Celebrating Light, Devotion, and Togetherness in Nepal’s Heartland
The Kathmandu Valley is transformed into a work of light art during the Festival of Lights, Tihar, also known as Deepawali or Yamapanchak, the second major festival in Nepal after Dashain. The festival lasts five days nationwide. It is a gorgeous blend of faith, respect for the environment, and a sense of connection to others. It is a symbol of the timeless triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The entire valley is devoted and joyful, between the gentle flicker of the earthen diyos (oil lamps) on the window-sills and the strands of electric lights and garlands of marigolds and rangoli patterns on doorsteps. Laughter, music, and prayer fill the alleys and the courtyards as the night falls, bringing light to the homes and to the hearts.
In the Kathmandu Valley, where the ancient Newar civilization, beautiful temples, and eternal traditions are everywhere, Tihar shines particularly brightly. Here, Hindu and Newar traditions unite in a non-violent manner, creating a celebration that demonstrates Nepal's rich culture and spiritual prowess.
Unravelling Tihar Day by Day: A Deeper Look
Tihar is not just a celebration that people keep; they experience it. The culture and the spirituality of Nepal are rich, as each of its five days has a deep meaning and special rituals. Each day of Tihar in the Kathmandu Valley is full of devotion, color, and joy, as traditional lifestyles clash with new ones.
Day 1: Kaag Tihar: A Day of the Crow Messenger
Kaag Tihar (Photo From the Kathmandu Post)
Kaag Tihar, also known as the Day of the Crows, marks the beginning of Tihar celebrations. Hindus view crows as messengers of the Hindu deity Yama, who is associated with death. Before dawn, family members prepare small portions of rice and sweets and place them on the walls, the roof, or even the exterior of their houses. The first rays of sunlight reach the valley, and crows fly down to dine. This ritual is repeated in the morning.
Providing crows with food is one way to calm them and deliver good news to the gods rather than bad news. The rooftops in Kathmandu are transformed into a flying flag of wings; this is a reminder that Nepali culture cherishes every life, even the one that is not so counted in most situations.
Day 2: Kukur Tihar: A Festival of Love and Faithfulness
The second day is called Kukur Tihar and celebrates both pets and stray dogs for their faithfulness, loyalty, and companionship. Hindus consider dogs sacred because they protect the gate of Yama, which serves as the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Bhairava, who is a violent form of deity.
Dogs are provided with garlands of beautiful marigolds, red tika on their foreheads, and delicious food on this day. In Kathmandu's streets and courtyards, heartwarming scenes of wagging tails and smiling faces are the norm. Even the stray dogs receive food and love. It's a day to worship and be thankful to the animals who guard us and those who are with us.
Day 3: Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja: The Day of Introducing Light and Prosperity
Tihar is significant on the third day for two reasons. Individuals celebrate Gai Tihar in the morning. This is the cult of cows, regarded as a holy attribute of motherhood, abundance, and purity. They feed cows and give them flowers and food as one way of repaying them for their food and their contribution to the continuation of Nepali households.
At night, the focus shifts to Laxmi Puja—the worship of the goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and good fortune. This is followed by cleaning the homes, both inside and outside, and then by placing rows of diyos (oil lamps), candles, and electric lights to attract her blessings. Doorways are decorated with rangoli patterns made of rice flour, colored powders, and flower petals, believed to make the doorways brighter and bring positive fortune to the house. Families pray, offer sweets to Laxmi, and present her with coins, thinking that she enters homes that are bright and clean. At night, Kathmandu is lit up—the traditional courtyards in Patan and Bhaktapur, as well as the crowded rooftops of the city. It is a lovely ocean of love and piety.
Explore Our Collection of Laxmi for Tihar from Termatree.
Day 4: Goru Tihar, Govardhan Puja, and Mha Puja: The Power of Strength, Nature, and Self
Various communities interpret the fourth day of Tihar differently, yet it is of immense significance to the entire nation of Nepal. In many locations, today is Goru Tihar, a celebration of oxen and bulls. The greater importance of these animals to traditional Agriculture is high. The farmers give food, garlands, and tika to honor their strength and labor and to share in earning a livelihood.
The same day is also celebrated as Govardhan Puja. It praises Lord Krishna for elevating Mount Govardhan to shelter the inhabitants of the villages during heavy rainfall. It is an indicator of belief in the divine security and harmony with nature.
It is on this day that the Newar people of Kathmandu Valley observe Swanti, also known as Mha Puja, or self-worship. Everyone in the family sits in front of a colorful mandala and performs rituals during Mha Puja to bring blessings and purify their soul and bodies. It is a ritual of exploring the inner self and glorifying the divine that exists within all people. It emphasizes self-respect, refreshment, and peace.
Day 5: Bhai Tika: Nurturing the Bond between Brothers and Sisters
The fifth and final day of Tihar, known as Bhai Tika, is the most emotional. It glorifies the sacred bond between brothers and sisters, as told in the tale of Yamuna and Yama. Yamuna, the goddess of death, is even reported to have called her brother Yama home to her house, put a seven-colored tika on him, and prayed that she would protect him forever. Her passion touched Yama, who told him that brothers who receive tika on this day of the sisters will live long and be happy.
In Kathmandu's homes, sisters established a ritual space using mandalas and other religious materials. They place the seven-colored tika on their brothers' foreheads, present them with Makhamali mala (Globe Amaranth), and offer them gifts and pray for their well-being. On the contrary, brothers give gifts and promise to protect their sisters. The day is rounded off with a feast, laughter, and touching blessings. It is a pastiche of the love, forgiveness, and togetherness that bind Nepali families.
