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Tihar (festival)

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Tihar
तिहार
Night view of the Kathmandu during the festival (2009)
Also called
  • Yamapanchak
  • Dipawali
Observed byHindu, Newar Buddhist, and other ethnic Nepalese
Type
  • Religious
  • cultural
  • seasonal
Significance
Celebrations
ObservancesPrayers and religious rituals
Begins
Ends
2026 date
  • 7 November (begins)
  • 11 November (ends)
Duration5 days
FrequencyAnnual
Related to

Tihar (Nepali: तिहार) is a Nepalese Hindu festival of lights and flowers celebrated by the Nepalese people and the global Nepalese diaspora.[1][2] The festival lasts for five days, with each day dedicated to different animals and deities. According to the Bikram Sambhat calendar, it begins with Kaag Tihar (on the thirteenth day of the krishna paksha in the month of Kartika) and ends with Bhai Tika (on the second day of the shukla paksha in the month of Kartika as well). In the Gregorian calendar, Tihar typically falls between October and November each year.[3][4]

In the Kathmandu Valley, Tihar is traditionally referred to as Yamapanchak by Newar communities, while in Madhesh Province it is commonly known as Dipawali among Madheshi communities. Across the rest of Nepal, as well as in regions such as Sikkim, Darjeeling, and some other parts of Northeast India, the festival is known as Tihar and is widely celebrated by the Nepalese people, people of Nepalese origin in India, people of Nepalese origin in Myanmar, and the Nepalese diaspora around the world.

Tihar is marked by lighting Diyo (lamps) both inside and outside homes. The five-day includes the worship of the four animals: Crow, Dog, Cow, and Ox, associated with the, Yama, god of death and justice, as well as the, Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity in Hinduism,[1] with the final day dedicated to the bond between people, especially siblings, known as Bhai Tika.[5]

Celebration

[edit]

Nepal's various communities celebrate Tihar in different ways. The festival is popularly known as Swanti among the Newar community and as Dipawali among Madheshi communities.[6] Nepaess also make patterns on the floors of living rooms or courtyards using materials such as coloured rice, dry flour, coloured sand or flower petals, called Rangoli, as a sacred welcoming for the gods and goddesses, particularly Lakshmi.[7] For five days, people decorate their homes, and light diyo, candles, electric string lights around the house in the evenings. As Lakshmi puja falls on the new moon night, which is the darkest night of the lunar month, people light those diyo, candles. etc. to remove the darkness and bring the light to home to welcome the goddess Lakshmi.

Firecrackers are often set off during the festival, although the Nepal government has placed a ban on the use of firecrackers in recent years citing increasing cases of injury.[8]

Children also go from house to house to play Deusi/Bhailo (singing songs and asking for gifts in the form of money and foodstuff.)[5]

Gambling in the form of cards, kauda (a game of cowrie shells), or langur burja are popular pastimes during the festival.[9]

Tihar is the second biggest Nepali festival after Dashain, and is usually allocated a three-day-long national holiday. The festival is considered novel in that it shows reverence to not just the gods, but also to animals such as crows, cows, and dogs that have long-lived alongside humans.

Kaag Tihar (Day 1)

[edit]
Main article: Kaag Tihar

The first day of Tihar is called Kaag Tihar (Nepali: काग तिहार).[10] Crows and ravens are believed to be the messengers of Yama, the god of death and justice, and are worshipped with offerings of grains, seeds, and sweets placed on the roofs or out on the streets.[11] The cawing of crows and ravens is associated with sadness and grief in Hinduism as these birds are believed to carry messages from Yama. By feeding the crows, devotees hope to appease them and ward off death and grief for the coming year.[3]

Alongside Kaag Tihar, Dhanteras (also known as Dhan Trayodashi and Dhanwantari Jayanti) is also observed on this day.[12] Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine is revered on this day. There is also a tradition of people buying jewelries, utensils and home appliances on this day. It is considered auspicious to buy gold or silver on this day.[13]

Kukur Tihar (Day 2)

[edit]
Main article: Kukur Tihar

The second day of Tihar is called Kukur Tihar (Nepali: कुकुर तिहार), during which dogs are worshipped.[14][15] On this day, all dogs (both pets and strays) are offered food, given tika on their foreheads, and adorned with marigold garlands around their necks. The day celebrates the deep bond between humans and dogs, recognizing their loyalty and companionship.

