Tihar 2026 in Croatia: 5 dates to mark now, and how to celebrate far from home

Tihar runs 7–11 November 2026. Here are the dates, what falls on a weekend, and simple ways to celebrate in Croatia.

Published 2026-10-25 · Source checked 2026-10-24

Tihar is two weeks away. Mark the dates now so you can ask for time off and plan the call home before the shops get busy.

The dates in 2026, according to Nepali calendars: Saturday 7 November is Kag Tihar (crows). Sunday 8 November is Kukur Tihar, and Laxmi Puja falls on the same evening this year. Monday 9 November is Gai Tihar. Tuesday 10 November is Goru Tihar, Mha Puja and the Newar new year. Wednesday 11 November is Bhai Tika. Some calendars place a day one day apart, so check with your community group.

Also read:Croatia NewsWhy Croatia's cemeteries glow on 1 November, and the free buses in Zagreb you can use

Good news for shift workers: the first two days fall on a weekend. The hard ones are Monday to Wednesday, because in Croatia these are normal working days, and Bhai Tika is on a Wednesday. Croatian law does not give a holiday for Tihar, so any day off must be agreed with your employer as annual leave or unpaid leave. Ask early.

Five easy ways to celebrate in Croatia: 1) Put a few marigold-coloured flowers (cvijeće, look for neven or žuti krizanteme) and a small candle (svijeća) at the door on Laxmi Puja night. 2) Make sel roti (see our recipe) and share it with roommates. 3) Draw a small rangoli with rice flour or coloured chalk. 4) Hold a video call so sisters can give tika to brothers online. 5) Invite Croatian colleagues for tea and explain the festival.

Plan the money part too. If you send money for Tihar, rates and fees differ a lot between providers, and last-minute transfers are the most expensive. Compare early and send a few days before the 7th.

What to do: this week, ask your employer about 9–11 November, pick your dinner plan for the 8th, and buy candles and flowers by Friday 6 November. Tell us in the comments on our Facebook page: how will you celebrate Tihar in Croatia this year?

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