Tihar(Bhai Tika)

The festival of Tihar corresponds to the Indian festival of Diwali(the festival of lights). It is exactly, celebrated fourteen days after Dasain. According to the legend, this day marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after fourteen years in exile. Therefore, people celebrated his homecoming by the lighting of earthen lamps all over. Before the festival, people clean, whitewash and paint their houses and surroundings. They also decorate the doors and windows with garlands of marigold and buntings. Earthen lamps and candles are lit, and electrical decoration also takes place. People worship Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth at night.

The festival goes on for five days. But unlike the Indian festival of Diwali. The five days of Tihar include the celebration and worship of the four creatures associated with Yama the god of death. And the final day is reserved for people themselves. According to the Vikram Samvat calendar, the festival begins with Kaag (crow) Tihar and ends with Bhai (brother) Tika every year. In the Gregorian calendar, the festival falls sometime between October and November every year.

The first day is Kag Tihar, on this day crows are fed with homemade delicacies. The second day known as Kukoor Tihar is dedicated to the dogs. They are garlanded and fed special food prepared from meat and rice. The third day is Gai Tihar or Laxmi Puja. Cows are regarded as mother and goddess Laxmi by the Hindus. Therefore, people worship cow in the morning and Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth in the evening. Also, groups of girls gather together to sing traditional carols known as ‘Bhailo’. The fourth day is known as Govardhan Puja when oxen are worshipped and fed. The last day of Tihar is Bhai Tika. On this day, sisters put tika on their brothers’ forehead and wish them long life and prosperity. This day is believed to strengthen the bond between brothers and sisters.