Tihar Festival in Nepal
Tihar festival in Nepal is the second biggest festival after Dashain. It is a five-day festival that usually falls in the month of October or November in the Gregorian calendar. It takes place in Kartik, according to the Nepal Sambat Calendar.
The festival has several names, such as Deepawali and Yamapanchak. It is one of the most joyous celebrations in Nepal when all Nepalese illuminate their houses and streets with colorful lights. Hence, the festival is also known as the “Festival of Lights.” Tihar has a special place in the hearts of every Nepali. The festival starts with Kaag Puja and ends with Bhai Tika on the fifth day. Let us learn more about the Tihar festival!
Facts about Tihar
Before we dive into the intricate details of Tihar, let us look at some interesting facts about Tihar:
- Tihar is a five-day festival and is also known as Deepawali or the Festival of Lights.
- Goddess Laxmi and Lord Yama are worshipped in Tihar.
- Crows, dogs, cows, and oxen are worshipped during the festival.
- Children and adults go door-to-door singing Deusi and Bhailo (traditional songs).
- Families gather together, feast, exchange gifts, and fly kites.
- Houses, streets, and temples are illuminated with candles, oil lamps, and colorful lights.
- The final day of Tihar celebrates the bonds of siblings.
What makes the Tihar Festival so unique?
Tihar, also known as Deepawali, is a five-day festival. It is the second biggest festival in Nepal. Several factors make the festival unique from other festivals in the country. It celebrates gods and animals, as well as sibling bonds. Tihar comes 15-25 days after Dashain is celebrated, which is the biggest festival in Nepal.
During the five days, crows, dogs, cows, and oxen are honored and worshipped. These animals have special symbols in Hindu mythology. They also have special bonds with the people. Similarly, the god of death, Lord Yama, and the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Laxmi, is also worshipped. People clean and decorate their homes and perform various rituals during the festival. They use oil lamps, candles, and colorful lights to light up their homes and welcome the goddess Laxmi. Similarly, the Tihar also celebrates the victory of good over evil.
Tihar is the only festival that celebrates sibling bonds. According to the Hindu myth, the goddess Yamuna’s brother fell gravely ill, and the god of death, Yama, came to claim his soul. However, Yamuna pleaded with Yama to wait until she performed the last puja for her dying brother. She performed long rituals and put a tika on her brother’s forehead, oil on his head, and a makhamali garland on his neck. Lord Yama was deeply impressed and offered to grant Yamuna’s wish. Then, she asked Yama not to take her brother until the tika had faded, the oil had dried, and the flower garland had wilted. As a result, her brother’s life was saved.
Tihar is also known as “Yamapanchak,” where “Yama” refers to the god of death and “Panchak” refers to the five days of the festival. The Newar community also worships itself and its soul during Tihar. All these aspects make Tihar a unique festival.
Do you know why Tihar in Nepal is called the Festival of Lights?
As we mentioned above, Tihar is the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated for several reasons, but the main reason is to celebrate the victory of light over darkness. Devotees illuminate their homes and surroundings with diyos (clay oil lamps), candles, and colorful lights. The lights symbolize good and purity. Hence, illuminating the lights is believed to dispel evil and darkness.
Similarly, Hindus worship the goddess Laxmi during Tihar. Devotees light lamps, candles, and lights to welcome the goddess of prosperity into their homes. They believe the goddess will bless the homeowners with financial well-being and divine energy. The colorful lights and decorations add to Tihar’s festive atmosphere.
5 Days of Tihar
Day 1: Kaag Tihar
The first day of Tihar is Kaag Tihar or Crow worship day. According to Hindu myths, the crow is the messenger of the death god, Lord Yama. It is believed that crows are busy throughout the year. And Kaag Tihar is the only day they get to rest. Hence, people worship the crows on this day to appease them and seek protection from death. They offer foods like rice, grains, and seeds on the roofs or in open spaces.
Day 2: Kukur Tihar
Kukur Tihar is the second day of the festival. On this day, dogs are worshipped and celebrated for their loyalty and companionship. Hindus believe that dogs watch over the gates of Naraka (Hell) and lead the souls of the deceased to heaven. Similarly, it is believed that Lord Yas has two guard dogs with four eyes. Hence, dogs are worshipped by putting a tika on their foreheads and garlands around their necks.
Day 3: Gai Tihar / Laxmi Puja
The third day of Tihar is the most important day of the festival. Hindus worship the holy animal cow on the morning of the third day of Tihar. These sacred animals are considered the vahan of Goddess Laxmi, the Hindu deity of wealth and prosperity. Cows provide humans with life-nourishing milk. It is used to make other dairy products like cheese, curd, ghee, and many others. The cow’s urine also has health benefits. Its dung is used as fertilizer. Hence, Hindus worship cows with tikas and garlands and feed them.
In the evening, the Goddess of wealth, Laxmi, is worshipped. People clean their homes and decorate them with marigold garlands and colorful lights. Traditionally, diyos (clay oil lamps) are lit around the homes. People also decorate their houses and streets with oil lamps, candles, and colorful lights. Young girls visit door-to-door, singing bhailo songs and blessing the families. They, in return, give money, sweets, and fruits.
Day 4: Govardan Puja / Ox Puja
The fourth day of Tihar is Govardhan Puja. On this day, Hindus worship oxen, which are important for agriculture and manual labor. Similarly, Hindus make a pile of dung that symbolizes the Govardhan mountain and worship it. The Newar community also celebrates Mha Puja on this very day. They worship themselves and their souls.
