Tihar Experience

Tihar is the second main and five day long Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal. It is also known as Deepawali and Yamapanchak or Swanti. It is considered to be of great importance as it shows reverence to not just the humans and the gods, but also to the animals like crows, cows, and dogs that maintain an intimate relationship with humans. People make patterns on the floor of living rooms or courtyards using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals outside of their house, called Rangoli, which is meant to be a sacred welcoming area for the Gods and Goddesses of Hinduism mainly Goddess Laxmi.

Kaag Tihar

On the first day of Tihar, crows are worshiped and fed early in the morning. Different types of dishes were cooked for crow. The dishes were kept at the top of the house.

Kukur Tihar

The second day is called Kukur Tihar. It is called the Khicha Puja by the Newars. People offer garlands, tika and delicious food to dogs and acknowledge the cherished relationship between humans and dogs.

Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja

The morning of the third day is Gai Tihar (worship of the cow). Cows are worshiped with sesame oil light, garland of flower and red color (abir). Cow is regarded as mother in Hindu religion.

n the evening Laxmi, the goddess of wealth is thanked for all the benefits that were bestowed on the families by lighting oil lamps (Diyo) or candles on doorways and windows to welcome prosperity and well being. At night the girls enjoy dancing and visiting all the houses in the neighborhood with musical instruments singing and dancing known as Bhailo all night long collecting money as a tip from houses and share the bounty amongst themselves.

From the third day onward Tihar is celebrated with Deusi and Bhailo with light and fireworks. Deusi is mostly sung by the boys while the Bhailo is sung by the girls. I also played Deusi with my friends.

Govardhan Puja

On the fourth day of Tihar, there are three different known pujas, depending on the people's cultural background. It is observed as Goru Tihar or Goru Puja. We also perform Govardhan Puja, which is done by making a hill of govardhan parbat using Cow dung.

Bhai Tika

The fifth and the last day of Tihar is Bhai Tika. Sisters put tika to the foreheads to their brothers to ensure the long life and thank them for  the protection they provide. Sister offers brothers Shaguns of  dry fruits especially walnut, hazelnut (Katus), fruits and sweets and in return the brothers give their sisters gifts and money.