Diwali in Nepal: Tihar, the Festival of Animals
In Nepal, the festival of Diwali, known locally as Tihar or Yama Panchak, is a vibrant and deeply spiritual celebration that spans five days, each dedicated to honoring specific animals, deities, and human relationships. Unlike the more firecracker-heavy Diwali celebrations in other parts of the world, Tihar in Nepal is distinguished by its reverence for animals and nature, reflecting the country’s rich cultural and spiritual traditions. This festival, celebrated by Hindus and certain Buddhist communities, particularly the Newari people, is a time of light, love, and gratitude, where every living being—human and animal alike—is acknowledged for its role in the cosmic order. This article explores the devotional significance, rituals, and cultural nuances of Tihar, offering a comprehensive look at one of Nepal’s most cherished festivals.
The Essence of Tihar
Tihar, also known as Deepawali in Nepal, is celebrated over five days, typically in the Nepali month of Kartik (October or November). Each day of Tihar is dedicated to a specific theme, from animals to familial bonds, and is steeped in Hindu mythology and Nepalese traditions. The festival is closely associated with the worship of Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna, whose stories weave through the rituals. Tihar is a time to honor the interconnectedness of life, expressing gratitude to animals for their contributions to human survival and to family members for their enduring love. The festival also celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil, themes shared with Diwali celebrations across the world.
The five days of Tihar are:
- Kaag Tihar (Crow Worship)
- Kukur Tihar (Dog Worship)
- Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja (Cow and Goddess Lakshmi Worship)
- Goru Tihar and Mha Puja (Ox and Self Worship)
- Bhai Tika (Brother-Sister Bond)
Each day carries profound spiritual significance, with rituals that blend devotion, gratitude, and celebration. Below, we delve into the devotional stories and practices associated with each day.
Day 1: Kaag Tihar – Honoring the Crow
The first day of Tihar is dedicated to crows, revered as messengers of Yama, the god of death. In Hindu mythology, crows are believed to carry messages between the living and the dead, serving as intermediaries who warn of impending sorrow or deliver tidings from the afterlife. On Kaag Tihar, Nepalese families rise early and prepare offerings of food, such as rice, sweets, and grains, which are placed on rooftops or in open spaces for crows to eat.
This ritual stems from the belief that feeding crows appeases Yama and prevents misfortune. It is said that crows, with their keen intelligence and sharp cries, can sense danger and communicate it to humans. By honoring them, families seek to ward off bad omens and ensure peace in their households. The act of feeding crows is also a gesture of respect for all living beings, acknowledging their role in the ecosystem.
Homes are cleaned and decorated on this day, setting the tone for the festival. The sight of crows swooping down to partake in the offerings is considered auspicious, signaling that the household’s prayers have been accepted. Kaag Tihar teaches humility and interconnectedness, reminding devotees that even the humblest creatures have a divine purpose.
Day 2: Kukur Tihar – Celebrating Dogs
The second day, Kukur Tihar, is one of the most heartwarming aspects of Tihar, as it celebrates dogs, revered for their loyalty and their mythological role as companions of Yama. In Hindu lore, dogs are believed to guard the gates of the underworld and guide souls on their journey after death. This day is a tribute to the bond between humans and dogs, recognizing their unwavering devotion and protective nature.
On Kukur Tihar, dogs—both pets and strays—are adorned with flower garlands, particularly marigolds, and marked with a tika, a red vermilion paste applied to their foreheads as a sign of blessing. They are fed special treats, such as meat, milk, and other delicacies, as a gesture of gratitude. Even street dogs, often overlooked, are included in the celebrations, reflecting Nepal’s ethos of compassion for all creatures.
The mythology behind Kukur Tihar is tied to the epic Mahabharata, where a dog accompanies the Pandava brother Yudhishthira to the gates of heaven. When the gods refuse to allow the dog entry, Yudhishthira insists on staying with his loyal companion, demonstrating the value of fidelity. This story underscores the reverence for dogs during Tihar, as they are seen as embodiments of loyalty and selflessness.
Kukur Tihar is a day of joy, with communities coming together to honor these animals. The sight of dogs wagging their tails, adorned with garlands and happily munching on treats, brings smiles to young and old alike. It is a reminder of the sacred bond between humans and animals, emphasizing gratitude and kindness.
Day 3: Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja – Worshipping Cows and the Goddess of Wealth
The third day of Tihar is a dual celebration, combining Gai Tihar, the worship of cows, with Laxmi Puja, the veneration of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. In the morning, cows are honored as symbols of abundance and fertility. In Hindu tradition, cows are considered sacred, often referred to as Gau Mata (Mother Cow), and are believed to embody divine qualities. They are worshipped with offerings of grass, grains, and water, and their foreheads are marked with tika.
