Dashain and Tihar in Kalimpong
Late September to November (Dashain in Ashwin, Tihar about three weeks later)
Dashain is a fifteen-day festival that ends on Vijaya Dashami, the same day as Bengal's Durga Puja ends. On that day elders put red tika and jamara, young barley shoots, on the foreheads of younger relatives and give blessings. Families travel home, so jeeps and buses are full before and after the main days.
Tihar follows about three weeks later and lasts five days. People honour crows, dogs and cows on successive days, decorate houses with marigolds and oil lamps for Laxmi Puja, and finish with Bhai Tika, when sisters bless their brothers. Groups of young people go from house to house singing deusi and bhailo songs.
For visitors, these weeks bring lit-up houses, swings in some villages and a festive mood in the bazaar. They also bring peak season. October rooms and cars sell out early, and some shops close on the main tika days.
How to do it well
- Book stays and cars at least two months ahead for October
- Expect shared jeeps to be packed around Vijaya Dashami
- Keep small notes for deusi and bhailo singers who visit homestays
- Village homestays are a good way to see the festival from inside a family
- Check exact dates, which follow the lunar calendar
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
When are Dashain and Tihar celebrated?
Dashain falls in the lunar month of Ashwin, usually in late September or October, ending on Vijaya Dashami. Tihar comes about three weeks later, around the time of Diwali, in October or November. Dates change each year with the lunar calendar, so check them before booking a trip around the festivals.
Is October a good time to visit Kalimpong despite the festivals?
Yes, it is one of the best months for weather and views, and the festivals add colour. The cost is crowding: rooms and cars are booked by holidaymakers from Kolkata and Siliguri, and prices rise. Book two months ahead, avoid travelling on the main tika days, and expect some shops to close.
Can visitors take part in Dashain or Tihar?
Homestay hosts often invite guests to watch the tika or the Laxmi Puja lamps, and sometimes to receive a tika themselves. Accept politely if you are comfortable, and follow your host's lead. During Tihar, groups of deusi and bhailo singers may sing at your homestay; it is usual to give them a small gift of money.
Do shops and transport close during Dashain?
On the main tika days many shops and offices close, and some drivers take leave to be with family. Shared jeeps run but fill fast before and after the holiday. Arrange your car in advance and keep cash, since some ATMs run dry. Check current status before you travel.