Blog

Tihar- the Festival of lights in Nepal

How does several festivals’ worth of rituals and celebrations combined for one festival sound like? That’s what a festival in Nepal looks like. The second-longest festival after Dashain, Tihar is an amalgamation of many different festivals into one celebrated in the month of Kartik. 

 

The celebration is known as the Festival of Lights as diyas (clay lanterns) are lit in and around the homes every night during Tihar. Decorative patterns drawn on the floors inside and outside the home are also common during the festival. The lights and rangoli are meant to welcome the Gods and Goddesses while significance is also attached to worshipping animals. 

With festivities spread over five days, each day is a different ritual and celebration of Tihar. 

 

Kaag Tihar is a celebration for day one of Tihar wherein crows, considered as messengers of death, are appeased. Rice and sweets are offered to the crows, generally served on the roof of the house, to prevent the crows from bringing in unfortunate news. 

 

There is a belief about dogs being the gatekeepers of death guiding the souls of the dead to heaven. On the second day of Tihar, dogs are worshipped by putting Tika on their foreheads and garlands around their neck. Kukur Tihar is known as Khicha Pooja performed by the Newar community. 

 

The third day involves worshipping cows and goddess Laxmi for wealth and prosperity. The morning is spent performing rituals for cow worship like Tika and putting garlands on the neck. In the evening, homes are illuminated with diyas, lamps, bright lights with the belief to invite Goddess Laxmi. 

Kids in the community play famous Bhailo and Deusi songs while dancing at night when they visit neighborhoods and get money and sweets in return. 

 

Several poojas are brought about by the start of the fourth day. Goru pooja is performed by the farmers wherein ox are worshipped as the animal is a crucial part in agriculture. Some people worship cow dung and perform Govardhan Pooja to worship the Govardhan mountain. 

For the Newar community, this day is auspicious as it marks the beginning of the new year as they perform Mha Pooja. 

 

To solidify the bond between brothers and sisters, the last day of the Tihar festival marks Bhai Tika. Sisters put seven colors of tika on their brothers’ foreheads, put garlands around the neck, and exchange gifts. The brothers also put tika on their sisters’ foreheads and offer money or buy gifts in return. The Rani Pokhari temple is open for those who do not have siblings. 

 

The rich cultural life in Nepal is impossible without its intensive festivals. You do not need to spend the festival of lights without lighting up your homes! Get those Khutte Diyo for your Tihar pooja, or Daura Suruwal for your loved ones, or how about accessories to complete your festive look? Whatever it is you need, Foomantra.com is here for all your shopping needs and more!

Celebrate Tihar with Foomantra.com!

Want to know about Dashain Day also? Learn more here.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *