Tihar Evenings: Tea, Lights and Time With Loved Ones

After Dashain comes Tihar, the festival of lights. For five days Kathmandu glows with oil lamps and string lights, doors are decorated with marigold garlands, and groups go house to house singing deusi and bhailo.

Five days, many traditions

Tihar honours crows, dogs, cows and Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, and ends with Bhai Tika, when sisters bless their brothers. Each day has its own rituals, and families spend a lot of time together.

Evenings are the highlight

The best part of Tihar for many people is the evening: walking through lit-up streets, watching the decorations, hearing deusi-bhailo groups, and stopping somewhere warm for a drink.

Warm drinks for festival nights

Late autumn evenings get chilly. Good companions for a Tihar evening:

• Masala Tea (Rs. 50): warm and festive
• Tandoori Tea (Rs. 60): smoky and special
• Hot Lemon with Honey (Rs. 50): caffeine-free for late nights
• Banana Lassi (Rs. 120): a sweet treat if the evening is mild

Meeting friends during Tihar

Tihar is a great time to catch up with friends before the year winds down. Keep plans simple: a familiar place, good tea and enough time to talk.

Planning a festival get-together

For a group of friends or family, send us the details through Plan Your Gathering and we'll get in touch.

Visit Chiya Table

We're on Kotdevi Marg, Kathmandu. Hours may vary on the main festival days, so please contact us before you come. Happy Tihar!