Tihar - Nepali

I am Tihar, a five-day festival of lights that is celebrated in Nepal and by Nepali people all around the world. Some people also know me by my other names, Deepawali or Yamapanchak. My celebrations take place over five special days, each with its own unique meaning and purpose. I am a time when people pause to think about and honor the important connections that exist between gods, humans, and animals. Each of my days is dedicated to a different relationship, showing respect and gratitude for the many beings that share the world.

My first day is called Kaag Tihar, and it is dedicated to the crow. In the morning, people prepare special offerings of food, including delicious sweets, and place them outside for the crows to enjoy. This might be on a rooftop, a balcony, or in a garden. In the Hindu tradition, crows are seen as something more than just birds; they are believed to be messengers from Yama, the god of death. By offering them food and treating them with respect, people believe they can please Yama. This act of honoring the crows is thought to bring good fortune to the family and help to keep sadness and grief away for the coming year. It is my first step in recognizing the bond between the human world and the world of the divine.

On my second day, known as Kukur Tihar, the focus turns to another animal: the dog. This day is a wonderful tribute to dogs and the special place they hold in people’s lives. Dogs are honored for their unwavering loyalty, their friendship, and their role as faithful companions and guardians. To show their appreciation, people perform special ceremonies. They place beautiful garlands made of bright orange and yellow marigold flowers around the necks of dogs, both pets and stray animals. They also apply a red mark, called a tika, on each dog's forehead as a sign of respect and blessing. Finally, the dogs are served delicious meals, a feast prepared just for them. It is a joyful day that celebrates the deep and trusting friendship between humans and canines.

My third day is one of my most vibrant and is considered very important. It is called Lakshmi Puja. As evening arrives, homes, shops, and streets begin to glow with light. People light countless small oil lamps called diyos and arrange them in and around their homes, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Many families also create beautiful, intricate patterns on the floor near their doorways using colored rice, flour, or flower petals. These colorful designs are called rangoli. All of this light and beauty is meant to welcome a special visitor: Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. By making their homes bright and beautiful, people invite her blessings for the year ahead. The day that follows is my fourth day, Gai Tihar. On this day, people honor the cow. In Hinduism, the cow is considered a sacred animal, a symbol of motherhood and life, because it provides nourishing milk. People show their reverence by garlanding and worshiping cows.

My five-day celebration comes to a close with a day dedicated to the bond between siblings. This final day is called Bhai Tika. It is a heartfelt celebration of the love between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters perform a special ceremony for their brothers to protect them and wish them a long, healthy life. They place a special, multi-colored tika on their brothers' foreheads, which is made of seven different colors. They also offer blessings and sweets. In return, brothers give their sisters gifts and make a promise to always look after and protect them. This beautiful exchange strengthens their relationship and ends my observance on a note of family love and devotion. From crows and dogs to goddesses and siblings, my five days are a journey of gratitude and connection.