In the evening, young boys visit door-to-door singing deusi. Like bhailo, they bless the families and receive money, sweets, and fruits in return.
Day 5: Bhai tika
The final day of Tihar is Bhai Tika. It is one of the most important days of the festival as it celebrates the bond of brothers and sisters or siblings. Sisters put oil on brothers’ heads with dubo (holy grass used for Hindu pujas) and put seven colored tikas on their foreheads. Then, they put makhamali flower garlands and prepare them for feasts. During Bhai Tika, sisters pray for their brother’s long life and prosperity.
Brothers also put the tika on their sisters’ foreheads and give them gifts or money. Those without siblings go to Ranipokhari Temple in Kathmandu to put on the tika. The temple is only open during Bhai Tika. According to Hindu belief, everyone should put a colorful tika on this day. Bhai Tika fosters a strong bond and relationship between siblings.
How is the Tihar Festival Celebrated?
There are several ways the Tihar festival is celebrated. They are as follows:
Decorating homes and streets
People clean and decorate their homes, offices, and streets to welcome the Tihar festival. They decorate their homes with flower garlands and lights. Similarly, they make colorful rangolis or mandalas. It is a daily ritual in Tihar to light oil lamps, candles, or lights at homes. The decorations are aesthetically pleasing. Likewise, it also makes the festive atmosphere joyful. Similarly, it reflects the rich culture and tradition of Nepal.
Worshipping goddess Laxmi
The festival celebrates light over darkness, and people decorate their homes to welcome Goddess Laxmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. People believe that the lights guide the goddess to the homes of the devotees. Some also draw small lines with red mud and decorate them with diyos and flowers to welcome Goddess Laxmi to their homes. They worship the goddess and offer sweets and other confectioneries. Similarly, it is believed that Laxmi blesses the homes of her devotees with financial well-being and prosperity.
Putting colorful tikas and garland
During the Tihar festival, the bond between brother and sister is celebrated. Sisters put seven colorful tikas on the forehead of their brothers. Similarly, they also put a makhamali flower garland and offer feasts. They pray for the brother’s well-being, prosperity, and long life. Brothers, in return, also put tikas on their sisters’ foreheads and present them with money and gifts. The festival enhances the bond and love between brothers and sisters.
Singing and dancing
Several cultural programs take place during the Festival of Lights. Young children form a group and play deusi and bhailo. They go from door to door and perform folk songs and dances. The song lyrics contain blessings to the homeowner, wishing them prosperity. The homeowners also offer them money, sweets, and fruits in exchange.
Feasting with families
During Tihar, various delicacies are prepared, and families gather to feast together. Sel roti (a traditional Nepali dish) is usually prepared along with different sweets and other dishes. Sel roti is often prepared during auspicious events. These dishes are offered to the gods and neighbors. It is believed that sharing food is a way to spread joy and blessings.
Importance of Tihar Festival in Nepal
Tihar festival is not only visually appealing, but it also has deep roots in Nepalese society. The importance of the Tihar festival in Nepal is as follows:
Religious significance
The festival of Tihar has deep religious significance to Hindus. Devotees worship the goddess Laxmi and other animals with special symbols in Hindu myths: crows, dogs, cows, and oxen. They perform various rituals and seek blessings and protection. Likewise, the festival symbolizes the triumph of good or light over evil or darkness. The final day of the festival celebrates sibling bonds, which has a myth related to Lord Yama.
Cultural significance
Tihar festival also has cultural significance. It holds a special place in every Nepalese heart. They decorate their homes, streets, and public spaces with lights, flowers, and rangoli. Children play deusi and bhailo from home-to-home blessing them, and there are also several cultural performances. It is a colorful and vibrant festival that has rich cultural significance.
Family bonding
The Festival of Lights is not only visually aesthetic but also brings families together. They come together, perform various ceremonies, and feast together. The final day of Tihar celebrates the special bonds between siblings. Sisters put colorful tikas on their brothers’ foreheads and put on a makhamali garland, wishing for their long lives, health, and prosperity. Relatives who are far from home also return and gather together. It brings together families and promotes family bonding.
Economic significance
Another important aspect of the Tihar festival in Nepal is its economic significance. On the third day of the festival, the goddess of wealth, goddess Laxmi, is worshipped by Hindu devotees. People clean and decorate their homes and offices to welcome the goddess. They also perform puja to make the goddess happy and receive her blessings. It is believed that she brings financial well-being to the homes and offices.
Tourism
Tihar is the second biggest festival in Nepal. It attracts many tourists looking to visit the country for a cultural experience. The festival is an excellent opportunity for foreigners to experience Nepali culture. Similarly, it reflects the richness of Nepali culture along with religious harmony in the country. Tihar is an important festival that promotes tourism in Nepal. Hence, it also contributes to the country’s economy.
Final Say
Tihar festival in Nepal is religious and culturally important. Thus, Tihar is celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm. There are also myths and legends about the festival. Tihar celebrates gods, animals, and humans. It is also the perfect festival to showcase the rich culture and religious harmony of the Nepalese people.
During the five-day festival, every house and street in Nepal is illuminated and decorated with colorful lights and marigold garlands. There are also occasional fireworks in the Nepalese skies. Families, friends, and relatives gather together and exchange gifts. Likewise, sibling bonds are deepened during Tihar. Its unique and joyous atmosphere makes Tihar the second-most celebrated festival in Nepal!
