Language/Nepali-individual-language/Culture/Tihar-Festival
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
Welcome to the lesson on Tihar Festival, one of the most important festivals celebrated in Nepal. In this lesson, we will explore the history, significance, and cultural aspects of Tihar Festival. Tihar, also known as Deepawali or Diwali, is a five-day festival that falls in October or November, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. It is a festival of lights that celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Tihar is not only a religious festival but also a time for family gatherings, feasts, and cultural celebrations.
During Tihar, people decorate their homes with colorful lights, candles, and oil lamps called diyos. They create beautiful rangolis (artistic designs made with colored powders) at the entrances of their houses to welcome the gods and goddesses. Tihar is also a time to honor and show gratitude to animals, especially cows, dogs, and crows, as they are considered sacred in Hinduism and have a significant place in Nepali culture.
In this lesson, we will delve into the various rituals and traditions associated with each day of Tihar. We will also explore the regional variations in the celebration of Tihar and share interesting cultural facts and anecdotes related to this festival. By the end of this lesson, you will have a deeper understanding of Tihar Festival and its significance in Nepali culture.
The Five Days of Tihar Festival[edit | edit source]
Tihar Festival is celebrated over five consecutive days, each day having its unique rituals and traditions. Let's explore each day of Tihar in detail:
Day 1: Kaag Tihar (Crow Puja)[edit | edit source]
The first day of Tihar is dedicated to crows, which are believed to be messengers of Yama, the god of death, in Hindu mythology. On this day, people offer food, particularly rice and sweets, to crows as a way of showing respect and gratitude. They place the food on rooftops or in courtyards, and the crows swoop down to eat the offerings.
Crows are considered sacred in Nepali culture, and it is believed that feeding them brings good luck and protects the household from evil spirits. It is also believed that the crows deliver messages from deceased ancestors, so offering food to them is a way of honoring and remembering them.
Day 2: Kukur Tihar (Dog Puja)[edit | edit source]
The second day of Tihar is dedicated to dogs, which are believed to be the guardians of the gates of heaven. Dogs hold a special place in Nepali culture, and they are considered loyal and protective animals. On this day, dogs are worshipped and honored for their loyalty and companionship.
People offer garlands made of marigold flowers to dogs, apply tika (a mixture of red vermillion, rice, and yogurt) on their foreheads, and feed them delicious food. In Nepali culture, it is believed that dogs have the power to ward off evil spirits, and by worshipping them, people seek their blessings for a prosperous and safe life.
Day 3: Gai Tihar (Cow Puja) and Laxmi Puja[edit | edit source]
The third day of Tihar is dedicated to cows, which are considered sacred in Hinduism and are associated with the goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. On this day, cows are worshipped and honored as embodiments of the divine mother.
In the morning, cows are decorated with colorful garlands, and their foreheads are adorned with tika and sacred threads. People offer them delicious food, including rice, fruits, and sweets. They also perform aarti (a ritual of waving lighted oil lamps) in front of the cows and seek their blessings for abundance and prosperity.
In the evening of the third day, Nepali households celebrate Laxmi Puja. Laxmi Puja is the worship of the goddess Laxmi, who is believed to bring wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. People clean their homes, decorate them with lights and flowers, and create elaborate rangolis to welcome the goddess.
During Laxmi Puja, a special puja room is set up, and an altar is adorned with flowers, fruits, sweets, and other offerings. The goddess Laxmi is worshipped with devotion and hymns, and people seek her blessings for prosperity and happiness. After the puja, families engage in feasts and exchange gifts as a symbol of good luck and blessings from the goddess.
Day 4: Goru Tihar (Ox Puja) and Govardhan Puja[edit | edit source]
The fourth day of Tihar is dedicated to oxen, which are considered sacred in Nepali culture as they are used in agricultural activities and are essential for farming. On this day, oxen are worshipped and honored for their contribution to the agricultural sector.
People decorate the oxen with colorful garlands and tika, and they offer them delicious food. They also perform aarti in front of the oxen and seek their blessings for a fruitful harvest and agricultural prosperity.
In some regions of Nepal, the fourth day of Tihar is also celebrated as Govardhan Puja. Govardhan Puja is associated with the legend of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Mountain to protect the villagers from the wrath of Indra, the god of rain and thunder. People create miniature replicas of the Govardhan Mountain using cow dung and worship them with devotion.
Day 5: Bhai Tika (Sisters' Day)[edit | edit source]
The fifth and final day of Tihar is known as Bhai Tika, also known as Sisters' Day. It is a day to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters perform a special puja for the well-being and long life of their brothers.
