Tihar is a five-day Hindu festival that is celebrated in Nepal and by Nepalese communities around the world. It is also known as Deepawali, the festival of lights, and is a time of great joy and celebration.
The festival begins on the new moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik and is celebrated with the lighting of lamps, the offering of prayers, and the exchange of gifts. Each day of the festival is dedicated to a different deity and has its own unique rituals and traditions.
The first day of Tihar is known as Kaag Tihar and is dedicated to the worship of crows, which are believed to be the messenger of the god of death. On this day, people offer food and sweets to the crows and decorate their homes with colorful garlands and flowers.
The second day of Tihar is known as Kukur Tihar and is dedicated to the worship of dogs. Dogs are believed to be the guardians of the underworld and are honored with garlands and treats on this day.
The third day of Tihar is known as Laxmi Puja and is the most important day of the festival. It is dedicated to the worship of Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. On this day, people clean and decorate their homes, offices, and temples with colorful lights and candles. They also perform puja (worship) to Laxmi, offering her flowers, sweets, and other offerings.
The fourth day of Tihar is known as Govardhan Puja and is dedicated to the worship of cows, which are considered sacred in Hinduism. On this day, people decorate their cows with colorful garlands and offer them special treats.
The final day of Tihar is known as Bhai Tika and is a day for brothers and sisters to exchange gifts and blessings. Brothers visit their sisters and offer them tika (a red vermilion powder) and gifts, and sisters prepare special meals for their brothers and pray for their long life and well-being.
Tihar is a time of great joy and celebration in Nepal, and it is a time for families and communities to come together and express their love and gratitude for one another. It is a celebration of light, love, and prosperity, and it is a time for people to reaffirm their faith and their commitment to the values and traditions of Hinduism.