Celebrating Tihar: Nepal's Festival of Lights and Love

Tihar, also known as Deepawali or Yamapanchak, is one of Nepal's most cherished festivals, celebrated over five days with lights, colours, and devotion. This beautiful festival honours the bond between humans, animals, and the divine, making it a truly unique celebration.

The Five Days of Tihar

Day 1 - Kaag Tihar (Crow Day): We honour crows, considered messengers of Yama, the god of death. Crows are offered sweets and food on rooftops and courtyards.

Day 2 - Kukur Tihar (Dog Day): Perhaps the most heartwarming day, we celebrate our loyal canine companions. Dogs are adorned with flower garlands (mala), offered delicious treats, and blessed with tika on their foreheads.

Day 3 - Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja: The morning honours cows, sacred animals representing prosperity. In the evening, we worship Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Homes are illuminated with oil lamps (diyo) and decorated with colourful rangoli patterns to welcome her blessings.

Day 4 - Goru Tihar and Mha Puja: Oxen are honoured for their hard work in agriculture. For the Newar community, this day is especially significant as Mha Puja, where individuals worship themselves and celebrate their own existence.

Day 5 - Bhai Tika: The festival concludes with sisters applying sacred tika on their brothers' foreheads, praying for their long life and prosperity. Brothers, in turn, offer gifts and promise to protect their sisters.

The Magic of Tihar Celebrations

What makes Tihar truly special is the way it lights up Nepal. Every home glows with countless oil lamps and candles, creating a mesmerising sea of lights. The air fills with the melodies of Bhailo and Deusi songs as groups go door-to-door, singing and dancing in exchange for blessings and treats.

Families come together to create intricate rangoli designs at their doorsteps, prepare traditional sweets like sel roti and sweet rice, and share the warmth of togetherness. It's a time when the entire nation seems to sparkle with joy and devotion.

Bringing Tihar Spirit Home

Whether you're celebrating in Nepal or abroad, Tihar reminds us to honour all living beings, cherish our relationships, and illuminate our lives with positivity. At Your Kathmandu, we're proud to share the beauty of Nepali culture and traditions with you.

This Tihar, may your home be filled with light, your heart with love, and your life with prosperity. Happy Tihar to you and your loved ones!

Tihar ko subhakamana!