Tihar: Festival of Lights

Tihar also known as Deepawali is celebrated for five days in Nepal. It is the second biggest Nepali festival. This festival shows reverence to not just elders and gods but also to animals such as crows, dogs and cows that have long lived in humans.

Starting with first day, it is known as Kaag Tihar. Crows and ravens are worshiped with offering of sweets and dishes. Devotees believe that the offering will help avert grief into happiness. The second day is called Kukur Tihar where people offer garlands, tika and delicious food to dogs and acknowledge relationship between humans and dogs. Gai Tihar and Laxmi puja is the third day of Tihar. In the morning people worship cow as our national animal. People are benefited a lot from cow It’s milk, dung and urine are used for various purposes like purification and food. In the evening, goodness of wealth Laxmi is worship in order to thank her for all the blessings that are bestowed to the families by lighting diyo or candles. Fourth day is known as Govardhan puja. This day is also known as Maha Puja which carries great importance in Newari community. Fifth or last day is called Bhai Tika. It is observed by applying tika on the forehead of brothers by sisters to protect them from different difficulties.

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