Places to Celebrate Diwali in Nepal
Also known as Tihar, Diwali in Nepal is a five-day festival that brings joy, light, and unity among people all over the country. Although it is similar to the Indian Diwali, Tihar has its own unique customs and traditions, showing the cultural heritage of Nepal. The festival is generally celebrated between mid-October and mid-November, as per the Nepali lunar calendar.The festival is celebrated for five days, and each day is dedicated to different beings and deities. Known as Kaag Tihar, the first day is dedicated to crows as they are considered messengers of death and protectors from bad luck in Nepalese culture. The second day, Kukur Tihar, honours dogs for their loyalty and companionship. You can find dogs being adorned with garlands, marked with tika, and offered special treats. The third day of Tihar is celebrated as Gai Tihar & Lakshmi Puja, when cows are worshipped for their role in farming.
The fourth day of the festival is known as Goru Tihar & Govardhan Puja, in which oxen are worshipped for their significant role in farming and daily life. The final day of the festival is celebrated as Bhai Tika, which is the day of brothers and sisters. Diwali celebration in Nepal is not only about the victory of light over darkness, but also shows the significance of animals and Nepali culture.
Significance of Diwali in Nepal
In Nepal, Diwali is celebrated as Tihar, a five-day festival that holds significant cultural and spiritual importance. Unlike the traditional Indian Diwali, Tihar incorporates unique rituals honouring various animals and deities, reflecting the deep respect for nature and life.
Significance of Diwali in Nepal
In Nepal, Diwali is celebrated as Tihar, a five-day festival that holds significant cultural and spiritual importance. Unlike the traditional Indian Diwali, Tihar incorporates unique rituals honouring various animals and deities, reflecting the deep respect for nature and life.
Day 1: Kaag Tihar (Crow Worship): The festival begins with honouring crows, believed to be messengers of Yama, the god of death. People offer food to crows to appease them and ensure the well-being of their families.
Day 2: Kukur Tihar (Dog Worship): On this day, dogs are revered for their loyalty and service. They are adorned with garlands, given treats, and worshipped with rituals to honour their companionship.
Day 3: Gai Tihar and Goru Puja (Cow and Ox Worship): Cows, considered sacred in Hinduism, are worshipped by offering them garlands and food. Oxen are also honoured for their role in agriculture.
Day 4: Lakshmi Puja and Mha Puja: The fourth day is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth. Homes are illuminated with oil lamps, and prayers are offered for prosperity. For the Newar community, this day also marks Mha Puja, a self-purification ritual.
Day 5: Bhai Tika: The final day celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply a seven-colored tika on their brothers' foreheads, offer prayers for their long life, and exchange gifts.
