Tihar, also known as the Festival of Lights, is the second-largest festival in Nepal, following Dashain Festival. It is celebrated over five days, with different rituals and customs each day. The festival is renowned for the beautiful lights that illuminate the night.
Tihar is mainly celebrated to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, hoping that she will bless the coming year with prosperity and abundance. In Nepal, Tihar is also a festival to honor Yama, the God of Death.
The theme of the first day of the festival is the crow.
People believe that crows are messengers of Yama, the God of Death, and their calls symbolize the sorrow and pain that accompany his arrival. On this day, people place grains, candies, and dishes on rooftops and streets to feed the crows, hoping for good health and smooth progress in the coming year.
The theme of the second day of the festival is the dog.
People believe that dogs are the guardians of the gates of hell, guiding the souls of the dead to their judgment in the afterlife, preventing them from getting lost in the underworld. To show their gratitude, on this day, people place flower garlands around all dogs, apply a red tika on their foreheads, and treat them to a feast.
The third day of the festival is the most important, dedicated to welcoming the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi.
To honor the Goddess of Wealth, people begin their preparations early in the morning.
The theme for the day is the cow. In Nepal, cows symbolize prosperity and wealth, believed to be the earthly incarnation of Lakshmi. During the day, people place flower garlands around cows, apply a red tika on their foreheads, and feed them the best grass to express their gratitude for the cow’s symbolic role in bringing prosperity.
In the evening, the ceremony to welcome Goddess Lakshmi begins. According to legend, when Lakshmi descends to Earth, she is attracted to brightly decorated and beautiful homes. Therefore, on this night, people light lamps in their homes and decorate them with colorful paintings to invite the goddess’s arrival.
The night becomes incredibly bright and beautiful with lights sparkling from every home, creating a breathtaking, incomparable scene.
The theme of the fourth day is not fixed, as it varies based on individual ethnic groups and beliefs.
The theme of the fifth day is Tika, where people apply a red mark.
According to legend, there was a man who was about to die, and the God of Death, Yama, came to take his soul. The man’s sister begged Yama to allow her to complete the ritual before he took her brother. Moved by the bond between the siblings, Yama promised not to take the man’s soul until the flowers had withered.
Thus, this day has become a time for brothers and sisters to strengthen their bond. Men visit their sisters, who apply a seven-colored tika on their foreheads. If a man does not have a sister, he can receive blessings from a neighbor’s sister or go to the Queen’s Pond where someone will apply the tika for him. This tradition is a way to wish for good health and long life, while also strengthening relationships with family and friends.
The Nepal Tihar Festival is a celebration full of deep cultural meaning. Over five lively days, you will experience the rich cultural heritage of Nepal and enjoy a unique cultural experience in this fascinating country.
