Tihar – Festival of Lights, Dogs, and Sibling Bonds

Tihar – Festival of Lights, Dogs, and Sibling Bonds

Among all the festivals celebrated in Nepal, Tihar holds a unique place in everyone’s heart. Known as the “Festival of Lights” or “Deepawali”, Tihar is a five-day celebration that honors animals, deities, and human relationships — especially the bond between brothers and sisters. यो चाडले उज्यालो, आस्था, माया र सद्भाव फैलाउँछ।

🗓️ When is Tihar Celebrated?

Tihar usually falls in the month of October or November, right after Dashain. It is observed for five days: Kag Tihar, Kukur Tihar, Gai Tihar/Laxmi Puja, Govardhan Puja/Mha Puja, and Bhai Tika. Each day has its own deep significance and rituals.

🕊️ Day 1 – Kag Tihar (Crow Day)

The first day of Tihar is dedicated to the crow — regarded as the messenger of Yama, the god of death. In Nepali culture, crows symbolize news and transition. बिहानै crow लाई खाना राखेर पूजा गरिन्छ ताकि दुःखद खबर नआओस् भन्ने विश्वास छ।

🐶 Day 2 – Kukur Tihar (Dog Day)

Perhaps the most globally adored aspect of Tihar, this day celebrates dogs — known as faithful companions and protectors. घरमा पालिएका अनि सडकमा रहेका कुकुरलाई माला, टीका र मिठो खाना दिइन्छ। Photos of decorated dogs often go viral, earning global admiration for Nepal’s respect toward animals.

🐮 Day 3 – Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja

This day starts with worshipping cows, seen as the symbol of wealth, motherhood, and respect. गाईलाई घरको ढोका अगाडि पूजा गरिन्छ, रातो टीका र माला लगाइन्छ, अनि मीठो खाना खुवाइन्छ।

As the evening falls, homes are cleaned and decorated with oil lamps, candles, and lights. Laxmi Puja is performed to welcome the goddess of wealth into the home. Children sing Deusi-Bhailo songs, going door to door and receiving sel roti, fruits, and money.

🐂 Day 4 – Govardhan Puja / Mha Puja (Mainly in Newar Culture)

In the hilly regions and among Hindu families, this day is celebrated as Govardhan Puja, where an image of the Govardhan mountain (made of cow dung) is worshipped. It symbolizes Lord Krishna’s protection of his devotees.

For the Newar community, this day marks Mha Puja, a ritual of self-purification. Each family member sits on a mandala drawn with colorful powders and receives blessings for the new year.

👫 Day 5 – Bhai Tika (Brother-Sister Day)

The final day of Tihar is emotionally significant — Bhai Tika celebrates the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. दिदीबहिनीहरूले आफ्ना दाजुभाइलाई पञ्चरङ्गी टीका, माला र मिठा परिकार दिएर दीर्घायुको कामना गर्छन्। Brothers, in return, offer gifts, blessings, and promises of protection.

One famous legend behind this day is the story of Yamuna, who stopped the god of death from taking her brother’s soul until she could complete the Bhai Tika ritual. Hence, the tika represents the protective power of sibling love.

🏠 Tihar Decorations – The Festival of Lights

During Tihar, Nepali homes glow with beauty. Lamps (diyo), electric lights, rangolis, and flowers adorn doorways. घरभित्र लक्ष्मीको स्वागतका लागि दीप जलाइन्छ। The air smells of incense, marigolds, sel roti, and fresh paint. It’s not just spiritual — it’s aesthetic and joyful.

🎶 Deusi-Bhailo – Songs of Celebration

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Tihar is Deusi-Bhailo. Young boys and girls form groups and go house to house singing blessings for prosperity. In return, they receive gifts, money, and snacks. "Bhana Bhailo Bhana" echoes in every tole, creating a festive atmosphere.

🌍 Tihar Beyond Nepal

Tihar is celebrated by Nepali communities across the world — from the U.S. to the U.K., Australia to the Gulf countries. Families try to recreate rituals even in foreign lands, connecting children to their roots. Social media has helped globalize the beauty of Tihar, especially Kukur Tihar and Bhai Tika.

💗 Emotional Connection

Tihar is about lights, yes — but also about love. It honors those who protect us (dogs), nurture us (cows), and stand by us (siblings). यो चाडले आत्मीयता, सद्भाव र सम्बन्धको सम्मान गर्छ। It brings communities together and strengthens family ties.

🔚 Conclusion

Tihar is not just a festival — it’s a celebration of life, love, and light. It teaches us to respect all living beings and value our closest relationships. Whether you're lighting a lamp for Laxmi or placing a tika on your brother’s forehead, Tihar fills the heart with gratitude.

Let the lights of Tihar guide us toward harmony and hope, year after year. शुभ तिहार! 🪔