In Hinduism, this tradition is also reflected in the Mahabharata, where Yudhishthira refuses to enter the gates of Svarga (heaven) without his faithful dog, who is later revealed to be the god Yama.[16] Thus, this ancient story symbolizes the bond between humans and dogs.[17]

As mentioned in the Mahabharata, Bhairava, a fierce manifestation of Shiva, is often depicted with a dog as his vahana (mount). Yama, the god of death and justice, is also said to have two guard dogs, each with four eyes, who watch over the gates of Naraka (hell).[18]

Due to this associations, this day is also observed as Naraka Chaturdashi.[19]

Kukur Tihar has since gained widespread popularity on the internet, and in 2016 it was even adopted by a Mexican animal rights group for a similar celebration in Mexico City.[20]

Gai Tihar and Lakshmi Puja (Day 3)

[edit]
Main article: Lakshmi Puja
A couple worships a cow

The morning of the third day of Tihar is called Gai Tihar (Nepali: गाई तिहार). The cow holds a sacred and highly respected place in Hinduism. It is revered as a gentle and giving animal that provides more than it takes. The cow produces milk, from which products such as cheese and ghee are made, as well as dung and urine,[21] which are traditionally used in various cultural and agricultural practices.[22][23][24] Thus, on the third day of Tihar, Hindu people show their gratitude to the cow by feeding them treats and worshipping them with tika and garlands.[25]

Woman lighting a diyo
A woman lighting a diyo while surrounded by electric lights

The night of the third day of Tihar is called Lakshmi Puja (Nepali: लक्ष्मी पूजा). It is also considered the most important day of the Tihar festival. Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity is welcomed into homes that have been cleaned and the doorways and windows decorated with garlands made out of marigolds.

Diyo lamps are lit throughout the home, especially at doorways and windows, while electric lights are draped over houses in the belief that the goddess will not visit dark homes.[5][26] In the evening, a special Puja (worship) is performed, offering prayers for prosperity, wealth, and good health.

On this day, young children go from house to house singing and dancing in a tradition called Deusi/Bhailo.[27] In return for their performance, they are offered money and traditional Nepali food such as Sel roti as a gesture of appreciation.[28]

Goru Puja and Mha Puja (Day 4)

[edit]
Main article: Mha Puja

The fourth day of Tihar is called Goru Puja (Nepali: गोरु पूजा), during which the ox is worshipped. In Hinduism, the ox is regarded as the counterpart of the cow, valued especially for its role in agriculture and manual labour.[29]

On the same day, many Vaishnav Hindu devotees also perform Govardhan Puja, offering worship to the sacred Govardhan Hill in reverence of Lord Krishna and his divine protection.[30]

The fourth day of Tihar also generally coincides with the first day of the Nepal Sambat calendar. On this occasion, the Newar community observes Mha Puja, it is a unique tradition where the self and the soul within is worshipped.[31]

Bhai Tika (Day 5)

[edit]
Main article: Bhai Dooj

The fifth and last day of Tihar is called Bhai Tika (Nepali: भाइ टिका). On this final day, which is celebrated with much fanfare across the country, brothers and sisters mark their special bond by worshipping each other with giving gifts to each other to express their feelings.[32]

The legend goes that when the goddess Yamuna's brother fell mortally ill, Yama the god of death came to take his soul. Yamuna pleaded with the death god to wait until she had finished her final puja for her brother. She then embarked on a long elaborate ceremony that grew to include Yama. The Yamuna then asked Yama to not take away her brother until the tika on his forehead had faded, the oil she had sprinkled on him had dried and the Makhamali Ful Ko Mala (Gomphrena globosa) garlands she had put around his neck had wilted.[33][34][verify]

Thus, on the fifth day of Tihar, sisters create a protective barrier of holy water and blessed oil around their brothers, circumambulating them several times. A special garland made out of the makhamali flower (Gomphrena globosa) is placed around the brother's neck as this flower is known for its long life. The tika placed on the forehead of the brother is also unique in that it consists of seven different colours. The tika is also placed on the sister's forehead by the brother.[35]

The ceremony is performed regardless of whether the brother is older or younger than the sister and first or second cousins are also eligible for the ceremony. In the end, the brother touches the feet of their sisters with their forehead, signifying love, respect and devotion. The brothers receive a variety of cooked food such as sel roti, fruits and packaged food while the sisters receive cash or other gifts such as clothing.[36]

