Happy Tihar Contact Center Celebration!!

A real treat for me in my 17th year visiting Nepal has been spending time with friends and the Mitrata children for the festival of lights called Tihar.  The shops and streets become crowded (even more than usual believe it or not) with shoppers preparing for meals with family and a 5 day holiday.  Houses are decorated with all kinds of lighting and doorways and altars become artistic creations decorated with diyos (candles with cotton wick and oil in small clay pots), leaves, flowers, and elaborate painted designs.  

The 5 day holiday involves days set aside to celebrate and honor, the Crow, the Dog, the goddess Laxmi (who represents prosperity and wealth),  Brothers and Sisters and the Ox.  Puja, putting tika on forehead, songs and eating special sweets like ladu and selroti are part of the tradition.  

We celebrated Tihar yesterday at the Contact Center. Momos were being made by hand when I arrived and they were the best ever, filled with paneer and vegetables! I can’t believe how many momos we all ate! I had the privilege of giving out many treats to the children and there was plenty of laughter, and singing and celebration. 

Making momos!

Thanks to our terrific BSF staff it was a wonderful day where sweetness and love are given freely to all. It is a reminder to me of the abundance in our lives and the importance of sharing in the light of the world! Happy Tihar everyone and may the light shine on you!

— Dr. Christine Schutz, Executive Director