Tihar(The festival of light)

 TEXT: SUJATA MAGAR
Just after the end of glorious Dashain celebration, Tihar has headed its way. The whole country celebrates it as the second biggest festival after Dashain. Celebrated in late autumn, 13th day of the waning moon in October, Tihar also referred as Panchak Yama, literally meaning 'Five Day of Underground Lord'. The festival is also meant for life and prosperity.
Tihar comes with five days of fun and rejoicement. It is the festival of
crackers, lights, elite banquet and rhymes enchanted hereabouts. The entire country comes alive with lights, revelers in high spirits singing Deusi and Bhailo. The festival indeed is of supreme delight. Since these are the ways on how we celebrate, let's know why we celebrate the festival.

KAAG TIHAR: As per the Hindu mythology, Tihar starts-off with worshipping Kaug (crow). Believed to be as the henchman of underground lord, Yamaraj, devotees offer nosh and saccharine on a plate made out of leaves in the morning before anyone in the house intakes any food. This justifies why we behold crows
sitting about sans fear of hum Crowing of kaag (crow) symbi and woe, thus to evade th* present them with such offes crows are messengers of the are honored on the day.
KUKUR TIHAR

Chá inta Asa dew dogs their dwellings. It is believed guards the underground em entering our residence. Also di fearful Bhairab, the God of 11 Kukur is adorned with accolad the saying goes "Every dog ha even the stray ones are revered Devotees pray dogs to guard di as s/he guards the gate of the ii and diverts the destruction ap our homesGAI TIHAR AND LAXMI PUJA: The third day is Gai Tihar. The most important day ival. Cow, regarded as the the universe, is adored on line with Hinduism, humans their offspring until the age ben after Gai (cow) acts as Ate mother for the entire The most holy animal for nti typifies prosperity and Thus to exhibit veneration, lifer Gai with chaplet and grass. Adobes are cleaned ornamentation of windows rYs-
ening approaches, the entire iip Lalcshmi- the goddesses The entire country is with possessing prominent mlors. Firecrackers, revelers lo and Deusi, doorways and orated with wreath and red daily attraction of this day. e that Goddess Lakshmi will in the house that is bright he devotees offer nosh and garlands, embellishments,
fireworks and others to express gratitude towards the prosperity bestowed upon them by the goddess. It is done also to invite affluence and abundance for days to come. Especially, females sing songs of Bhailo in yards of house owners and renters to praise the Goddess and receive gifts from them in return.
GOBARDHAN PUJA AND MHA PUJA: The fourth day is distinct. Everything that is worshipped depends upon the specific cultural background.
Normally, most of the people worship Guru Puja. Oxen with vermilion are worshiped on the day. On the other hand, followers of Lord Krishna perform Gobhardhan Puja. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna uplifted Govardhan Parvat (hill) and safeguarded millions of populace and creatures (cows) from torrential rain. A small hill made out of cow dung and some grass symbolizing Gobhardhan Panvat is erected, which is then worshipped.
Newar community performs Mha puja, the ritual of worshipping one's own body and soul, to purify oneself and to remain healthy and happy for the rest of the year. The people of the Newar community
worship life by performing puja on them. Newari year starts from the same day Among many community calendars, Nhuedaya Bhintuna is one of them.
BHAI TIKA: Tihar ends on fifth day, Bhai Tika, the day for brothers and sisters. The astrologers provide appropriate time (sayet) to celebrate the day and the entire nation abides by it. Sisters make offerings to their brothers for their longevity to safeguard the lives of his sister and brothers in return reward them with and gifts. The ritual starts with breaking of a walnut, putting on garlands made up of Makhmali (Globe Amaranth or Bachelor Button), and encircling brothers in rings of mustard oil; performed to be-shield them from Yama, the lord of death. The festival brings brothers and sisters closer.
The most exotic and dazzling festival comes to an end with five magnificent days of worship and honor to the goddess of wealth. Laxmi.
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