Tihar Festival | Nepal

Often known as the Festival of Lights, Tihar is a five day festival filled with vibrant rituals, family bonds, and a reverence of nature. Coinciding with Diwali which is celebrated across the rest of the Indian subcontinent, it is a distinctly separate observance celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, and various ethnic groups across the country. The festival honors Yama, the God of Death, while the worship of Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth, dominates the festivities. What makes Tihar particularly unique is its reverence for animals: each of the five days includes the celebrations and worship of animals associated with Yama — the crow, dog, cow, and oxen and on the fifth and final day reserved for people, with sisters placing colorful tikas on their brothers’ foreheads while brothers offer blessings in return. Throughout the celebration, homes and streets are illuminated with oil lamps, candles, and decorative lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Reservations requested: 207-593-9110

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Day 1 Kaaf Tihar (The Crow)

Whipped Sag Salad with Black Sesame Cracker

Day 2 Kukur Tihar (The Dog)

Warm Potatoes with Mustard Oil, Toasted Fenugreek, Turmeric, and Crispy Lentils

Day 3 Laxmi Puja (The Goddess of Wealth)

Saffron Khichuri Veloute — Silky Rice and Lentil Soup drizzled with Black Cardamon Ghee

Day 4 Gai Tihar (The Cow &The Self)

Spiced Paneer, Chickpea, and Beef Wellington with Tomato — Cardamon Sauce

Day 5 Bhai Tika (Brothers & Sisters)

Lalmohan — Milk Balls in Saffron and Spice