Tihar: Festival of lights

Tihar, the second largest festival of the Nepali Hindus began from yesterday. Also known as Yampanchak or Dipawali, the festival is observed for five days.

The first day of the Yamapanchak is observed as Kaag Tihar. On this day,  crows are worshipped by offering some dishes placed on the roofs of houses.  As crows are regarded as messengers of death in the Nepali society, people worship crows to avert grief and death in their homes.

The second day is Kukur Tihar dedicated to the faithful and loyal dogs. People offer garlands, tika and delicious food to dogs.

The third day is Gai Tihar and Laxmi Pooja. On this day, cows are worshipped in the morning and Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth in the evening. During the day, houses are cleaned and decorated with flower garlands and electrical lightings. 

In the evening, Laxmi Goddess is worshipped. As daughters are also considered as Laxmi, they are also blessed by putting tika and given some dakshina (money). Candles or lighting oil lamps (diyo) are lit in the doorways and windows to welcome the goddess into the household. Tihar is also regarded as a "festival of lights" as people decorate homes with colourful lights or oil-fed lamps.

After the worshipping of Goddess Laxmi, Bhailo are played all night long by the girls. They visit several houses of the neighbourhood and celebrate by dancing and singing. They are given some amount of money and fruits  which they distribute among themselves.

On the fourth day, Goru Puja (worship of the oxen), and Mha Pooja (worship of own soul) in the Newar community are observed. This day is also signifies the beginning of the new Nepal Sambat calendar year.

Govardhan Puja is also observed on this day by making a hill of Govardhan mountain using cow dung. Cowdung is taken as representative of the mountain and is worshiped.  Cow dung has big importance in Hindu culture. In the old days it was used for everything from light at night (Methane) to polish mud floors of traditional houses.

In the evening and all night long, boys also start playing Deusi while girls play Bhailo.

The fifth and final day is Bhai Tika. Bhai Tika represents the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters put tika and garlands wishing for longevity and prosperity of their brothers, while brothers in turn give gifts and pledge to take care of their sisters.

On this day, Rani Pokhari Temple (located at central Kathmandu) is opened for those who do not have any brother or sister. This is the only time in a year the temple is open to general public.