Celebrating Tihar in the UK is a chance to bring light, familiar flavours and family traditions into your home, even when loved ones are far away. Whether you are planning your first celebration away from Nepal or continuing a long-standing family tradition, a little preparation can make the festival feel special.
From lighting diyas to preparing sel roti and arranging Bhai Tika, this guide offers practical ideas for celebrating Tihar with family and friends across the UK.
What is Tihar?
Tihar is a Nepali festival of lights that honours relationships between people, animals and the divine. It is commonly observed over five days, with traditions including Kaag Tihar, Kukur Tihar, Gai Tihar and Lakshmi Puja, followed by observances that vary by community and family, and Bhai Tika.
For many Newar families, this period also includes Mha Puja, a celebration honouring the self. The order, timing and details of observances can differ, so follow your family's customs and consult a trusted Nepali calendar or community organisation for the year's dates and UK timings.
Bring the festival of lights into your UK home
You do not need a large space or elaborate decorations to create a welcoming Tihar setting. Clean and arrange a small area for your celebration, decorate your entrance, and make a rangoli using materials suitable for your home.
Marigold garlands, flowers and lights can add colour. If fresh flowers are difficult to find, reusable decorations are a practical alternative. Choose battery-operated diyas where open flames are unsuitable. Keep any real flames away from curtains, decorations, children and pets, and never leave them unattended.
Plan your Tihar food and sweets
Food is one of the most comforting ways to connect with home. Sel roti is a favourite in many Nepali households, often served alongside dishes such as aloo achar, vegetable curries and other family favourites. Sweets, fruit and dried fruit may also form part of the celebration and gift trays.
Keep your menu manageable. Choose one or two dishes that matter most to your family, and prepare what you can ahead of time. If friends are joining you, a shared meal lets everyone contribute a dish and a story.
Check recipes before shopping, especially if you are making sel roti for the first time. Ingredient quantities and methods vary between households, so a familiar family recipe is a good place to begin.
A simple Tihar shopping checklist
- Rice or rice flour suitable for your chosen sel roti recipe.
- Oil or ghee, sugar and any spices required by your recipes.
- Potatoes, vegetables and ingredients for achar and side dishes.
- Sweets, fruit, nuts and dried fruit for serving or gifting.
- Tika colours and other puja materials used in your family tradition.
- Diyas or battery-operated lights, flowers and decorations.
Check what you already have before ordering. Review product ingredients and allergen information, particularly when preparing food or gifts for others.
Celebrate Bhai Tika across the distance
Bhai Tika celebrates the bond between siblings, with rituals, blessings and gifts that vary between families. If you are together in the UK, prepare your tika materials and food in advance so you can enjoy the occasion without rushing.
If siblings are in Nepal or elsewhere, arrange a video call around everyone's time zone. Sharing blessings, exchanging memories or eating a favourite dish together online can help maintain the connection, even when an in-person ceremony is not possible.
Share Deusi-Bhailo and family memories
Deusi-Bhailo songs are a much-loved part of Tihar for many families. A small gathering at home can be an opportunity to sing, introduce children to familiar songs and explain the stories behind your traditions.
If you would like to join a community celebration, check announcements from local Nepali associations and confirm event details directly with the organiser. Be considerate of neighbours and your building's rules when planning music or gatherings.
Help children connect with Tihar
Simple activities can make the festival meaningful for children growing up in the UK. Create paper garlands, decorate battery-operated diyas, prepare a family dish together or ask relatives to share their childhood Tihar memories.
Explain why different days are important in your household, while making room for the fact that other families may celebrate differently. The aim is connection, not a perfect recreation of every detail.
Order your groceries ahead of the celebration
Make your shopping list early, allowing time for groceries to arrive and for food preparation. MasalaMart's standard delivery estimate is 3–5 working days from ordering, including processing. Working days are Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. This is an estimate, not a guarantee of arrival for a particular festival date.
Check current product availability and the delivery options shown at checkout before placing your order. For help with your grocery shopping, email [email protected] or call 07549 309088.
A meaningful Tihar, wherever you live
Celebrating Tihar in the UK does not have to mean doing everything exactly as you would in Nepal. A few lights, familiar food and time with the people you care about can make the celebration your own. Keep the traditions that matter to your family, welcome others into them, and enjoy the connection they bring.