News
Tihar 2024: Nepal's Festival of Lights and Colors
Tihar, also known as Deepawali or the "Festival of Lights," is one of Nepal's most celebrated and revered festivals. While it shares similarities with India's Diwali, Tihar has unique traditions and rituals that set it apart. Celebrated by Hindus across Nepal, this five-day festival honors various deities, animals, and familial bonds, making it a vibrant display of Nepalese culture. In 2024, Tihar is expected to bring Nepal to life with its magical lights, colors, music, and religious devotion.
What is Tihar?
Tihar, known as the "Festival of Lights and Colors," is the second most important Hindu festival in Nepal after Dashain. Celebrated with great enthusiasm, it is a time to honor both gods and animals that play significant roles in everyday life. The festival's atmosphere is filled with joy, unity, and festivity as houses, streets, and temples are lit up with oil lamps and candles, creating a breathtaking scene. The celebration symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, promoting peace, prosperity, and happiness.
Tihar is closely associated with the worship of animals—specifically crows, dogs, cows, and oxen—each day of the festival. These animals represent various deities and hold special significance in Hindu beliefs. People also revere Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, during this festival, seeking her blessings for a prosperous future.
When is Tihar Celebrated?
Tihar 2024 will begin on November 1 and continue through November 5. The dates of Tihar are determined according to the lunar calendar, starting on the thirteenth day of the waning moon in the month of Kartik (October–November). Each day of the festival honors a different animal or deity, culminating in Bhai Tika, a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters.
Significance of Tihar Festival
Tihar holds deep cultural and religious significance in Nepal. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the festival symbolizes the intricate relationship between humans, animals, and deities. The lighting of oil lamps, known as "diyas," and candles outside homes and temples represents the removal of darkness and ignorance, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Tihar also reflects gratitude towards the animals that play a vital role in agricultural societies, and its customs celebrate these beings' contributions.
The final day, Bhai Tika, is one of the most emotionally significant rituals of the festival. On this day, brothers and sisters gather to honor one another, exchanging blessings and gifts as a symbol of protection and love. Sisters perform rituals for their brothers, praying for their longevity and well-being, while brothers vow to protect their sisters. This bond is central to the ethos of Tihar.
History of Tihar
The origins of Tihar are rooted in Hindu mythology. One of the central legends revolves around Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna. According to the myth, Yamuna performed a special ritual for her brother, offering him food and a tika (a sacred mark on the forehead) to ensure his well-being. Moved by her love and devotion, Yama decreed that all brothers who received tika from their sisters would be blessed with long life and protection. This tradition has continued through the centuries, shaping the Bhai Tika ritual that is so important during Tihar.
Another key element of Tihar's history is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to visit homes during the festival, bestowing wealth and prosperity upon those who welcome her with lights and prayers.
Five Days of Tihar Festival
Tihar is celebrated over five days, each dedicated to a specific animal or deity.
Day 1: Kag Tihar (Crow Worship)
The festival begins by worshipping crows, considered messengers of the gods in Hindu mythology. Offerings of rice, bread, and sweets are made to the birds in the morning, in hopes of warding off death and misfortune. People believe that appeasing the crows brings peace and protection to the household.
Day 2: Kukur Tihar (Dog Worship)
On the second day, people celebrate Kukur Tihar by honoring dogs, which are seen as protectors and loyal companions. In Hinduism, dogs are considered sacred animals that guard the gates to the afterlife. Families place garlands of flowers around the dogs' necks and mark their foreheads with red tika to show gratitude. Special meals are also prepared for them, celebrating their loyalty and friendship.
Day 3: Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja (Cow Worship and Goddess Lakshmi)
The third day of Tihar is divided into two major celebrations. The morning is dedicated to Gai Tihar, where cows are worshipped for their agricultural significance and their association with wealth and fertility. In the evening, the focus shifts to Laxmi Puja, where people light up their homes with oil lamps and candles to invite Goddess Lakshmi. It's believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits only the cleanest and most well-lit homes, so families go to great lengths to make their houses welcoming.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja (Oxen Worship)
The fourth day of Tihar, Govardhan Puja, involves worshipping oxen. These animals are essential to agriculture, and they are honored with offerings of food and garlands. This day also marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Indra, and in some regions, a small hill made of cow dung is created to represent the Govardhan Mountain, which Krishna lifted to protect his devotees.
