Dashain and Tihar in Charlotte: A Nepali Festival Guide

Dashain 2026 begins on Sunday, October 11, with Ghatasthapana, and ends on Sunday, October 25, with Kojagrat Purnima. The main Tika day, Vijaya Dashami, falls on October 20 or 21 depending on the calendar followed, so confirm with your community.

Tihar generally falls from November 6 through 10, 2026, sharing its days with Diwali. The main night, Laxmi Puja, coincides with Diwali's main day.

The largest and longest festival of the Nepali year, lasting fifteen days and celebrating the goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. It's a time for families to reunite, and its main day, Vijaya Dashami, centers on elders giving tika and blessings.

Goat is the central dish, khasi ko masu, or goat curry. Sekuwa, choila, bhutan, achar and sel roti are also traditional, alongside a generous dal bhat.

A mixture of rice, yogurt and red vermilion, applied to the forehead by elders, usually accompanied by jamara, barley shoots grown since the first day of the festival.

Traditional Tihar songs sung by groups going house to house, Bhailo traditionally by girls and Deusi traditionally by boys. Households welcome singers with money, food and sel roti.

"Happy Dashain" is always welcome. The traditional greeting is "Bijaya Dashami ko hardik shubhakamana," meaning heartfelt wishes for Vijaya Dashami.