Tihar or Teohar

Tihar or Theohar, which is also known as Deepawali is a festival, which is celebrated by the Nepali community.
The Dashain festival is followed by Tihar festival. The festival is celebrated during the months of October or November. The name Tihar symbolizes the festival of lights, as during this occasion candles are lit both inside and outside the houses in order to celebrate this auspicious event. The main significance of this festival is the welcoming of Goddess Laxmi into the homes of the people for prosperity and also to strengthen the bond between the brothers and sisters. It is a five day festival, which is celebrated not only to honor the humans and Gods, but also the animals like crows, dogs and cow, who have an intense relationship with the humans since ages. All together, the Tihar festival is celebrated for a prosperous life and good fortune.  

The Five Days of Tihar

First day- The first day is known as Kag Tihar. On this day crows are worshipped and fed with some delicious meals and offered to the bird outside the house. The main purpose of worshipping the crows on this day is that they are considered as the messenger of Lord of Death, Yama. People worship the crows to keep away the misfortune and death among the family the family members. 

Second day- The second day of the festival is known as KuKur Tihar. Kukur is the Nepali word for dogs, who are considered to be one the most loyal friends of mankind. People worship the dogs by putting a tika on their foreheads and put a garland of flowers around their necks. This followed by offering them with delicious foods and sel roti (fox bread).  Dogs are believed to forecast dangers beforehand and also the death of people.  

Third day – The third day of this occasion is known as Ghai or cow Tihar. The cows are worshipped on this day early in the morning. Cows are believed as the mother of the universe according to the Hindu mythology. Cows are also regarded as a form of Goddess Laxmi, according to the Hindus. Thus, they are regarded as a sacred animal and are worshipped with sesame oil light, garland of flower and red color tika, which is also known as abir. After worshipping the cows, they are fed with sel roti, wheat flour, rice and dal. Some also follow the tradition of drinking some amount of cow’s urine, as it is believed to purify their body from diseases. 

On the third day, Goddess Laxmi is also worshipped in the evening. The worship of the Goddess is considered as the Goddess of wealth and her worship is done with great enthusiasm and devotion. During the afternoon, houses are cleaned and houses are illuminated with candle lights and oil lamps. The puja is conducted during the dusk hours, mostly by female members. Houses are decorated with rangolis during this time and the gates are decorated with flower garlands, which mainly comprises of marigold flowers. During the evening time of the day, girls and kids go out to the neighbrorhood and sing traditional songs called ‘Bhailo songs’. Another special feature about this day is the bursting of crackers. It is believed that Goddess laxmi enters the homes of people, which are kept clean and bright. 

Fourth Day

The fourth day of the festival is marked with Deusi or Deusuray songs, sung by the men. Men go to the lawns of the people on this day and sing Deusi songs, which comprises of traditional songs and Nepali folk songs. The ritual of Govardahn puja or Goru Tihar is also celebrated on this day. 

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 Fifth Day

The fifth day is also known as Bhai Tika, which marks the bonding of sisters and brothers. On this day, sisters invite their brothers to their home and worship them for the long and prosperous life of their brothers. They apply tika on the forehead of their brother, which is followed by other rituals. Sisters walk around the brothers three times while dropping oil on the floor form a pitcher, forming a line around them, which is believed to prevent even Yama, the god of death from entering the line and keeping him from any misfortune and death.