Tihar is a five-day Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal just after Dashain. Tihar generally means the Festival of Lights and diyas are lit inside and outside the house to illuminate the house at night. The five-day festival is very important because it pays respect not only to humans and gods, but also to animals that are closely related to humans, such as crows, cows and dogs.

 

1. Kaag Tihar – Crow Worship

The first day of the festival is called Kaag Tihar. Crows or ravens are worshiped by offering sweets and food placed on the roof of the house. The cries of crows and ravens symbolize grief and sorrow in Hinduism, so devotees offer food to crows and ravens to prevent grief and death in their homes.

 

2. Kukur Tihar – Worship of Dogs

The second day is called Kukur Tihar (Dog Worship). The Newar people also call it khicha puja. Dogs, believed to be messengers of Lord Yamaraj, the god of death, are worshiped on this day each year. People offer dog garlands, tikas and yummy food. This festival has gained a lot of attention in the West because of the love and respect Nepalese show to their dogs on this day.

3. Lakshmi Puja – Cow Worship / Goddess Lakshmi

The third day is the most important and is called Lakshmi Puja. On this day people worship cows. In Hinduism, the cow means prosperity and wealth. Since ancient times, people have greatly benefited from cows. Therefore, on this day, people show their gratitude to the cows by putting them in wreaths and feeding them the best grass. The house is cleaned and the doors and windows are decorated with garlands of sayapatri (marigolds) and mahamali flowers (chrysanthemums). In the evening, thanksgiving is offered to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, for all the benefits bestowed upon the family by lighting oil lamps (dyo) or candles in doors and windows to welcome prosperity and happiness. At night, the girls dance and visit all the houses in the neighborhood with a musical instrument called baili all night long, sing and dance, collect money from the houses as tips and divide the winnings among themselves.

4. Govardhan Puja – Cow Worship

On his fourth day of Tihar, three different pujas are known, depending on the specific cultural background of the people. It is observed as Gol Tihar or Gol Puja (Cow Worship). Vaishna followers perform Govardhan Puja, worship of Mount Govardhan. Cow dung is revered as representing the mountains. In addition, the majority of Newar communities perform ‘ma/ma puja’ (self-worship) on this night.

From that day on, Tihar is celebrated with Deusi. Deusi is mainly sung by boys and Bhailo is sung by girls. Deuji, tells the story of the festival, with one person in the group narrating and the rest forming the chorus. In return, they receive money, fruit and celery from the owner of the house.

5. Baitika – Worship of Brothers and Sisters

Her fifth day, the final day of Tihar, is called Bhai her tika and observes that sisters apply tika on their brothers’ foreheads to ensure their longevity and to appreciate the protection they provide.