worshping dogs as a messenger of god Rangoli

Tihar / Dipawali / Diwali festival

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Arrival City
Kathmandu
Starting Point
Kathmandu
Max Altitude
1,400 M
Tour Language
English
Hygiene Protocol
Fully Hygiene
Suitable Age
10+
Types of Clothes
Regular
Accommodation Standards
5 Star
Meal Plan
As Per Itinerary
Medicine
First Aid
Season
October / November
Ending Point
Kathmandu
Departure City
Kathmandu

Got it, let's keep it simple and casual. Tihar is like this big, bright festival in Nepal where everyone's in a good mood, lighting up their houses and having a great time. It kicks off with a day where folks feed crows - yeah, you heard that right, crows! They believe crows are messengers who deserve some respect. Then, dogs get a VIP treatment the next day because they're loyal buddies.The main event is when everyone cleans up their places and lights tons of lamps to make everything sparkle. It's all about inviting good vibes , Goddess laxmi and prosperity into their lives. There’s a day where some people also show some love to oxen, and in some parts, people even celebrate their own version of a new year.The finale is super sweet - brothers and sisters get together, and sisters put this colorful mark on their brothers' foreheads, hoping it'll bring them a long and happy life. They exchange gifts too. Basically, it's all about family, friends, and a whole lot of lights, making sure everyone feels the love and warmth. It’s a time when even animals get treats and thank-yous, showing gratitude to every living being around.

 

 

Package Options

Tihar festival tour

Tihar festival tour
Package for:
1 Day(s)
1 Guest(s)
May 01, 2024

Tihar’s this awesome, big-deal festival over in Nepal where the vibes are all about positivity and lighting up the place. It starts off with people feeding crows, because crows are seen as these important messengers that deserve a bit of gratitude. Next up, dogs are treated like the heroes they are for their loyalty.Then comes the heart of the festival, where everyone’s busy making their homes look like a million bucks with lights and decorations, all to welcome good fortune. There’s also a day dedicated to oxen, showing some appreciation for their hard work, and for some, it’s even time to ring in a new year in their own unique way.Wrapping it all up is this beautiful moment between brothers and sisters, where sisters apply a colorful mark on their brothers' foreheads, wishing them a life full of happiness and health. They exchange presents too, making it all about strengthening family bonds. The whole festival is a blend of lights, love, and a little bit of magic, making sure every living soul feels appreciated. It's pretty amazing how it brings everyone together, celebrating with a heart full of joy and gratitude.

 

 

Highlights

Each day of Tihar has its significance and is dedicated to different figures and animals:

  • Kaag Tihar (Day 1): The first day is dedicated to crows, considered messengers of death. People offer sweets and dishes to crows on their rooftops to avert grief and death in their homes.
  • Kukur Tihar (Day 2): The second day is devoted to dogs, recognized for their loyalty and friendship. Dogs are worshipped and offered food on this day.
  • Laxmi Puja (Day 3): The third day is the main day of Tihar, where people worship Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Homes are cleaned and decorated with lights, and people make patterns called Rangoli at their doorsteps to welcome the goddess. In the evening, people light up their homes with oil lamps, candles, and electric lights.
  • Govardhan Puja (Day 4): Different forms of this day's celebrations include worshipping oxen and Govardhan mountain. In some regions, it's known as Mha Puja, a day when people of the Newar community in Nepal celebrate the New Year of the Nepal Sambat calendar by worshipping themselves.
  • Bhai Tika (Day 5): The final day of Tihar is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a seven-colored Tika on their brothers' foreheads to ensure long life and thank them for the protection they provide. This day is marked by siblings exchanging gifts and good wishes.

 

 

Includes
  • Special traditional welcome on arrival at international airport,
  • Airport-hotel-airport transfers in private transportation – Hiace van
  • Breakfast Lunch and dinner at hotel you are staying at
  • Entrance & monument fees in Pokhara and Kathmandu as per itinerary.
  • Sightseeing as per the itinerary by private a/c vehicle – Hiace van,02 full Day Kathmandu sightseeing tour,
  • English speaking tour guide during Kathmandu sightseeing only,
  • Expert Tour Guide will escort throughout the tour
  • Mineral water bottle on board during sightseeing tour,
  • Entrance/monument fee as per above itinerary in Kathmandu & Pokhara
  • All applicable government taxes,

 

 

Excludes
  • Insurance: All types 
  • Nepal entry visa fee 
  • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry 
  • Any other expenses which are not mentioned at the included section 
  • Tips and gratuities for driver, guides and escorts (approximately 10% of the total paid amount
  • Force Majeure   
  • International flights tickets 

 

 

Travel Information

If Domestic Flight requires:

  • Flight No | ETD:
  • Airlines Company: Buddha Air
  • Type of Aircraft: ATR 42 or ATR 72

 

Cancellation Policy:

  • Before 30 Days No cancellation
  • Before 15-29 days 10% Cancellation
  • Before 07 - 14 Days 25% Cancellation
  • Before 03-06 Days 50% Cancellation
  • No Show 100% Cancellation

 

Visa Information:

