The Journey of a Tihar Package: How Nepali Expats in Austria Personalise Festival Gifts Home

Tihar—the festival of lights, joy, and bonding—is more than just rituals for Nepalis living abroad.
For Nepali expats in Austria, sending a thoughtful Tihar package home is a heartfelt way to stay connected with culture and family. In the age of global movement, festivals like Tihar become anchors of identity, helping individuals abroad maintain close ties with their roots. This article explores how Nepalis in Austria curate, customise, and send meaningful Tihar packages to Nepal—and how even a money transfer to Nepal from Austria as a gift creates lasting emotional and cultural impact.

The Cultural Significance of Tihar Packages

Here is everything you need to know about the cultural significance of tihar packages. 

Tihar in Nepali Tradition

Tihar, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in Nepal. Spanning five days, it honours various elements of life—crows, dogs, cows, and most importantly, the bond between brothers and sisters. The festival ends with Bhai Tika, a special ritual where sisters wish for their brothers' prosperity and long life by applying a multi-coloured tika and offering gifts.

Packages sent during Tihar carry immense cultural meaning. They often include decorative items, traditional sweets, candles, flower garlands, tika powders, and money envelopes—all of which play a central role in the celebration. These packages act as spiritual and emotional tokens that recreate the feeling of being at home.

Emotional Value for Expats

Living away from home is challenging, especially during festivals. For Nepali expats in Austria, Tihar brings a mix of celebration and nostalgia. Sending a package becomes more than just a task—it’s a way of emotionally participating in the festivities back home. It helps:

• Strengthen family ties despite the distance
• Relieve homesickness during a meaningful cultural event
• Allow families back in Nepal to feel the love and presence of their overseas members

This emotional connection often outweighs the monetary value of the package. Every small item carries a story, a memory, or a shared tradition that binds the sender to their roots.

Traditional vs. Modern Gifting Practices

Historically, Tihar gifts were locally sourced, handmade, and deeply symbolic. Items like marigold garlands, homemade sweets, and handcrafted clay lamps were staples. However, for Nepalis abroad, especially in Austria, the approach to gifting has evolved.

Modern Tihar packages often include:

• Pre-packaged Nepali sweets bought from local South Asian stores
• Branded chocolates and snacks
• Ready-made tika sets
• Trendy clothes and beauty products

Despite this modern touch, the essence remains the same—thoughtfulness and care. Combining traditional items with practical luxuries makes the package even more appreciated.

Challenges in Sending Packages

Sending packages internationally, especially for a time-bound festival like Tihar, comes with logistical challenges. The major hurdles include:

• Shipping delays: Couriers may face backlogs during the festive season, delaying deliveries.
• Customs restrictions: Certain edible items or powders (like tika) might be flagged.
• Cost factors: Fast shipping can be expensive, making it harder for students or low-income earners.
• Packaging issues: Perishable goods need to be packed carefully, and fragile items often require special handling.

These hurdles require proper planning and reliable shipping services, especially when sending time-sensitive parcels.

How Nepali Expats in Austria Personalise Their Tihar Gifts

Here is how you can customize your tihar package.

Choosing the Right Items

Every family has unique preferences, but some items are almost universal in Tihar packages. Nepali expats in Austria usually include:

• Traditional sweets: Sel roti, laddu, and barfi are must-haves. Some choose to make them at home, while others buy them locally.
• Personal memorabilia: Framed photos, handwritten notes, and drawings by children often find a special place.
• Clothes and accessories: Ethnic wear or warm clothing for winter are both useful and festive.
• Spiritual items: Tika sets, incense sticks, and prayer items are included to ensure the rituals are properly performed.

What makes each gift meaningful is the personalisation—items picked with specific people in mind.

Sourcing Authentic Products in Austria

Austria has a growing Nepali and South Asian community, making it easier for expats to find traditional items. Most expats shop from:

• Specialty stores: In cities like Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg, stores like Namaste Deutschland stock Tihar essentials.
• Online shops: Websites and Facebook groups often offer curated Nepali festival packages with home delivery.
• Community networks: Word of mouth within the local Nepali diaspora is often the most reliable source for finding the best stores or ingredients.

Many expats also collaborate with friends to buy items in bulk and split the cost of shipping.

Customising with Love

It’s the little details that make a Tihar package unforgettable. Personalising the contents makes every item feel special. Common ways to add a personal touch include:

• Handwritten letters: A heartfelt message can bring tears of joy.
• Art and crafts: Nepali children in Austria often include handmade cards or rangoli drawings.
• QR codes with videos: Some expats record video greetings and share the links in their packages, adding a tech-savvy twist to tradition.

These customisations show effort, love, and presence—something money alone can’t buy.

Reliable Delivery Services

Finding a trustworthy courier service is essential. Many expats rely on:

• Global couriers: DHL, Aramex, and UPS offer tracked services to Nepal.
• Nepali-run logistics: Smaller courier companies run by the diaspora often cater specifically to festival shipments and understand cultural sensitivities.
• Tips for efficiency:
  
  
  • Send your package at least 2–3 weeks before Tihar
  • Choose services offering shipment tracking and insurance
  • Avoid including prohibited or perishable items unless you're sure of handling standards

Tihar packages from Austria to Nepal are more than gifts—they're emotional bridges crafted with tradition, love, and personal touch.
Despite the logistical hurdles, Nepali expats go above and beyond to make their families feel loved and remembered. A well-prepared package speaks volumes and brings light to every home it reaches. Start preparing early, embrace personalisation, and make your Tihar delivery a truly memorable experience for your loved ones back home. Whether you're celebrating Tihar, Christmas, or another occasion, it’s all about staying connected and sharing joy—even across continents.

While some prefer physical parcels, others combine it with a financial gift. For example, many Zambian students in Finland choose to send remittance instead of shipping packages—highlighting how both gifts and remittances are used to spread joy during festive seasons. Just like a thoughtful Tihar package, a financial gift can also brighten someone’s festival. If you’re planning to send money to Zambia online from Finland, make sure you choose a trusted platform that offers speed, security, and affordability—like ACE Money Transfer.

FAQs

How early should I send a Tihar package from Austria to Nepal?

It’s best to ship your package at least 2 to 3 weeks before Tihar to avoid any delivery delays due to customs or peak season traffic.

What items should I avoid including in my Tihar parcel?

Avoid perishable foods, flammable items, and powders that may raise concerns at customs. Always check your courier’s restricted items list before sending.

Can I buy Nepali Tihar items in Austria?

Yes, South Asian grocery stores and online shops in cities like Vienna and Graz usually stock Nepali festival essentials, including tika powders, sweets, and decorations.

Which courier is reliable for sending packages to Nepal from Austria?

DHL, Aramex, and Nepali-owned logistics companies are widely trusted. Ensure the service provides package tracking and estimated delivery dates.

Is it better to send a gift parcel or money during Tihar?

Both are meaningful. While packages offer a personal touch, some prefer to make an online money transfer from Finland to Nepal for convenience and immediacy.