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After Dashain, Tihar
is probably Nepal's second most important festival, which is known as
" The festival of lights". This festival is a time of lights and tinsel
decoration, fancy sweets and juicy fruits. The 1st day the, crows are
worshipped. They are also known as the "messenger of death". Crows are
honored and fed on leaf dishes. Incense and light are also lit. In the
early morning, after the ritual bath, the first portion of every family
meal is offered to crows.
The 2nd day is known as the dog's day. On this occasion dogs, the vehicle of Lord Bhairab are given a red Tika on their foreheads and garlanded with flowers. They are then worshipped and offered goodies, including many delicacies.
The next day is the day of cow, representatives of Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. This day is an even more important day, as Laxmi Puja also falls on this day. Towards the evening, small candles or rows of wick lamps are lighted and placed outside the main door and along window sills, with a strong hope that Laxmi pleases to reside in light. This becomes a very beautiful spectacle as the whole city, town and village become filled with little lights. It always falls on a new moon so the effect is particularly delightful. The day is popularly called as Deepawali (diwali) and is also an occasion for gambling.
The 4th day, New Year for the Newars of Kathmandu valley, which is known as Nepal Era. On this day Newars perform Mha puja or" self worship", the worship of one's own divine self for good fortune throughout the coming year.
Brother's day or Bhai Tika is the 5th and final day of Tihar. On this day, every sister worships her brothers and prays to Yama, the god of Death, for their brothers' progress, prosperity and longevity. Sisters' put multi-colored Tika on the brothers forehead and garlands them with flowers. The brothers are offered many delicacies including sweets, fruits etc. as well as her blessings. The brothers then in turn give Tika to their sisters after which gifts are also exchanged. As with many other festivals, Tihar ends with a grand feast with all family members present.
The 2nd day is known as the dog's day. On this occasion dogs, the vehicle of Lord Bhairab are given a red Tika on their foreheads and garlanded with flowers. They are then worshipped and offered goodies, including many delicacies.
The next day is the day of cow, representatives of Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. This day is an even more important day, as Laxmi Puja also falls on this day. Towards the evening, small candles or rows of wick lamps are lighted and placed outside the main door and along window sills, with a strong hope that Laxmi pleases to reside in light. This becomes a very beautiful spectacle as the whole city, town and village become filled with little lights. It always falls on a new moon so the effect is particularly delightful. The day is popularly called as Deepawali (diwali) and is also an occasion for gambling.
The 4th day, New Year for the Newars of Kathmandu valley, which is known as Nepal Era. On this day Newars perform Mha puja or" self worship", the worship of one's own divine self for good fortune throughout the coming year.
Brother's day or Bhai Tika is the 5th and final day of Tihar. On this day, every sister worships her brothers and prays to Yama, the god of Death, for their brothers' progress, prosperity and longevity. Sisters' put multi-colored Tika on the brothers forehead and garlands them with flowers. The brothers are offered many delicacies including sweets, fruits etc. as well as her blessings. The brothers then in turn give Tika to their sisters after which gifts are also exchanged. As with many other festivals, Tihar ends with a grand feast with all family members present.