Day 5: Bhai Tika (Celebration of Siblings)
The final and most cherished day of Tihar is Bhai Tika, dedicated to celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform a special ceremony, applying tika on their brothers' foreheads and offering them garlands made of marigold flowers. Brothers, in turn, give gifts and vow to protect their sisters. This ritual strengthens familial ties and is a heartwarming conclusion to the festival.
Tihar Traditions and Rituals
Tihar is rich with customs that vary from household to household, but there are certain elements that are universally observed. The creation of colorful rangolis (decorative patterns made from colored powder or flowers) outside homes is one such tradition. These intricate designs welcome Goddess Lakshmi and add a festive atmosphere.
Another tradition is the lighting of oil lamps, which are placed around homes, streets, and temples to drive away darkness. People also participate in Deusi-Bhailo, a traditional singing and dancing event where groups of children go door-to-door performing songs in exchange for money and sweets.
Tihar Decorations and Lights
During Tihar, Nepal transforms into a sea of light and color. Homes, temples, and even public spaces are adorned with glowing oil lamps and colorful electric lights. Marigold garlands are hung everywhere, adding to the festival's vibrant atmosphere. In recent years, Tihar decorations have become more elaborate, with modern lighting displays complementing the traditional diyas.
The use of rangolis at doorsteps is also a prominent decoration, with families taking great pride in creating beautiful patterns to welcome the gods. These intricate designs are made with colored powders, rice, and flowers, often taking hours to complete.
Tihar Food and Delicacies
Food plays an important role in the celebration of Tihar. Families prepare an array of traditional dishes and sweets to share with guests and offer to the gods and animals. Sel Roti, a sweet, ring-shaped rice bread, is one of the festival's iconic foods. Kwati, a nourishing soup made from sprouted beans, is another dish commonly enjoyed during the festivities.
Sweets such as laddu and barfi are prepared in abundance, and households also exchange fruits, nuts, and dried foods as gifts. The sharing of food during Tihar strengthens bonds between family members, friends, and neighbors.
Tihar in Different Parts of Nepal
While Tihar is celebrated throughout Nepal, different regions have unique variations in their customs. In urban areas like Kathmandu, the festival tends to be more elaborate, with grand lighting displays and organized Deusi-Bhailo performances. In rural areas, however, the celebration remains more traditional, with a greater emphasis on family rituals and simple offerings.
In the Terai region, Tihar is celebrated as Diwali, with more focus on the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. The rituals in this area are similar to those found in the Indian state of Bihar, which shares cultural ties with Nepal’s southern regions.
Eco-Friendly Tihar Celebrations
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of Tihar, particularly with regard to the use of firecrackers and non-biodegradable decorations. Many people are now opting for eco-friendly celebrations by using organic materials for rangolis, biodegradable decorations, and minimizing the use of fireworks.
Initiatives by local communities and environmental organizations have promoted the use of oil lamps instead of electric lights to reduce energy consumption and encouraged people to celebrate with minimal waste. This shift reflects Nepal's broader efforts to preserve its natural beauty while maintaining the cultural essence of its festivals.
Tihar Around the World
While Tihar is primarily a Nepali festival, it is celebrated by Nepali communities across the globe. In countries with large Nepali diasporas such as India, Bhutan, and Malaysia, Tihar brings families and friends together, allowing them to maintain their cultural roots. Major cities like New York, London, and Sydney also see Tihar celebrations, with Nepali temples and community centers organizing cultural programs, feasts, and prayers.
The global celebration of Tihar highlights the cultural pride of Nepali communities and the importance of preserving traditions, even far from home.
Conclusion
Tihar 2024 promises to be a magical experience, filled with lights, colors, and meaningful rituals that celebrate the bond between humans, animals,, and deities. As Nepal’s "Festival of Lights and Colors," Tihar illuminates the nation in vibrant hues, creating a sense of unity, joy, and spiritual reverence. The festival's customs, from the worship of animals to the familial bond of Bhai Tika, showcase the deep cultural and religious roots of Nepal’s Hindu traditions. Each day of Tihar is a testament to the connection between nature, animals, humans, and the divine.
If you’re planning to experience Tihar in Nepal in 2024, consider visiting during this time to witness the festival’s beauty firsthand. The lights, colors, and music that fill the streets are sure to leave a lasting impression. For more information on visiting Nepal during Tihar, you can check out the official websites of Nepal's Ministry of Tourism, Nepal's visa application site, or the Nepal Tourism Board. These resources will help you plan your trip and make the most of this incredible cultural experience.
Useful Links:
Let Offvisa help you with your Nepal eVisa application, ensuring a memorable and stress-free travel experience.
