Tihar Festival in Nepal Celebration

The enchanting festival of Tihar, also known as Deepawali, is about to grace the homes and hearts of Nepali people once again. Starting from the 11th of November in the year 2080, which corresponds to the 25th day of Kartik in the Nepali calendar, Tihar marks a five-day celebration filled with vibrant customs and age-old traditions.

During Tihar festival in Nepal, each day is dedicated to honoring and worshiping animals and deities, including crows, dogs, cows, and oxen, as well as the goddess of wealth, Laxmi. The festival is a beautiful display of colorful rangoli designs, oil lamps (diyas), garlands, and colorful powders adorning the doorways and courtyards of homes. Families unite, partake in feasts, exchange gifts, and express their gratitude for the blessings they have received.

Day 1:

Kaag Tihar – Honoring the Crows

On the first day of Tihar, Nepali households offer food to the crows, considering them as messengers of Yama, the God of Death. This day symbolizes the importance of maintaining a strong bond with nature.

This tradition holds a deep spiritual significance, as it is believed that by showing respect to these black-feathered birds, people are also paying homage to their ancestors. The crows are believed to carry messages from the spirit world, and feeding them is a way to ensure a smooth passage for departed souls.

In the early morning hours of Kaag Tihar festival in Nepal, families prepare small mounds of various delectable foods, such as rice, bread, and sweets, and place them on rooftops or open spaces. As the crows flock to these offerings, their cawing fills the air, creating a unique and harmonious connection between humans and the natural world.

Day 2:

Kukur Tihar – Celebrating Man’s Best Friend

The second day is dedicated to dogs, our loyal companions. People put tika (a mixture of yogurt, rice, and vermillion) and garlands of marigold flowers around their dogs’ necks. This is a day to show gratitude for the unconditional love and protection offered by these four-legged friends.

Kukur Tihar is a beautiful testament to the deep bond between humans and their dogs. It’s a day when people recognize and honor the loyalty and love that dogs bring into their lives. Beyond being just pets, dogs are considered guardians and friends, offering their protection and companionship in both good times and bad.

The festivities of Kukur Tihar go beyond mere rituals, as they serve as a reminder of the harmonious relationship between humans and animals. This tradition also highlights the importance of treating all living beings with kindness and respect, fostering a sense of unity with the natural world.

Day 3:

Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja – Worshiping Cows and the Goddess of Wealth

Gai Tihar: Worshiping Cows
In Nepali culture, cows are highly regarded as sacred animals, symbolizing wealth, purity, and abundance. On this day, known as “Gai Tihar,” cows are adorned with marigold garlands and tika, much like the previous day’s celebration of dogs. People express their gratitude for the vital role cows play in providing milk and sustenance, making them an indispensable part of daily life in Nepal.

Laxmi Puja: Invoking the Goddess of Wealth
Following the reverence of cows, the evening is dedicated to Laxmi Puja, the worship of the Goddess of Wealth, Laxmi. Homes and businesses are illuminated with oil lamps, candles, and colorful rangoli designs to welcome the goddess. Families gather to perform elaborate rituals and offer prayers, seeking prosperity and good fortune.

Day 4:

Goru Tihar and Govardhan Puja – Honoring Oxen and Worshiping the Cow Dung Hill

Goru Tihar: Honoring Oxen
On this day, the oxen, which are instrumental in plowing fields and contributing to agricultural prosperity, are celebrated. These sturdy animals are adorned with garlands and offered tika on their foreheads. They are also treated to a special feast of fresh food, including grains, yam, and other delicacies.

In many rural areas, oxen races and decorations are organized to pay tribute to their vital role in farming and daily life. The relationship between farmers and their oxen is deeply cherished, making Goru Tihar a day of expressing gratitude for their tireless work in the fields.

Govardhan Puja: Worshiping the Cow Dung Hill
The evening of the fourth day is marked by Govardhan Puja. In this ritual, a symbolic representation of the Govardhan Hill is made from cow dung, signifying the mountain that Lord Krishna lifted to shelter the residents of Vrindavan from torrential rain. People decorate this representation with flowers and offer prayers for protection and blessings.

Day 5:

Bhai Tika – Strengthening Sibling Bonds

Bhai Tika is a joyous occasion where sisters show their love and affection for their brothers, and in return, brothers express their appreciation for their sisters. The rituals begin with sisters applying tika (a mixture of seven-colored vermillion paste) on their brothers’ foreheads. They also put mala (flower garlands) around their brothers’ necks and offer them delicious sweets and fruits.

In return, brothers give their sisters gifts as a token of their love and protection. The exchange of blessings and gifts symbolizes the deep and enduring bond between siblings. This special day reinforces the importance of family relationships and celebrates the love and care that brothers and sisters share throughout their lives.

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