Deusi and Bhailo nights—songs of joy and unity
The nights of the festival are filled with the joyful singing of Kathmandu neighborhoods, Deusi and Bhailo, traditional songs performed by groups of children and adolescents who sing from door to door. They dress in some festal attire, sing, dance, and bless every house, and in turn receive sweets, fruits, or small presents. This is a vibrant culture that unites people, makes them kind to one another, and makes everybody in the valley content. The music and laughter of Deusi-Bhailo carry the essence of Tihar, a holiday that unites people through light, song, and joy.
What Is Tihar to People in the Kathmandu Valley?
1. Illuminating houses and creating good fortune
The light adorning the houses with diyos (oil lamps), candles, and colorful electric lights is one of the most beautiful things about Tihar and the Kathmandu Valley. Laxmi Puja occurs on the darkest night of the lunar month; all homes are lit up to receive Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. People believe that the goddess comes to neat, light houses and bestows upon families fortune and happiness. Doorways and courtyards are decorated with complex rangoli mandala patterns made with colored rice, powder, flower petals, or sand. This contributes to lovely and holy entrances. The undulating lights on the ancient walls of brick and gold temple roofs are a living prayer to the entire valley, a symbol of hope, purity, and spiritual awakening.
2. Showing Respect for Animals and Nature
The most fascinating fact about Tihar is that it honors animals and nature, recognizing their sacred and practical roles in everyday Nepali life. The festival is centered on dedication to various beings that signify the universe and the culture each day of the festival. During Kaag Tihar, people feed crows because they believe that they are messengers of Yama. There is a belief that they will be fed to keep sadness and bad luck at bay. On the following day, Kukur Tihar celebrates dogs by feeding them garlands, tika, and delicious food. People spend their lives with dogs because they are loyal. People think of them as the ones who control life and death. During Gai Tihar, people consider cows as symbols of wealth, purity, and maternity. Families thank them for their food and farming by giving them garlands and prayers. Another festival is Govardhan Puja, or Goru Tihar, which celebrates the oxen and bulls used in agriculture and recognizes their hard work and strength. Among the Newar people, it is Mha Puja (self-worship) on the same day. This is a day of inner purity, balance, and renewal. These rituals are a beautiful way to strengthen Nepal's traditional peace among people, animals, and the divine forces of nature, as Tihar does.
3. Forgiveness, Families, and Relationships
Bhai Tika is the saddest and most family-oriented day of the festival, the final day of Tihar. On this day, sisters adorably place a colored tika (seven-colored) on their brothers' foreheads, wrap a strand of protection thread around their wrists, and give them fruits, sweets, and presents as they pray for their brothers to live long and be contented. They promise to protect their siblings for life and give them gifts. This moving ceremony is a creation of the legend of Yamuna and Yama, where the love of one female for another sibling provides one day of immortality to the brother. In the Newar Swanti tradition, the sisters also prepare and distribute sagnas, which symbolize good fortune. The family spirit transcends houses because the joyful tunes of Deusi and Bhailo songs play through the night. Children and young adults are seen walking up and down the street, going door to door, singing, dancing, and blessing houses in exchange for candy or small favors. The traditions make the Kathmandu Valley a peaceful place by enabling people to relate to one another, forgive, and be liberal towards one another.
4. Significance to culture, economy, and tourism
Tihar holds great significance for Nepal's culture and economy, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley, beyond its religious connotations. During the weeks preceding the festival, the local markets become vibrant with sellers of marigolds, oil, diyos, sweets, and other festival items. The demand for small businesses, florists, artisans, and Tihar is vital to the seasonal economy. The festival provides visitors and travelers with a memorable experience of the Nepali culture. Color, music, and light fill the streets of Patan, Bhaktapur, and the old city of Kathmandu. The friendliness of the festivities, the open courtyards with spotlights of diyos, and the cheerful songs that one could hear in all neighborhoods usually attract tourists. The blend of Swanti and Tihar traditions of the Newar community, self-purification, worship of ancestors, and family rituals brings depth and meaning to the holidays. The Kathmandu Valley is the center of its heart and soul, Tihar. It is a significant unification of faith, culture, and community into a single bright celebration that remains inspirational for people who live there and those who visit.
Contemporary Interpretation of Tihar
In present-day Nepal, Tihar has evolved to incorporate both the traditional practices and the new lifestyles. Diyos and rangoli, as well as garlands, are also significant; however, nowadays, in most households, they are illuminated using LED lights, electric decorations, and electronic screens, making the celebrations spectacular. Social media has its role too, since families post rangoli patterns, decorated pets, and holiday moments online. This has been related to the younger generations' cultural backgrounds in entertaining and exciting ways. Increasingly, city festivities include community, school, and work events. This renders Tihar a festival that unites people irrespective of their individual residences.
Simultaneously, an increased emphasis on environmentally and people-friendly practices is being placed. To reduce pollution, many families do not use firecrackers and instead use biodegradable materials to make decorations and rangoli. The fact that people are taking care of stray animals shows that they are adhering to new versions of ancient traditions, such as Kaag, Kukur, and Gai Tihar. Cities such as Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur have lit neighborhoods, cultural performances, and Deusi-Bhailo shows that give tourists a sense of what life is like there. Tihar is now a combination of religion, family, and celebration of culture. This demonstrates that traditions may evolve as times change while remaining faithful to their fundamental principles.
Wishing You a Joyous Tihar from Termatree!
May the lights of Tihar illuminate your home and heart, bringing happiness, prosperity, and harmony to you and your loved ones. Let this Festival of Lights inspire gratitude, love, and togetherness, and may every diya you light guide you toward peace and positivity throughout the year.
Happy Tihar!
