Tihar - Nepali

Hello! I am Tihar, a happy festival from Nepal. People call me the festival of lights. During my days, homes glow with many bright lights. People light special little clay lamps called diyos. The diyos flicker and dance, making everything look warm and cozy. People also hang strings of colorful lights that make everything sparkle. At night, their houses shine brightly under the dark sky.

My celebration is also about being kind to animals. During my first few days, people show their thanks to special animal friends. They give tasty treats to crows that fly high in the sky. They gently place beautiful flower garlands around the necks of dogs. The flowers are so colorful! They also put pretty marks on the dogs' foreheads to show they are loved. Cows are honored, too. They get yummy food and their own flower necklaces. It is a way to show love and respect for these wonderful creatures.

My last day is a very special time for families. It is a day for brothers and sisters called Bhai Tika. Sisters show their love for their brothers in a special ceremony. They dip their fingers in colorful powders and place a mark, called a tika, on their brothers' foreheads. This tika is a wish for a long, happy, and healthy life. Then, everyone gathers to share delicious food. They eat a sweet, round bread called sel roti. It is a joyful time for everyone to be together and share their love.