Tihar

Tihar is also known as Deepawali and Yamapanchak or Swanti. This festival is celebrated for five days. This is the second biggest festival of Nepal. Tihar is the festival of lights. Fire crackers also has an important place in this festival. In the evening there is light and sound of fire cracker everywhere. Tihar is considered to be of great importance as it shows contribution to not only the humans and the gods, but also to animals like crows, cows, and dogs that maintain an intimate relationship with the humans.

Day 1 : Kaag Tihar – Crow Pooja
On this day, crows and are worshiped by offering sweets and dishes on the roofs of houses. Crow is considered to be the messenger of death. The cawing of crows symbolizes sadness and grief, so people offer crows to avert grief and death in their homes.

Day 2 : Kukur Tihar – Dog Pooja
On this day, dogs are worshiped by putting tika and flower mala around the neck and offering them food. The second day is dedicated to the most loyal friend of mankind. Dog is considered to be the gatekeeper of death.

Day 3 : Laxmi Puja
In the morning of third day cow is worshiped, cow signifies prosperity and wealth. Cows are worshipped by putting tika and flower mala around the neck and offering them food. In the evening goddess Laxmi, goddess of wealth is worshiped. People worship goddess Laxmi by cleaning the houses, making a path of footprints leading into
the house. These footprints are believed to be the footsteps of goddess Lakshmi. Rows of oil lamps, candles and bright lights are placed along the windows and doors, with the hope that goddess Laxmi, enters the house. In the evening, there is a tradition of going to houses and singing Bhailini songs. This tradition is called “Bhailo”. They sing Bhailini songs and asks for foods especially sel roti and money. The house owner gives them money, fruit, sweets, sel roti.

Day 4 : Govardhan Puja
On this day, there are three different known pujas, depending on people’s culture. Ox is worshiped by putting tika and flower mala around the neck and offering them food. Ox is an indispensable helper for the farmer. Govardhan Puja, is also observed by making a hill of govardhan parbat by using cow dung. Mha puja(self worship) is observed in newar community. This day also marks the beginning of the new Nepal Sambat calendar year. In the evening people go to houses and sing Deusi song. Deusi is very similar to Bhailo.

Day 5 : Bhai Tika
On this day, sisters put tika on forehead of their brothers, to ensure long life and prosperity. Sisters offer shagun, fruits, sweets and dry fruits especially walnut to their brothers. And brothers give their sisters gifts and money. Brothers put tika on forehead of their sisters and assure to protect her till the end of life.
On this day, Rani Pokhari Temple is opened for general public. People who don’t have brother or sister visit this temple.