My experienced on Tihar

Among the festivals we celebrate, Dashain being the greatest one for Nepalese is always celebrated with the zeal and in joyful ways. It is celebrated almost for 15 days in the month of October; 1st, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th days are the most important.

1. KAAG TIHAR – WORSHIPING CROWS

The first day of the festival is called Kaag Tihar. That day My family wake up early in the morning and cook food for crows. After cooking food, we worshiped crows by offering them sweets and dishes, which are placed on the roofs of houses. 

2. KUKUR TIHAR – WORSHIPING DOGS

The second day is called Kukur Tihar (worship of the dogs). It is also called the Khicha Puja by the Newars. We worshiped dogs by giving delicious food and we put tika and garland to the dogs.

3. LAXMI PUJA – WORSHIPING COWS / GODDESS LAXMI

The third day is the most important of all and is called Laxmi Puja. On this day, we  worshiped cows. In Hinduism, a cow signifies prosperity and wealth. Thus, on this day we show our gratefulness to cows by garlanding and feeding our cows with the best grass. My house are cleaned and the doorways and windows are decorated with garlands made of Sayapatri (marigolds) and Makhamali flowers. In the evening, Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth is thanked for all the benefits that we were bestowed on the families by lighting oil lamps (Diyo) or candles on doorways and windows to welcome prosperity and well being. At night, the girls and boys enjoyed dancing and visiting all the houses of the neighborhood with musical instruments singing and dancing known as Bhaili. I also enjoyed with them.

4. GOVARDHAN PUJA – WORSHIPPING OXEN

On the fourth day of Tihar, there are three different known pujas, depending on the people’s specific cultural background. It is observed as Goru Tihar or Goru Puja (worship of the oxen). This day We wake up early in the morning and we worship ox by giving them foods and grass with putting tika and garland.

5. BHAI TIKA – WORSHIPPING BROTHERS & SISTERS]

The fifth and last day of Tihar is called Bhai Tika and we observed by  applying tika to brothers in the foreheads also I ensure long life and thanking them for the protection they provide. They also put me tika and gave me gifts. We eat different types of meals. Also we did fun and we take some photos.