See also

[edit]
  • Swanti– a similar festival celebrated by the Newar community of Nepal

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Read, James. "Primer on Tihar" (PDF). Oxford University.
  2. ^ Bruce Vivash Jones (2021). The History of Veterinary Medicine and the Animal-Human Relationship. 5m Books Ltd. p. 214. ISBN 978-1-78918-177-7.
  3. ^ a b "Kaag Tihar: When crow are worshiped". nepaltraveller.com. Archived from the original on 22 October 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  4. ^ Nepal, Naturally. "Tihar". www.welcomenepal.com. Archived from the original on 13 June 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  5. ^ a b c Burbank, Jon; Elias, Josie (2014). Nepal (3rd ed.). Cavendish Square Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-0-7614-8021-1. OCLC 1046067057.
  6. ^ Toffin, Gerrard (2007). The Mwahni (Dasai) Festival and the Caste System. Social Science Baha. p. 316. ISBN 978-99933-43-95-0.
  7. ^ Selvamony 2006, pp. 172
  8. ^ "Inspections stepped up to curb import of illegal firecrackers during Tihar festival". kathmandupost.com. Archived from the original on 29 November 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  9. ^ "Police step up crackdown on illegal gambling dens". kathmandupost.com. Archived from the original on 2 November 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  10. ^ "Tihar begins; Kaag Tihar today". The Himalayan Times. 28 October 2016. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
  11. ^ "Yampanchak begins: Kaag Tihar today". kathmandupost.com. Archived from the original on 28 October 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  12. ^ Republica. "Tihar begins, Kag Tihar being observed today; Three day holiday". My Republica. Archived from the original on 13 October 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
  13. ^ "Bullion sales see modest rise on Dhanteras day". kathmandupost.com. Archived from the original on 13 October 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
  14. ^ "Kukur Tihar being observed across the nation". The Himalayan Times. 29 October 2016. Archived from the original on 1 November 2016. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
  15. ^ George van Driem (1993). A grammar of Dumi, Volume 10 (illustrated ed.). Walter de Gruyter. p. 404. ISBN 978-3-11-012351-7.
  16. ^ "In Nepal, Diwali is a time to worship the dogs". Condé Nast Traveller India. 22 October 2019. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  17. ^ McHugh, Susan (4 August 2004). Dog. Reaktion Books. ISBN 978-1-86189-488-5. Archived from the original on 2 November 2023. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
  18. ^ "Yama, the First Man, and King of the Dead". sacred-texts.com. Archived from the original on 23 April 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  19. ^ "Did you know there is a dog puja festival in Nepal on Choti Diwali day?". The Indian Express. 18 October 2017. Archived from the original on 24 December 2020. Retrieved 24 December 2020.
  20. ^ Times, Nepali (12 November 2018). "Mexico adopts Kukur Tihar". Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  21. ^ Service, Kimberly Winston | Religion News (5 November 2015). "The 'Explainer: What makes the cow sacred to Hindus?". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on 10 August 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  22. ^ Jarald, E. Edwin; Edwin, S.; Tiwari, V.; Garg, R.; Toppo, E. (January 2008). "Antidiabetic Activity of Cow Urine and a Herbal Preparation Prepared Using Cow Urine". Pharmaceutical Biology. 46 (10–11): 789–792. doi:10.1080/13880200802315816. ISSN 1388-0209. S2CID 71222484.
  23. ^ "Seven health benefits of cow urine that will surprise you". www.timesnownews.com. 15 August 2017. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  24. ^ "StackPath". www.gardeningknowhow.com. 8 March 2010. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  25. ^ "shikshasanjal". www.shikshasanjal.com. Archived from the original on 17 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  26. ^ "Laxmi Puja observed with fanfare". kathmandupost.com. Archived from the original on 2 December 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  27. ^ "Let culture, tradition be". The Himalayan Times. 28 October 2005. Archived from the original on 2 November 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  28. ^ Sangroula, Prasun (4 November 2021). "A brief history of deusi bhailo culture and how it is adapting to changing times". Nepal Live Today. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  29. ^ RSS. "Gai Puja, Goru Puja being observed". My Republica. Archived from the original on 5 December 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  30. ^ "Govardhan Puja, Goru Puja being observed today". thehimalayantimes.com. 20 October 2017. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  31. ^ Nepal, Naturally. "Mha Puja". www.welcomenepal.com. Archived from the original on 3 November 2016. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  32. ^ Perry, Cindy (1 April 1990). "Bhai-Tika and "Tij Braka": A Case Study in the Contextualization of Two Nepali Festivals". Missiology. 18 (2): 177–183. doi:10.1177/009182969001800205. ISSN 0091-8296. S2CID 154904190.
  33. ^ "Bhai Tika, The Brothers' Day!". ECS NEPAL. Archived from the original on 14 August 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  34. ^ Magazine, New Spolight. "Bhai Tika Or Bhai Dooj 2019". SpotlightNepal. Archived from the original on 24 October 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  35. ^ Perry, Cindy (1 April 1990). "Bhai-Tika and "Tij Braka": A Case Study in the Contextualization of Two Nepali Festivals". Missiology. 18 (2): 177–183. doi:10.1177/009182969001800205. S2CID 154904190. Archived from the original on 15 May 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  36. ^ "What is Diwali and how do Australian communities celebrate it?". SBS Language. 29 September 2022. Archived from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
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