Tihar, also known as Deepawali, is one of the grandest, brightest, and most significant festivals celebrated in Nepal. This festival of lights happens to hold great importance in the country's culture and is celebrated for five days during the Nepalese Hindu month of Kartika (late October and early November). The festival is dedicated to the goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Each day carries a different significance associated with different creatures such as crows, dogs, cows, and oxen.
The first day of Tihar is called as 'Kaag Tihar' (Crow Day). People offer food to crows, symbolizing the underworld and death. The second day is 'Kukur Tihar' (Dog Day), where the dogs are worshipped and offered good food for their loyalty. Day three is the main day of this festival, known as 'Laxmi Puja'. Houses are cleaned and decorated with marigold flowers, and Diyas (oil lamps) are lit all over to invite Goddess Laxmi into their homes. Day four is dedicated to the worship of oxen, and day five is known as 'Bhai Tika', where sisters apply Tika to their brothers and pray for their long life and prosperity.
Every day during Tihar, the night sky of Nepal is lit up with lanterns and lights, making it a beautiful spectacle. In addition to the offerings and prayers, the festival also involves rituals like playing cards, dancing, singing Deusi-Bhailo (traditional Nepalese songs), and enjoying delicious meals. This festival not only brings forth the spiritual fervor but also highlights the cultural richness and local folklore of Nepal. Despite its predominantly Hindu traditions, Tihar is also celebrated enthusiastically by different demographics making it a significant unifying event.