Tihar/Diwali Checklist for Nepali & Indian Homes in Australia

Tihar/Deepawali or more commonly known worldwide as Diwali, is one of those festivals that feels like a piece of home. It’s the scent of incense in the morning, the sparkle of diyas at night, and the quiet hum of joy that fills every corner.

For many of us living in Australia, these little rituals become our way of staying connected — a bridge between where we come from and where we are.

Whether you’re celebrating for the first time away from home or continuing a family tradition, here’s your Tihar-ready checklist to help you bring the light and warmth of the festival to your home in Australia.

✨ 1. Ready for Dhanteras?

Dhanteras (or Dhan Trayodashi) marks the first day of the Tihar or Deepawali festival — a celebration of wealth, health, and divine abundance. The word “Dhan” means wealth, and “Teras” refers to the 13th day of the lunar fortnight.

It’s believed that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda, emerged from the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan).
So, the day carries two intertwined blessings — wellbeing and wealth.

🌸 What People Do on Dhanteras

Across Nepal and India, Dhanteras is a day of renewal and reverence:

• 🪔 Lakshmi Puja Preparations Begin: Homes are cleaned and decorated with oil lamps (diyas), marigold garlands, and rangoli — inviting Goddess Lakshmi to enter.

• 💰 Buying Metal Items: People buy new metal items — usually brass, copper, silver, or gold — as a symbol of inviting prosperity into their homes. Even a small spoon or bowl suffices to mark the ritual.

• 🌾 Offering Lamps to Yama: In many households, a small deepdan (offering of light) is made in the evening — lamps are placed outside the main entrance or near water sources, dedicated to Yama, the god of death, as a prayer for protection and longevity.

• 🪙 Counting and Blessing Coins: Some families wash coins in milk and water, dry them, and place them in front of Goddess Lakshmi’s image during the puja, symbolising the purification of wealth.

• 🕯️ Lighting the Way: Diyas are placed in every corner — the soft light symbolises the illumination of the home and heart.

🪷 Symbolism of Dhanteras: Why We Do What We Do

• Emergence of Goddess Lakshmi & Lord Dhanvantari
  On Dhanteras, it is believed that during the cosmic churning (Samudra Manthan), Goddess Lakshmi (wealth) appeared, and Lord Dhanvantari (health & medicine) appeared carrying the pot of Amrita (nectar of immortality). Thus, this day honours both abundance and well-being. 

• Worship of Multiple Deities
  It’s not only Lakshmi who is venerated — people often also worship Lord Dhanvantari (for health), Lord Kubera (treasurer of gods, prosperity) and sometimes Lord Yama (via Yama Deepam) for protection and longevity.

• Lighting Diyas / Lamps
  The lighting of oil lamps (diyas) or Yama Deepam is symbolic: it dispels darkness (ignorance, negativity), invites divine light, and is believed to ward off untimely death or misfortune. Homes are lit up as an offering to fortune and protection.

• Purchasing Metals / New Items
  Buying gold, silver, copper, brass, or utensils isn’t mere shopping — it’s symbolic of inviting prosperity, stability, and positive energy into the household. New items are offerings to wealth and protection.

• Purification & Cleansing
  Cleaning the home, repainting, sweeping, dusting — these aren’t just chores. They are a ritual cleansing (physical + energetic) in preparation to receive blessings. The idea is that a clean, bright home is worthy of divine presence.

• Symbolic Protection via Light & Wealth
  The stories of King Hima (who used gold and lamps to ward off death) and the lighting of many lamps at thresholds are carried forward to symbolize protection — both from external harm and internal darkness.

🌿 For Families in Australia

You can easily adapt these rituals while keeping their essence alive:

• Clean your space — especially the entrance, kitchen, and altar — to welcome good fortune.

• Set up a small Lakshmi Puja corner with diyas, incense, coins, flowers, and sweets.

• If you can’t buy new metal, simply clean and polish what you already own and offer it with gratitude.

• Decorate your home with marigold garlands or paper flowers, light candles or tea lights, and leave one diya by the entrance overnight.

• Say a simple prayer for abundance, peace, and clarity for the year ahead.

🪶 Tip: You can even play soft bhajans or instrumental mantras during your evening puja to create the serene, familiar atmosphere of Tihar nights back home.

✨ 2. Polish, Purify & Shine — Cleansing Your Metals for Tihar/Diwali

After Dhanteras, the second step in preparing for Tihar is cleaning your metal items — the brass oil lamps, copper puja kalash, silver coins, and even gold jewellery that are part of every home altar.
In Nepali and Indian homes, this ritual is both practical and spiritual — cleansing away dullness and negativity so the divine light of Lakshmi can reflect from every corner of your home.

But instead of using harsh chemicals, you can achieve a brilliant shine using gentle, home-friendly ingredients that are kind to your skin and the planet.

🟡 For Brass

What you’ll need: Lemon, baking soda (or salt), and warm water.
How to clean:

1. Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle baking soda on the cut side, and rub it directly onto the brass surface.

