Nepali Communities in Australia Celebrate Tihar Festival

Families across the country are marking the festival of lights with traditional gatherings and digital connections.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Cultural

Screen-print poster illustration of a burning oil lamp surrounded by marigold petals, symbolizing the Tihar festival of lights. — Nepali communities across Australia are celebrating the Tihar festival, using both traditional gatherings and digital tools to maintain cultural connections with overseas family members. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Nepali communities across Australia are currently celebrating Tihar, the significant festival of lights. The occasion features vibrant cultural gatherings, including a recent Diwali event held in Castle Hill.

Why it matters

Tihar remains a vital opportunity for the diaspora to preserve cultural heritage while separated from their homeland. Modern technology plays a crucial role in maintaining these important family bonds.

Cultural programming for the festival is available via channel 305 on the SBS television network. This resource serves as a central hub for viewers accessing festival content from across the country.

The players

SBS

SBS is a major Australian public service broadcaster that provides multicultural and multilingual content to communities nationwide.

The details

Families are utilising digital tools such as digital tika and online gatherings to bridge the distance with relatives living overseas. These practices ensure that the festive spirit remains intact regardless of geographic separation.

26 October 2026: Tihar celebrations and the Diwali event took place across the country.

Industry Dynamics

This year's celebrations in Australia follow the established pattern of the traditional Tihar festival of lights, adapted for an international context. The shift reflects a broader trend of diaspora communities leveraging global digital infrastructure to maintain cultural continuity.

Members of the public can tune into channel 305 on SBS to access specific festival programming. Those looking to participate remotely can utilise digital platforms to engage with family members during the ongoing celebrations.

The takeaway

Maintaining cultural traditions while living abroad is increasingly facilitated by digital tools that help overcome physical distance. Families are encouraged to explore online gathering options to foster deeper connections with relatives overseas during the festive season.