First of all, Nepal consists of many Great Culture, Great Ethnicity and Great Tradition. But some festival relate all the persons equally whether they are minority or majority. Among such festivals is Tihar which is being occasionally referred to as Dipawali.
This five-day festival is observed mostly all over Nepal and has erased the barriers of Village/ city, caste/creed. It is both a religious and cultural festival which brings message of the great importance of relations between people, as well as between people and the nature and animals. It is high time for us to focus our attention on local culture in order to investigates several features that contribute in making this festival outstanding.
Tihar: A Festival of Unity and Celebration
Different parts of the country celebrate the Tihar festival wholeheartedly, although there are small differences in the customs. In the Terai region of southern part of Nepal, it is known as Dipawali. The homes of the people are illuminated with oil lamps on this occasion as Lord Ram and his wife Sita were welcomed in his kingdom after 14 years of vanvaas and after defeating the demon king Ravan.
On the hilly areas, however, it is called Tihar which is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi-the goddess of wealth with oil lamps lit around the house. Newar community in Kathmandu valley observes this festival in the name of Swanti. No matter what it is called, the spirit of Tihar remains the same across the country: joy, light, and celebration. It also has tremendous importance to farmers, especially since the event occurs after the harvest season. Farmers who have stored their grains in their granaries take part in this occasion to say thank you for the farming year.
Panchak is a festival organised for five days to worship lord Yama but people pay more attention to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and getting ’ connected with animals. Houses are swept and doors are adorned with burning lamps and marigold flowers. This year, other specific form of illumination such as multicolored electric lights have also gained popularity.
Day 1: Honoring the Crow (Kaag Tihar)
Tihar starts with the worship of crow which is also called Kaag Tihar. The crow has a special importance in Hindu divine lore as being the carrier of messages for Yama, the god of death. People are very much aware that crows can see things and stories that people can never see such as souls and spirits. For this reason, the crow is considered to be a spirit of the deceased. Some of it is thrown out into the compound for the crow to eat as a sign of feeding our forefathers.
Crows are also wise birds that consider togetherness important. Whenever the food is placed for them they don’t eat alone but instead ring a bell to invite other crows to come and eat. This tradition is also all about sharing and togetherness in society; a concept considered as a central learning in Tihar.
Day 2: Honoring the Dog (Kukur Tihar)
The second day of Tihar is celebrated as Kukur Tihar in honor of dogs. Dogs for generations have been recognized as faithful confidant of anyone. Cognitive researches have revealed that dogs possess an ability to distinguish human face and its expression; that is why people love dogs so much. Today dogs are appreciated because they remain loyal and guard our dwelling places.
Human put the red tika on the forehead of the dogs and do rich raning of beautifully designed necklaces. Patronizing foods especially special dishes are prepared for them and even wayward dogs are accorded respect. According to Hindu mythology dogs are dedicated to Yama, the god of death, and help souls to go to the other world. This day simply celebrates the kinship between man and his best friend, the dog.
Day 3: Honoring the Cow and Goddess Lakshmi
The third day of Tihar is actually one of the most important dates of the whole celebration. Cattle worshipping process starts early in the morning called Gai Tihar because in Hindu culture cattle especially cows are considered sacred. Bull and cow are indications of wealth and prosperity and their milk is used universally as food source from ages.
In the evening, everybody pays their respect to the goddess of wealth, goddess Lakshmi. Homes are swept and polished and little oil lamps are burning to welcome the gods in particularly Lakshmi. Designed for postmodern interiors, decorative posters depicting Lakshmi are hung close to strong safes and lockers containing money, to safeguard this element from the goddess of abundance.
Day 4: Honoring the Ox (Govardhan Puja) and Celebrating Maha Puja
The fourth day of Tihar has has different significance in different areas. In many places it is called Govardhan puja, where they worship the Ox. The vet has a travesty of an ease and uses ox to conduct plowing, cultivation and other farm ownage by the farmers of the country. This day essentially is a way through which people express their gratitude for this hardworking animal from the farming fraternity.
It is another day of self purification and personal worship for the Newar people and is called Maha Puja. People take a seat before ornately painted colorful round diagrams called mandalas to purify themselves spiritually as well as physically for the coming year. This day also marks Newari New Year, the Nepal Sambat which is also celebrated with lot of enthusiasm through out Nepal program, cultural parade, music etc.
Day 5: Bhai Tika (Brother’s Day)
The last day of Tihar, Bhai Tika, is one of the most memorable days in the bonding of a brother and sisters’ relationship. On this day, sisters wish for the long life of their brothers, prosperity and good health for their brothers by putting a seven colored tika on their brother’s forehead. As a result, brothers offer gifts and money to their sisters for presenting them with something special.
The concept that drives Bhai Tika is the bond between siblings but those who don’t have a sibling can visit Rani Pokhari in Kathmandu where rituals are conducted for those those who lack a brother of a sister.
Conclusion
Tihar is not only the festival of light but also is a festival to honor relations and nature. It is stated to educate the appreciation and protection of animals, material and immaterial sharing and support of familiar and friends. Tihar is a beautiful festival celebrated where each day of this festival has something or the other to do with life and nature. So, as we carry onward to rejoice in this majestic festival we must never forget the greater significance of Tihar and these particular customs and practices must be taught and narrated to the forthcoming generations so that they also can feel and awaken the spirit of Tihar in our Home.
To see more photos on Festivals celebrated in Nepal, please visit https://prbal.com.np/prabal/