Sisters prepare a mandala (a sacred circle) using colored powders and rice, and they decorate it with flowers and oil lamps. They apply tika on their brothers' foreheads, tie sacred threads around their wrists, and offer them sweets and gifts. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters and express their love and gratitude.
Bhai Tika is a day of joy and celebration, strengthening the bond between siblings. It is a time for families to come together, share meals, and exchange blessings.
Regional Variations in Tihar Celebration[edit | edit source]
While the core rituals and traditions of Tihar Festival are observed throughout Nepal, there are some regional variations in the way the festival is celebrated. These variations add richness and diversity to the overall celebration of Tihar. Let's explore some of these regional variations:
Deusi and Bhailo[edit | edit source]
In many parts of Nepal, particularly in the hilly and mountainous regions, a unique tradition called Deusi and Bhailo is observed during Tihar. Deusi and Bhailo are traditional songs and dances performed by groups of young boys and girls who go from house to house, singing and dancing, and collecting offerings in the form of money, fruits, and sweets.
The groups dress up in traditional costumes and carry musical instruments like madals (hand drums) and dhimay (a large drum). They visit homes in the evening and perform Deusi and Bhailo songs, which are based on the themes of Tihar and blessings for prosperity. In return, the households offer them food, money, and blessings. Deusi and Bhailo add a festive and lively atmosphere to the celebration of Tihar.
Maruni Dance[edit | edit source]
In the Terai region of Nepal, especially among the Newar community, a traditional dance form called Maruni Dance is performed during Tihar. Maruni Dance is a classical dance form that combines elements of music, dance, and storytelling.
During Tihar, groups of women dressed in colorful traditional costumes perform Maruni Dance in public squares, temples, and households. The dance is accompanied by traditional musical instruments like sarangi (a string instrument), madal, and flute. The performers depict various mythological characters and stories through their dance movements, expressions, and gestures. Maruni Dance adds a cultural and artistic dimension to the celebration of Tihar in the Terai region.
Special Delicacies[edit | edit source]
Different regions of Nepal have their own special delicacies that are prepared and enjoyed during Tihar. These delicacies vary in ingredients and preparation methods, reflecting the local culinary traditions and flavors.
In the Kathmandu Valley, a popular Tihar delicacy is Sel Roti, a sweet rice flour bread that is deep-fried until crispy and golden. It is often served with a side of yogurt or a special sweetened sauce called khuwa.
In the Terai region, sweets like Malpuwa (a type of sweet pancake) and Khajuri (a deep-fried sweet made with flour, sugar, and spices) are commonly prepared and shared during Tihar.
Each region has its own unique culinary traditions associated with Tihar, and these delicacies add a gastronomic delight to the festival celebrations.
Exercises[edit | edit source]
Now that we have learned about the Tihar Festival and its significance, let's put our knowledge into practice with some exercises:
Exercise 1: Matching Match the following terms related to Tihar Festival with their corresponding meanings:
| Nepali (individual language) | English Translation |
|---|---|
| तिहार | A. Festival of Lights |
| काग तिहार | B. Crow Puja |
| कुकुर तिहार | C. Dog Puja |
| गाई तिहार | D. Cow Puja |
| लक्ष्मी पूजा | E. Worship of the goddess Laxmi |
Solution: A - 1 B - 2 C - 3 D - 4 E - 5
Exercise 2: Reflection Think about the festivals celebrated in your own culture. How are they similar to or different from Tihar Festival? Write a short paragraph discussing the similarities and differences.
Exercise 3: Creative Writing Imagine you are celebrating Tihar Festival with your family. Write a diary entry describing the rituals and activities you would engage in throughout the five days of Tihar. Be creative and include details about the decorations, food, and interactions with family members.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Tihar Festival! You have learned about the history, significance, and cultural aspects of this important festival in Nepal. Tihar Festival is a time of joy, celebration, and the strengthening of family bonds. It is a festival that brings people together, promotes gratitude, and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. We hope you enjoyed learning about Tihar and gained a deeper understanding of Nepali culture. In the next lesson, we will explore another fascinating festival celebrated in Nepal - the Holi Festival.
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Religion and Beliefs in Nepal
- Nepali Music and Dance
- Nepal Timeline
- Nepali Spices and Herbs
- Traditional Nepali Dishes
- Dashain Festival
- Holi Festival
- Family and Marriage in Nepal
- Nepali Handicrafts
| ◀️ Dashain Festival — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Holi Festival ▶️ |