Cows hold a special place in Nepal’s agrarian society, where they provide milk, dung for fuel, and labor for farming. Gai Tihar is a way to express gratitude for their contributions to human sustenance. The rituals involve cleaning cowsheds and decorating cows with garlands, ensuring they are treated with care and respect.
In the evening, the focus shifts to Laxmi Puja, one of the most significant rituals of Tihar. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as the bringer of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with rangolis (colorful patterns made from colored powders or flowers), oil lamps (diyas), and strings of marigolds. Small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion to symbolize Lakshmi’s arrival into the home.
Families gather to perform puja, offering sweets, fruits, and lit diyas to the goddess. The lighting of diyas is central to Tihar, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and the invitation of divine blessings. In urban areas, electric lights and candles complement traditional oil lamps, creating a dazzling display. The atmosphere is filled with devotion, as families pray for prosperity and happiness in the coming year.
Laxmi Puja also has a social dimension, as neighbors exchange sweets and visit each other’s homes, strengthening community bonds. The day is a blend of reverence for nature (through cow worship) and spiritual aspiration (through Lakshmi worship), making it a cornerstone of Tihar’s celebrations.
Day 4: Goru Tihar and Mha Puja – Honoring Oxen and the Self
The fourth day, Goru Tihar, is dedicated to oxen, the backbone of Nepal’s agricultural economy. Oxen are worshipped for their role in plowing fields and supporting rural livelihoods. Similar to Gai Tihar, oxen are adorned with garlands and tika and fed special meals. This ritual reflects gratitude for their tireless labor and underscores the importance of animals in sustaining human life.
On the same day, the Newari community, one of Nepal’s indigenous groups, celebrates Mha Puja, a unique ritual of self-worship that also marks the Newari New Year. Mha Puja, meaning “worship of the self,” is a profound practice rooted in the belief that the self is divine and worthy of reverence. Participants create intricate mandalas (geometric designs) with offerings of rice, vermilion, and flowers, and perform rituals to honor their own soul and body.
Mha Puja is a time for introspection and renewal, as individuals reflect on their personal growth and aspirations. It is a reminder to nurture one’s inner light and live with purpose and integrity. The Newari New Year celebrations also include feasting, music, and community gatherings, adding a festive spirit to the day.
Day 5: Bhai Tika – Celebrating the Sibling Bond
The final day of Tihar, Bhai Tika, is a heartfelt celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. This day is rooted in the mythological story of Yamuna, who prayed for her brother Yama’s long life and immortality. According to legend, Yamuna applied a tika on Yama’s forehead and performed rituals to protect him, establishing the tradition of Bhai Tika.
On this day, sisters apply a long, multicolored tika on their brothers’ foreheads, often in a vertical line, and offer prayers for their health and longevity. In return, brothers give gifts, money, or blessings to their sisters, symbolizing mutual love and protection. The rituals involve exchanging sweets, fruits, and other offerings, and the day is marked by family gatherings and feasts.
Bhai Tika strengthens familial ties and is a poignant reminder of the importance of sibling relationships. Even in modern times, when families may be separated by distance, siblings make an effort to reunite for this occasion, making it one of the most cherished days of Tihar.
The Spiritual and Cultural Significance of Tihar
Tihar is more than a festival; it is a celebration of life’s interconnectedness. By honoring crows, dogs, cows, oxen, and human relationships, Tihar reflects Nepal’s deep-rooted respect for nature and family. The festival’s emphasis on animals highlights the Hindu and Buddhist principle of ahimsa (non-violence) and the belief that all living beings are part of the divine creation.
The lighting of diyas, the creation of rangolis, and the sharing of sweets and gifts create an atmosphere of joy and unity. Tihar also bridges cultural divides, as it is celebrated by Hindus and Newari Buddhists alike, showcasing Nepal’s syncretic traditions. For the Newari community, Mha Puja and the New Year add a unique dimension, blending indigenous practices with Hindu rituals.
In a broader sense, Tihar is a time to reflect on gratitude, compassion, and the triumph of good over evil. It encourages devotees to live in harmony with nature, cherish family bonds, and seek spiritual and material prosperity. The festival’s rituals, though simple, carry profound meaning, making Tihar a deeply devotional and culturally rich celebration.
Conclusion
Tihar, Nepal’s Festival of Animals, is a beautiful testament to the country’s reverence for life in all its forms. From crows to siblings, each day of Tihar weaves a tapestry of gratitude, devotion, and celebration. The festival’s rituals—feeding animals, lighting diyas, and honoring family—create a sense of unity and purpose, reminding us of the sacred threads that connect all beings. As Nepal glows with the light of diyas and the warmth of familial love, Tihar stands as a beacon of hope, compassion, and spiritual renewal, inviting all to embrace the light within and around them.
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