Dates to remember:
- September 22: public school vacations begin and many offices close
- September 29 to October 3: official vacations for most institutions
- October 2: the big day of Vijaya Dashami, tika day
- October 7: schools reopen
Dashain is a 15-day celebration of religion, reunion and good food. Think of it as a sort of Christmas and fair combined. Everywhere, houses are cleaned and decorated, new clothes are bought and kitchens are filled with good food.
The most eagerly awaited moment is the tika and jamara ceremony. The elders apply a red mixture of rice, yoghurt and vermilion, along with barley shoots, to the foreheads of the younger children. This gesture is accompanied by blessings for health and prosperity, and is often a moving moment that brings the whole family together.
But Dashain isn't just about rituals: it's also a celebration in villages and towns. Children fly their kites in the blue autumn sky, giant bamboo swings (ping) appear everywhere, and tables overflow with specialties. Special mention goes to goat meat, the star of Dashain feasts, roasted salt (sweet rice bread) and shared local drinks.
In Kathmandu, the atmosphere is special: the city is emptying of its inhabitants, as almost 2 million people return to their home regions. As a result, the usually noisy capital is becoming calm and almost silent.
Tihar: the festival of lights and colors
Having just recovered from Dashain, the Nepalese set off again for a new wave of festivities with Tihar, from October 20 to 24, 2025.
While Dashain is all about blessings and extended family, Tihar is all about light and togetherness. For five days, each day is dedicated to a different being (birds, gods, brothers and sisters). But what's most striking is the magical atmosphere: houses are lit up with oil lamps and electric garlands, colorful rangolis decorate entrances, and the streets come alive with music and song. On Tihar evenings, young people go from house to house singing and dancing the deusi and bhailo, in exchange for sweets or small offerings. It's a bit like Halloween, but festive and musical.
Of course, there's also food on the menu: sweets such as roasted salt, barfi and laddus are prepared and shared. And the last day, Bhai Tika (October 24, 2025), celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters place the tika on their brothers' foreheads and wish them long life, while brothers give gifts in return.
In 2025, if you're in Nepal in late September and October, you'll experience an autumn like no other: houses lit up, families reunited, and an atmosphere that blends spirituality, tradition and sharing. You'll leave with a light heart, a full belly and, probably, a red tika on your forehead....
