Celebrating Tihar: Nepal’s Festival of Lights and Love

Tihar: A Festival of Lights and Connections

Tihar, one of Nepal's most beloved festivals, illuminates homes and communities throughout Nepal and around the world with dazzling lights, colorful decorations, and heartfelt rituals. Also known as Deepawali or the Festival of Lights, Tihar is a five-day celebration steeped in tradition, spirituality, and family connections. It's a time when the Nepali community honors the divine presence in animals, expresses gratitude for nature, and strengthens bonds with loved ones.

Similar to Diwali, Tihar is marked by lighting diya (oil lamps) both inside and outside the home. However, unlike Diwali in other parts of India, the five days of Tihar honor crows, dogs, cows, and oxen—each revered as messengers or companions of the God of death, Yama, with the final day reserved for people themselves.

Day 1: Kaag Tihar (Crow Worship)

The festival begins by honoring crows, seen as messengers of death in Nepali folklore. Early in the morning, people place offerings of rice, sweets, and other food on rooftops and courtyards for crows. This act is believed to appease the birds and prevent them from bringing bad news.

Day 2: Kukur Tihar (Dog Worship)

On the second day, dogs take center stage as symbols of loyalty and guardianship. Families place garlands of marigolds around their necks, apply tika (a mixture of yogurt, rice, and vermillion) on their foreheads, and offer them delicious treats. This is a heartwarming display of love and respect for our four-legged friends, who are believed to have a special connection to Yama, the god of death.

Day 3: Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja (Cow Worship and Wealth Goddess Worship)

The third day is a dual celebration. In the morning, cows are worshipped as symbols of prosperity and motherhood. They are adorned with garlands and fed delicious offerings. In the evening, homes are cleaned and decorated with oil lamps, diyas, and rangolis (intricate patterns made with colored powders and flowers) to welcome Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and fortune. Families pray for prosperity in the coming year and light their homes to guide Laxmi inside.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja (Self-Worship)

On the fourth day, the customs differ among Nepal’s diverse communities.

• Govardhan Puja: People worship oxen and offer gratitude for their contribution to farming and agriculture.

• Mha Puja (Newar Tradition): In the Newar community, this day focuses on self-worship, emphasizing self-reflection and the purification of one’s body and soul. It coincides with the Newari New Year according to the Nepal Sambat calendar.

  
  

Day 5: Bhai Tika (Brother-Sister Bond)

The final and most emotional day of Tihar is Bhai Tika, dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform a ceremonial puja for their brothers, applying a multicolored tika on their foreheads, offering sweets, and tying protective threads around their wrists. In return, brothers give gifts and promise to protect their sisters. This day symbolizes love, care, and the strength of family relationships.

The Spirit of Tihar

Tihar is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of harmony—between humans, animals, and the divine. The festival unites communities, illuminates homes, and reinforces the importance of gratitude, respect, and love. It's a profound reminder of the interconnectedness of all life, celebrated through lights, rituals, and the joy of togetherness.

Embracing the Festival

Whether you’re lighting a diya or enjoying the warm glow of a Bhai Tika gathering, Tihar reminds us of the beauty of interconnectedness and the joy of giving back to the world around us.

As we partake in this vibrant festival, let’s remember the essence of Tihar. It’s a time to reflect on our relationships with each other and the environment. We can express our gratitude for the blessings we have and share our abundance with those in need.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tihar is a beautiful blend of tradition, spirituality, and community. It teaches us to honor not just our loved ones but also the animals and nature that sustain us. As we celebrate this Festival of Lights, let us carry its spirit throughout the year, fostering connections and creating a brighter future for all.

Let’s embrace the joy of giving back and making a lasting impact. Together, we can create sustainable change and strengthen our bonds with one another, ensuring that the light of Tihar shines brightly in our hearts and communities.