4. Participate in Cultural Traditions

You can continue Tihar’s spiritual and cultural practices abroad:

Deusi and Bhailo: Sing or organize these traditional songs and dances.
Lakshmi Puja: Set up a small altar and worship Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.
Bhai Tika: If siblings are nearby, exchange tika and gifts to honor this day.

Maintaining these rituals helps keep your connection to Nepali culture alive.

5. Spread Joy and Positivity

Tihar is a festival of giving and sharing:

Send Gifts: Mail Tihar packages or sweets to family and friends in Nepal.
Donate: Contribute to local charities, temples, or shelters.
Social Sharing: Send Tihar greetings on social media to friends worldwide.

Even small gestures can make the festival meaningful and joyous for others.

Conclusion:
Celebrating Tihar abroad doesn’t have to be difficult. By lighting diyos, honoring animals, sharing meals, and keeping cultural rituals alive, you can enjoy a festive Tihar wherever you are. The essence of the festival — light, love, gratitude, and togetherness — transcends borders. Embrace it fully, and let this Tihar bring joy, prosperity, and cherished memories into your life.