  • Issued to foreigners travelling to Nepal as an entry visa (On-Arrival Visa) at the port of entry
  • Issued as an entry visa by Diplomatic Missions abroad
  • Tourist visa is extended not exceeding total 150 days of stay in a single visa year (Jan-Dec)
  • 15/30/90- Days entry visa is issued by Immigration Offices
  • Tourist Visa extension is done for minimum 15 days from Immigration Offices and Department of Immigration
  • 15/30/90-Days entry visa is issued by Diplomatic Missions
Entry Visa
  • 15 Days - USD 30
  • 30 Days - USD  50
  • 90 Days - USD 125
  • Visa Extension
  • 3 USD per Day(minimum 15 days)
  • 5 USD per day as late fine in the case of delay
  • Additional 25 USD for a Multiple re-entry facility
  • Valid Ordinary Passport
  • Previous Visa, if any Other supporting documents, if required
Nepalese Currency and Exchange facility:

Please note that the availability of specific denominations may vary, and it's always a good idea to carry smaller denominations for day-to-day transactions as larger notes might not be accepted everywhere. As for exchange rates, please keep in mind that they fluctuate regularly. It is recommended to refer to a reliable financial institution, currency exchange service, or online currency converter to get the most accurate and up-to-date exchange rates for Nepalese Rupees (NPR) against other currencies.

Bank Notes:

Coins:

1,000 10
5
100 2

50

1

20

10

 

5

Exchange Rates:

https://www.nrb.org.np/forex/

Note: you may not get the exchange rate shown in the table.

Here are some do's and don'ts to keep in mind when visiting Nepal:

 

Do's in Nepal:

  • Respect local customs and traditions: Nepal has a rich cultural heritage, so it's important to be respectful towards local customs and traditions. Learn about the cultural norms and practices, and try to follow them during your stay.
  • Dress modestly: While Nepal is a diverse country with varying standards of attire, it is generally appreciated if you dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. It is advisable to cover your shoulders and knees to show respect.
  • Remove your shoes when entering religious sites and private homes: Nepali people follow the custom of removing their shoes before entering religious sites and private residences. It is polite to do the same to show reverence and cleanliness.
  • Practice responsible tourism: Nepal is blessed with natural beauty and unique ecosystems. As a responsible tourist, strive to minimize your environmental impact. Avoid littering, use reusable water bottles, and follow designated trails when trekking to preserve the natural surroundings.
  • Learn basic Nepali greetings: Learning a few basic Nepali greetings such as "Namaste" (hello), "Dhanyabad" (thank you), and "Kripaya" (please) can go a long way in building rapport with the local people. It shows your appreciation for their culture and makes interactions more meaningful.

 

Don'ts in Nepal:

  1. Disrespect of religious sites and beliefs: Nepal is a deeply spiritual country, and its people hold their religious sites and beliefs in high regard. Avoid any behavior that may be seen as disrespectful or sacrilegious, such as touching sacred objects without permission or taking photographs where it is prohibited.
  2. Engage in public displays of affection: Nepali society is relatively conservative, and public displays of affection, especially between couples, are generally not accepted. It is best to exercise restraint and avoid such behavior in public to avoid any offense.
  3. Use of your left hand for eating or giving/receiving items: In Nepali culture, the left hand is considered unclean as it is traditionally used for personal hygiene purposes. When dining or interacting with others, always use your right hand for eating and offering or receiving items as a sign of respect.
  4. Give money or sweets to children on the street: Although it may be tempting to give money or sweets to children begging on the streets, it is generally discouraged. This perpetuates the cycle of dependency and may discourage children from attending school. It is better to support reputable local charities working towards education and welfare.
  5. Disregard local customs during festivals: Nepal celebrates numerous vibrant festivals throughout the year. If you happen to be in the country during a festival, be mindful of local customs and practices. Avoid behaviors that may disrupt or disrespect the festive atmosphere and follow instructions from locals or authorities.
  6. By adhering to these do's and don'ts, you will have a more respectful and culturally immersive experience during your visit to Nepal.
Things to know
  • Timing is Everything: Tihar takes place over five days, usually in late October or early November. Check the exact dates each year to plan your trip, as they change according to the lunar calendar.
  • Understand the Significance: Each day of Tihar has its own unique significance and set of practices. From feeding crows to honoring dogs, and lighting up homes to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters, knowing the background will enrich your experience.
  • Participate in the Traditions: If you have the opportunity, join a local family or community in their Tihar celebrations. Participating in the rituals, like creating rangoli (colorful patterns made on the ground), lighting diyas (oil lamps), and enjoying the special feasts, can offer a deeper insight into the culture.
  • Respect the Animals: Tihar is unique for its reverence of animals. Whether it’s feeding dogs or observing the cow worship, showing respect and understanding the reasons behind these practices is crucial.
  • Experience the Lights and Sounds: The festival is marked by beautiful illuminations and fireworks. Taking a walk through the neighborhoods to see the decorations and lights can be a mesmerizing experience. Be prepared for a sensory overload in the best possible way.
  • Enjoy the Music and Dance: Tihar is also a time for Deusi-Bhailo, traditional songs and dances performed by groups who visit homes in their community. Welcoming them or even joining in can be a lot of fun.
  • Safety First: While Tihar is a time of joy and celebration, like any large festival, it's important to be mindful of your belongings and personal safety, especially in crowded places.
  • Respect the Cultures: While Nepalese people are known for their hospitality and warmth, showing respect towards their customs, traditions, and especially during their religious ceremonies, is crucial.
  • Local foods: Don’t miss out on the special foods prepared during Tihar, including sweets and delicacies that are specific to this festival time. It's a great way to experience the local cuisine.

 

 

 

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