Our nation has diversity in religion, culture and ethnic groups. Each group celebrates festivals according to their own culture and traditions. One such festival is Tihar.

Tihar is also called Deepawali or Diwali, meaning festival of lights. During this time people light oil lamps, candles et cetera in their houses. Children are very fond of playing with firecrackers.

Each day has its own story. On the first day also known as Kaag (crow) Tihar, the crow is worshipped for good news. Kukur (dog) Tihar is celebrated on the second day.

On the third day, Goddess Laxmi is worshipped. This auspicious day is also known as Laxmi puja. Goddess Laxmi is believed to be the goddess of wealth. So, devotees worship Goddess Laxmi for wealth and prosperous life.

The fourth day is known as Gobardhan puja on which the ox is worshipped for its help in agriculture by ploughing the land. But on the same day Newar families worship their bodies for longer life. It is called Mha puja. The last and the fifth day of Tihar is known as Bhai tika, when sisters worship their brothers.

— Lasta Joshi, Class VIII,

Future Stars High School