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Tihar in Nepal

 In Nepal, Deepawali (called Tihar or Yamapanchak) is a unique and vibrant festival, celebrated over five days with distinct customs that blend reverence for nature, animals, and familial bonds. Here’s how Tihar is celebrated in Nepal:

First Day: Kaag Tihar (Worship of Crows)

• The festival begins by honoring crows, known as messengers of death. People offer rice, sweets, and other food to crows on this day, believing it brings good fortune and drives away sorrow.

Second Day: Kukur Tihar (Worship of Dogs)

• The second day is dedicated to dogs, regarded as protectors and messengers. People garland dogs with marigold flowers, apply tika (a red mark on the forehead), and feed them special treats as a sign of respect and gratitude.
• This day emphasizes the bond between humans and animals, and it’s celebrated with great joy.

Third Day: Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja (Worship of Cows and Goddess Lakshmi)

• The morning begins with Gai Tihar, where cows are worshipped as symbols of prosperity and sacred animals. People decorate cows with garlands, tika, and offer them the best food.
• In the evening, homes are decorated with oil lamps, candles, and colorful rangolis (artistic patterns on the floor), and families perform Lakshmi Puja (worship of the goddess of wealth). This day is the most vibrant, with lights and songs creating a festive atmosphere.

Fourth Day: Govardhan Puja or Mha Puja (Worship of Self)

• The fourth day is unique, with variations across ethnic communities. For many, this day is Govardhan Puja, honoring Lord Krishna and celebrating the end of the rice harvest.
• In the Newar community, it’s known as Mha Puja, a day for self-worship, symbolizing purification and empowerment. Each person worships themselves to signify self-care and well-being.
• Also, this day marks the Newar New Year (called Nepal Sambat), with people celebrating with traditional feasts and family gatherings.

Fifth Day: Bhai Tika (Celebration of the Sibling Bond)

• The last day, Bhai Tika, is dedicated to honoring the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply tika in various colors to their brothers’ foreheads, symbolizing protection, and brothers give gifts to their sisters.
• Special garlands made from makhamali (a kind of everlasting flower) are exchanged, and siblings pray for each other’s prosperity and long life.

Additional Customs:

• Deusi and Bhailo: Children and youth go from house to house singing traditional songs called Deusi and Bhailo. People offer them money and food as they sing blessings for prosperity.
• Lighting and Decoration: Homes are lit up with oil lamps, candles, and electric lights, and rangolis are made at the entrances to invite prosperity.

In Nepal, Tihar is as much about nature, animals, and family bonds as it is about lights and celebrations. The festival brings communities together, with traditions passed down over generations.

Diwali in India

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, marked by a wide array of vibrant customs and traditions. Here’s a glimpse into how Diwali is celebrated across India:

Cleaning and Decorating the Home

• People start preparing days in advance by thoroughly cleaning, renovating, and decorating their homes. It’s believed that a clean and well-lit home invites the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
• Homes are adorned with colorful rangoli (artistic designs made with colored powders or flower petals) at the entrance, and beautiful torans (decorative garlands) are hung on doors.

Lighting Lamps and Candles

• Diwali is also called the “Festival of Lights.” People light up their homes with diyas (oil lamps), candles, and fairy lights, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Worship (Puja) of Deities

• Lakshmi Puja is central to Diwali celebrations. Families gather to pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, seeking blessings for wealth, prosperity, and happiness.
• After the puja, it’s common to distribute offerings as prasad (food blessed in the ritual) among family and friends.

Fireworks and Sparklers

• Fireworks and sparklers are a hallmark of Diwali, and people celebrate by setting off firecrackers, enjoying the sound and lights that add to the festive cheer.
• Recently, there’s an emphasis on eco-friendly celebrations to reduce pollution, with many people opting for green crackers or skipping fireworks altogether.

Exchanging Sweets and Gifts

• Diwali is a time for exchanging gifts and sweets with loved ones. Boxes of traditional sweets like laddus, barfis, and jalebis are shared among friends, family, and neighbors.
• People often buy gifts like clothes, jewelry, and home decor, and it’s common to share gifts with employees and business associates.

Feasting and Gathering

• Diwali is celebrated with delicious meals and snacks unique to each region. Families prepare special dishes, such as gujiya, samosas, chakli, and other traditional items.
• It’s a time for family reunions, gatherings, and sharing meals together.

Different Days of Diwali

• Diwali typically spans five days, each with its significance:
  • Dhanteras: First day, dedicated to wealth and prosperity; people buy precious metals and items.
  • Naraka Chaturdashi: Also called Choti Diwali, a day for cleaning and early morning oil baths.
  • Lakshmi Puja: Main day of Diwali, where the worship of Goddess Lakshmi takes place.
  • Govardhan Puja: Celebrated mainly in the North, marking Lord Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan Hill.
  • Bhai Dooj: Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.

Across different states, these traditions may vary in flavor, but the spirit of unity, joy, and hope is universal.