Happy Tihar!

Tihar is a five-day-long Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal. It takes place soon after the celebration of Dashain. In Nepal, around 80% of the people are Hindu. They celebrate Tihar by honoring the Hindu goddess of prosperity, Laxmi. Tihar in general signifies the festival of lights, where diyas are lit both inside and outside the houses to welcome the spirit of Laxmi. The festival is considered to be of great importance as it shows reverence to not just humans and the gods, but also to the animals like crows, cows, and dogs who maintain an intense relationship with humans. The animals are draped in garlands and elaborate rangolis, designs made of rice, sand, colorful dyes and flowers are made on the doorsteps.

This week, our Executive Director and Founder, Dr. Christine Schutz, and Director of Development and Operations, Alexis Mead, are celebrating the Tihar Festival in Nepal with the entire BSF staff and Contact Center children.

On the first day of Tihar, crows are worshiped. The crow is believed to be the Messenger of Death, sent from the god Yama. People leave food out for the crows on the first day because they believe the crow carries the messages to the house in the morning. They worship them to bring good luck to themselves.

The second day of Tihar is dedicated to man’s best friend, Kukur, the dog. Generally it is the male dogs who are worshiped. Puja, or ceremonial worship, is done by putting a red tika on a dog’s forehead and flower garland around his neck. They are also offered different foods including sel roti. It is said that dogs can see dangers and death coming.

The third day, Laxmi Puja, is the most important of all. On this day, the people of Nepal honor the cow. In Hinduism, a cow signifies prosperity and wealth, and in ancient times, people benefited much from cows. Thus, on this day people show their gratitude to cows by presenting them with garlands and feeding them with the best grass.

On the fourth day of Tihar, there are three different known pujas, depending on each individual’s specific cultural background. The first puja observed is Goru Tihar or Goru Puja, the worship of the oxen. People who follow Vishnu perform Govardhan Puja, which is worship towards Govardhan mountain. A hill made of cow-dung is taken as representative of the mountain and is worshiped. Additionally, majority of the Newari community also perform “Mha/ Ma Puja,” worship of self, on the night of the fourth day.

The festival ends on Bhai Tika, the fifth day. It is observed by brothers and sisters through the exchanging of gifts and money, and by applying tika to the foreheads of one another to ensure a long life and thanking them for the protection they provide.