2. Let it sit for a minute, then rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

Why it works: The citric acid and baking soda lift tarnish naturally without scratching the surface.

🟠 For Copper

What you’ll need: Vinegar, salt, and flour.
How to clean:

1. Mix equal parts vinegar and salt, then add flour to make a smooth paste.

2. Apply it to your copper items and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and polish dry with a cotton cloth.

Why it works: The acid in vinegar removes oxidation while salt acts as a gentle abrasive.

⚪ For Silver

What you’ll need: Baking soda, boiling water, and aluminium foil.
How to clean:

1. Line a bowl with aluminium foil (shiny side up), add your silver items, sprinkle baking soda over them, and pour boiling water to cover.

2. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse and buff dry.

Why it works: The chemical reaction between baking soda and aluminium draws sulphur from the silver, restoring its shine without harsh rubbing.

🟡 For Gold & Gold-Plated Items

What you’ll need: Mild dish soap and lukewarm water.
How to clean:

1. Mix a few drops of soap into lukewarm water. Dip a soft cloth or brush and gently wipe your gold pieces.

2. Rinse in clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.

Important: Avoid hot water and strong detergents — they can damage gold plating and fade detailing. If your item has a gold-painted face (like Buddha statues), use only a dry cotton cloth to remove dust.

🌏 Eco Tip for Australia & NZ

Dispose of used mixtures responsibly — pour them down the drain with plenty of water, and avoid cleaning metals outdoors to protect native plants and pets.

💡 When you’re done, light a small diya beside your freshly cleaned items — a symbolic gesture of purity, light, and readiness for Lakshmi to enter your home.

🐦 3. Kaag Tihar — Honouring the Messenger

Kaag Tihar marks the first day of the five-day Tihar celebration in Nepal. It’s the day we honour crows (kaag), believed to be the messengers of Yama, the god of death. Their cawing is said to carry news—good or bad—between worlds, so feeding them is a way of showing gratitude, appeasing them, and inviting positive tidings for the year ahead.

In every Nepali household, early in the morning, family members scatter offerings of rice, lentils, and sweets on rooftops or courtyards. The sound of fluttering wings and cheerful caws signals that the festival has truly begun.

🕊 Bringing Kaag Tihar to Australia & New Zealand

You may not have a rooftop full of crows where you live now, but you can still honour the spirit of Kaag Tihar in meaningful, mindful ways:

• 🌾 Feed the birds in your garden or local park.
  Place a small bowl of cooked rice, oats, or grains in your balcony, backyard, or any safe open space. Magpies, pigeons, or local crows will happily accept your offering.

• 🪶 Teach children the story.
  Share how Kaag Tihar reminds us to respect every creature—because even the smallest messenger carries a purpose.

• 🕯 Light a diya or candle.
  As you do so, take a quiet moment to reflect on the messages you’ve received this year—gratitude, lessons, love—and send out your own message of hope and compassion.

🌸 Meaning in Modern Life

Kaag Tihar isn’t just about feeding birds—it’s about acknowledging connection. It teaches mindfulness, coexistence, and the importance of communication—values that remain vital wherever we are in the world.

So even from Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, or Wellington, setting out a handful of grains is a small yet powerful way to say:

“We still carry Nepal in our rituals, no matter where we fly.”

🐾 4. Kukur Tihar — Celebrating Our Four-Legged Friends

Kukur Tihar is one of Nepal’s most heart-warming festivals — a day devoted entirely to honouring dogs, our loyal companions and protectors.
According to tradition, dogs are believed to guard the gates of the afterlife and to be messengers of Yama, the god of death.
So, on this day, we show gratitude for their loyalty, love, and silent companionship.

🪷 How It’s Celebrated in Nepal

Every street in Nepal comes alive with wagging tails and flower garlands.
People adorn dogs — whether pets or strays — with tika on their forehead, marigold mala around their necks, and a plate full of treats.
It’s not just an act of affection; it’s a spiritual reminder to respect all living beings who serve and love us unconditionally.

🐶 How to Celebrate in Australia & New Zealand

Even away from home, you can still honour this beautiful tradition in your own way:

• 🌼 Garland with love.
  If marigolds aren’t available, craft paper or felt garlands — or simply tie a bright ribbon around your dog’s neck. Here's any easy DIY you can try.

• 🍗 Prepare a special meal or treat.
  Cook something healthy and dog-friendly, or get their favourite store-bought snack.

• 🕯️ Light a diya or candle beside their food bowl to symbolise the light they bring into your life.

• 📸 Capture the moment and share it with friends and family — keeping the joy of Kukur Tihar alive across continents.

🐱 For Cat Lovers (or Other Pets)

If you don’t have a dog, you can still take part!

• Pamper your cat or other pet with a little extra love today — a treat, a cuddle, or even a quiet moment of gratitude.

