Tihar is a special time of year in Nepal when people come together to celebrate life, love, and the bonds that connect us all. This five-day festival, also called Deepawali or the Festival of Lights, is a chance for families and friends to spend quality time together, share good food, and fill their homes with the warm glow of lights and decorations.
Day 1: Celebrating the Crows
On the first day of Tihar, people honor crows, which are seen as the messengers of Yama, the god of death. They offer food and water to these birds, hoping to receive their blessings and keep any bad luck away.
Day 2: Showing Love to Our Furry Friends
The second day is all about showing love and appreciation for dogs, who are known for their loyalty and friendship. People put garlands around the necks of dogs and give them yummy treats. This day is a reminder of the special relationship between humans and their four-legged pals.
Day 3: Honoring the Cows and Welcoming Prosperity
On the third day, cows are honored for their important role in Hinduism. People show their thanks by putting garlands on cows and giving them food. In the evening, families perform Laxmi Puja to invite the goddess of wealth and good fortune into their homes. They clean their houses, make pretty rangoli designs on the floor, and light up small oil lamps called diyas to welcome Goddess Laxmi.
Day 4: Celebrating the New Year and Self-Care
The fourth day is special for two reasons. First, people celebrate Govardhan Puja by making small hills out of cow dung, which remind them of Mount Govardhan. Second, the Newari community, who have their own calendar, celebrate their New Year on this day. They also perform Mha Puja, which is a way to take care of themselves and make sure they are pure and clean.
Day 5: Strengthening the Bond Between Brothers and Sisters
The fifth and final day of Tihar is called Bhai Tika, and it's all about celebrating the love between brothers and sisters. Sisters put a colorful tika (made of rice, yogurt, and red powder) on their brothers' foreheads and give them presents. They wish for their brothers to have long and happy lives. In return, brothers promise to always protect their sisters and give them presents too.
During Tihar, people have lots of fun together. They play games, sing and dance to happy songs, and enjoy tasty Nepali sweets and snacks. The streets are filled with the pretty lights of diyas and colorful decorations, making everything look magical.
Tihar is a wonderful time that brings people closer together, makes family ties stronger, and reminds us to live in peace with all living things. It's a time to say thank you, ask for blessings, and spread happiness and light to everyone around us. This festival is a perfect example of how rich and beautiful Nepal's culture is and how kind and welcoming its people are.