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Tihar : The Festival Of Lights

Tihar is the festival of lights.

Tihar lasts for 5 days.

Dashain is celebrated all over Nepal.

Family , friends gather together and enjoying

People put various light to decorate their houses

Animals like dog, crow and cow are worshipped in Tihar.

Tihar: Festival of Lights

First day : Kaag (crow) Tihar

• Crows are worshiped and fed early in the morning on this day.

• Crow is considered to be the messenger of death.

• People leave different food items on the roof of their houses for crows to eat.

Second Day: Kukur (Dog) Tihar

• At Second day dog is worshipped as dog is most loyal friend to humans.

• Puja is done by putting a red tika on dog’s forehead and flower garland around the neck offering him foods and sel roti.

Third day – Gai (cow) Puja and Laxmi Puja

• On the third day of tihar Cows are worshipped in the morning.

• Cow is regarded as mother in Hindu religion, as we grow up drinking her milk. Also cow is regarded as Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

• In the afternoon people clean our houses, paint floors with Red Mud (Rato Mato) and cow dung (gobar). At Nighttime all family members gather together for laxmi puja(worshipping godess laxmi).

Fourth Day: Oxen/Goverdhan/Maha puja

• On this day three different Kinds of puja (worship ) are performed.

• Oxen is worshiped on this day by thanking him for his hard work on the field.

• We also perform Govardhan Puja, which is done by making a hill of govardhan parbat using Cow dung. Cow dung has big importance in Hindu culture.

• Thirdly Newari people celebrate Maha Puja also known as self-puja. It is done to purify our body.

Fifth Day: Bhai tika

• 5th Day:This Day is very important for brothers and sister. This day is known as bhai tika.

• This day sisters put “Tika of five colours” Paanch Rangi Tika - Yellow, green, red, blue and white on forehead of her brothers, to ensure long life and pray to Yamraja for her brother’s long life and prosperity.

• 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.

Thanks for watching

Wish you a very Happy Tihar