Nepal has many festivals and one of them is Tihar. It is celebrated in the month of Karthik. This festival is also called Yam Panchak because it is celebrated for five days.

It is also called the festival of lights.

During Tihar, the houses are cleaned and people decorate their house with garlands. People keep light burning in their houses throughout the night.

On the first day, people worship the crow by giving food, while the dog is worshipped on the second day of this festival. On the third day, goddess Laxmi is worshiped and this day is called Laxmi puja. People worship Goddess Laxmi by offering different kinds of sweets and fruits. Laxmi is considered as the goddess of fortune and wealth. On the fourth day, according to the Newari culture, people celebrate Mha puja in which people worship themselves.

The fifth day is celebrated as brother’s day in which sisters worship their brothers by putting tika and giving gifts, sweets and blessings.

We celebrate Tihar in this way, a festival that brings happiness and prosperity in our life. As this festival occurs once a year I think we should not misuse this occasion by gambling or drinking but should celebrate with happiness and joy.

— Aditi Shrestha,

Class VIII, Future Stars

High School