• Offer them a gentle tika or symbolic blessing to thank them for their companionship.

• Remember, the spirit of Kukur Tihar isn’t limited to species — it’s about honouring the unconditional bond between humans and animals.

🌸 A Little Nostalgia

Back home, Kukur Tihar mornings meant laughter, excitement, and the colourful garlands around furry necks.
Re-creating it here — even in small ways — bridges that distance.
It’s a reminder that no matter where we are, our love for those who share our home remains the same.

🪔 5. Mha Puja — Honouring the Self

Mha Puja (literally “worship of the self”) is one of the most profound parts of Tihar for the Newar community.
It celebrates the idea that our body is a sacred vessel — a home for the divine — and reminds us to nurture our inner strength, clarity, and gratitude.
Traditionally observed on New Year’s Day of the Nepal Sambat calendar, Mha Puja is not only a ritual but also a reflection: a thank-you to the self for getting through another year with resilience.

🌿 The Essence

During Mha Puja, each family member sits before their own mandala drawn on the floor — a sacred pattern made of coloured powders, rice, flowers, and lentils.
Offerings of fruits, sweets, and nuts are placed nearby.
Family elders light wicks, apply tika, and bless everyone with wishes of longevity, prosperity, and inner peace.
The ceremony ends with a shared feast, laughter, and music — marking a fresh beginning for the year ahead.

🕯️ Bringing Mha Puja to Australia & New Zealand

You don’t need the traditional setup to keep this beautiful ritual alive — you just need intention.

Here’s a simple Mha Puja checklist for the modern home:

1. Create your mandala. Use rice grains, lentils, flowers, or even coloured salt or chalk. 

2. Light a diya or candle. A small flame symbolises awareness and renewal.

3. Offer fruits or sweets. Anything fresh and wholesome works — it’s the act of gratitude that matters.

4. Apply tika. Use red vermilion or sandalwood paste. If you’re with family or friends, exchange blessings for one another.

5. Take a quiet moment. Reflect on what this year has brought you — your growth, lessons, and peace.

💛 Tip: If you’re far from family, invite close friends or your partner to join — it’s a wonderful way to share a piece of Newar culture and gratitude.

🌸 Why It Matters

Mha Puja reminds us that before we can honour gods or others, we must first honour ourselves.
In the busyness of life in Australia or New Zealand, taking this mindful pause can help reconnect you to your roots — and to the quiet strength that defines you.

🌺 6. Bhai Tika — A Celebration of Sibling Bonds

Bhai Tika marks the final and most anticipated day of Tihar — a celebration of the unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters.
It’s a day filled with colour, laughter, and deep emotion — where love takes form in rituals, prayers, and heartfelt gestures.

In Nepal, sisters prepare for days — laying out sagun (auspicious foods), colourful tika in seven shades, sweets, garlands, and trays decorated with oil lamps.
They bless their brothers for long life and happiness, while brothers, in return, promise protection and share thoughtful gifts as a token of gratitude and love.

For many of us living in Australia or New Zealand, these moments carry even more meaning. The distance makes every act — a phone call, a video tika, a shared meal — feel precious.
And for those lucky enough to have siblings nearby, it’s a chance to recreate those memories in our new homes, with the same warmth and intention.

🎁 Gifting that Speaks from the Heart

Finding the right gift isn’t about price or size — it’s about emotion.
This year, if you’re looking to give something that feels personal, heartfelt, and beautifully Nepali, our My Sweet Sister Gift Box is the perfect way to show up for your sister.

Each box is thoughtfully curated with:
💎 Elegant Abha Ko sterling silver jewellery (choice of earrings, pendant, brooch, or studs)
🌸 Handcrafted Lady Yak felt flower pins
🍫 Koko Black milk chocolates
💌 A notecard for your personal message

Handmade in Nepal, assembled in Melbourne, and delivered across Australia and New Zealand — it’s a gift that connects continents, cultures, and hearts.

🌼 Why It Matters

At its core, Bhai Tika is about gratitude — for shared childhoods, late-night talks, and the invisible thread that keeps siblings close, no matter how far apart they are.
And there’s something incredibly special about a gift that’s made with that same love and care.

So this Tihar, let your gift tell your story.
Make her smile not just with what’s inside the box, but with the thought behind it. 💛

🌿 A Note from House of Himalayas

As the lights of Tihar glow across homes near and far, we’re reminded of how deeply our traditions shape the way we live, love, and celebrate — no matter where we are.

At House of Himalayas, we exist for this very spirit — to help you bring a touch of Nepal into your homes here in Australia and New Zealand, in ways that feel modern, meaningful, and deeply personal.
Every piece we curate, every collection we build, carries the soul of Nepali craftsmanship and the simplicity of elevated living.

We’re growing alongside you — as a community, as dreamers, as keepers of tradition.
And as we evolve, our promise remains the same: to continue crafting thoughtful, beautiful things that make your home — and your heart — feel closer to home. 💛