Tihar is the second biggest festival of Nepal and is also known as Deepawali and Yamapancha or Swanti (in Newari). It is a five day long Hindu festival celebrated across Nepal and India. It is called festival of diyo as it is lit inside and outside the house to make it illuminate at night to welcome Goddess of Wealth - Laxmi. People in Nepal beleive that illuminating the door steps and stair ways would attract Goddess Laxmi to enter the home and bless with wealth, prosperity and health.
The first day of Yama pancha is Kaag (Crow) Tihar. On this day crows and ravens are worshiped by offering freshly cooked food and sweets. As cawing of crows symbolizes sadness and grief among Hindus, therefore, people offer crows and ravens food to make it happy so that grief and death is averted from their homes.
The second day is a special day for dogs and is called Kukur (Dog) Tihar. Local Newars of Kathmandu called it Khicha (Dog) puja. People offer tika, tie mala and offer delicious food to dogs. The festival also symbolizes the cherished relationship between dogs and humans. According to holy scripts, Gods like Bhairava, and Yamaraj had dogs as their vahan (vehicle).
Third day is the most important day of Tihar. In the evening Goddess Laxmi is worshiped for all benefits blessed to the family by illuminating the house with diyos, candles and electronic lights. Early morning people also decorate their windows and main entrance with marigold flowers. Laxmi puja is also called Gai Tihar and people worship cow by offering tika, mala and food. In the evening, girls and boys play deusi and bhailo. Boys take lead for deusi and bhailo is sung by girls. The deusi and bhailo group visit individual house and sing deusi and bhailo songs wishing and praying wellbeing of the house and its residents. It is also considered as a way of entertainment in the communities. As a reward to deusi and bhailo groups, house owners and members offer them fresh sel roti, fruits, grains, and money.
On the fourth day of tihar, people celebrate differently. Most people observe it as Goru Tihar and worship oxen. While Newar community celebrate this day as Mha Puja (worship of self). This day is also marked as the begining of the Nepal Sambat Calendar year. This is also celebrated by Newars.
The fifth and last day is called Bhai Tika or Kija Puja. It is the day for brothers and sisters. On this day sisters apply tika to the foreheads of their brothers to ensure long life and than them for protection they provide. Brothers sit on the floor while sister perform their puja. Sister offer delicious food and fruits and in return brothers give money, and gifts.
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