Tihar, Nepal’s most awaited celebration is lit up with lights at night on the horizons of Nepal’s towns and villages. It is celebrated after 20 days of dashain, one of the longest festivals in Nepal that lasts for 20 days. It is primarily remembered as a celebration of lights and color, with diyo lighted both inside and outside homes to brighten the night and welcome Mata Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth, Fortune, & Prosperity.
Meanwhile, the streets and houses of Nepal are perfumed with Sayapatri phool (Marigold flower) and the purplish glow of Makhamali phool (Common globe amaranth flower) permeate the streets and residences. Tihar typically starts between mid-October and early November. Thus, make a plan to visit Nepal to witness this unique festival of Nepal and make some incredible memories. With brilliant lights adorning the entire city, this joyous holiday also allows one to enjoy grandiose religious performances.
Deepawali is another name for Tihar, popularly known in India, neighbouring country of Nepal. Deepawali translates to “rows of Diyos” (clay lamps). This five-day celebration is regarded as significant since it honors not only humans and deities, but also animals such as crows, cows, and dogs that have a close relationship with humans. Moreover, Tihar is all about delicacies, firecrackers, colors of blessings, lights and bond of siblings.
Day 1: Kaag Tihar
Crows are considered as messengers of Yamaraj, God of Death and have the ability to sense and distinguish human souls. The five-day Tihar celebration begins by worshiping the crow. To celebrate Kaag Tihar also known as Kaag Puja, devotees offer food, sweets, and rice to the crows early in the morning.
According to Hindu mythology, crows’ cawing represents bad luck, melancholy, and mourning. Thus worshiping a crow is believed to bring good fortune, protect the crops and avoid deaths.
Day 2: Kukur Tihar
Second day of tihar is Kukur Tihar. It is celebrated by worshiping the dog (Kukur), the most loyal animal to humankind. This day is celebrated to cherish and express gratitude towards dogs for safeguarding homes and lives. Dogs are worshiped by putting red tikas on their forehead along with garland of sayapatri and makhamali phool. Dogs are also fed with food as offerings. On this day almost every dog on the street is seen with tika and garland.
According to Hindu Mythology, dogs are considered as Yamaraj’s doorkeepers that are capable of judging the journey of the soul.
Day 3: Gai Tihar
On the third day of Tihar, cows are worshipped as symbols of prosperity and abundance. They are adorned with garlands, fed special delicacies, and treated with utmost care. This day is dedicated to expressing gratitude for the numerous benefits cows provide, including milk, dairy products, and manure.
In the evening, homes are meticulously cleaned and decorated with intricate designs called rangolis. Oil lamps are lit, and the goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, is worshipped. People believe that by performing these rituals, they invite prosperity and good fortune into their homes.
The night is filled with the sounds of traditional songs and dances, known as Bhailo. Different groups of people go from house to house, singing and dancing to entertain and seek blessings.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja
On the fourth day, farmers worship Govardhan Hill, a symbol of nature’s power. They believe that by honoring the hill, they can ensure a bountiful harvest and protect their crops from natural calamities.
On this day, Newar people perform Mha Puja, a unique ritual where individuals worship themselves. This practice emphasizes self-respect, self-worth, and personal growth. Groups of people go from house to house, singing and dancing. They are rewarded with money and sweets as a token of appreciation.
Also see: 5 Major Festivals in Nepal You Must Experience
Day 5: The Bond of Siblings, Bhai Tika
On the final day of Tihar, the bond between siblings is celebrated. Sisters apply a special tika, a mixture of red powder and rice, on their brothers’ foreheads. This ritual is believed to protect brothers from harm. In return, brothers gift their sisters with clothes, jewelry, and money.
Tihar is a joyous occasion that brings families and communities together. It is a time to express gratitude, seek blessings, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Nepal.