Tihar (Deepawali), Festival of Lights

Five days of lights honouring crows, dogs, cows and the goddess Laxmi, ending with Bhai Tika. Homes and shops glow with oil lamps and fairy lights, doorways get colourful rangoli and marigold garlands, and groups go house to house singing Deusi and Bhailo. Kukur Tihar, when dogs are garlanded, and the illuminations on Laxmi Puja night are highlights. Fireworks are common and prices of flowers rise; Bhai Tika is a public holiday when many businesses close.