KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 22

Tihar, the second festival of Nepal after Dashain celebrated by Hindus, will begin from tomorrow. Also called the festival of lights, Tihar is generally celebrated for five days worshipping goddess Laxmi, goddess of affluence and wealth.

People decorate their homes and businesses with different kinds of lights during this festival.

Yama, the god of death, is honoured in the festival. Yama's relationship with his sister is also celebrated by commoners with brothers receiving tika from their sisters.

The first day of the Tihar festival is Kaag Tihar. On this day, people offer delicacies and prayers to crows. Crows are worshipped as messengers of death as per the Hindu tradition.

On the second day, Kukur Tihar is celebrated by offering puja to dogs in the morning.

Later on that day, Laxmi Puja is marked by worshipping goddess Laxmi. On this day, people clean their houses. Later in the evening, they make colourful decorations outside their homes known as Rangoli to welcome goddess Laxmi into their homes. On the same night, youngsters play traditional Deusi-Bhailo - a singing-dancing and merrymaking event - by visiting the neighbourhoods.

People decorate their homes with various kinds of lights, diyos, candles and firecrackers on this day.

Likewise, Gai Tihar will be observed on November 25 when holy cows are worshipped.

The cow is also taken as a symbol of mother and goddess Laxmi by the Hindu community.

On the fourth day (November 26), people mark Govardan Puja and Goru Tihar when the ox is worshipped as a symbol of one's prosperity. People from the Newar community celebrate the fourth day of Yama Panchak as Mha Puja (worship of oneself). The day is also the beginning of Nepal Sambat calendar.

On November 27, the final day of Tihar, Bhai Tika will be celebrated when women offer tika to their brothers and vice-versa.

A version of this article appears in the print on October 23, 2022 of The Himalayan Times.