Tihar, the festival of Lights is one of the largest festival celebrated by the Hindu people all over the world. This five day festival celebrated in honor of yama, the God of Death has a special and amazing way of celebration. Falling on either October or November, Tihar (also named as Dipawali) is celebrated by Worshiping Crow on the first day, kukur on second day, Gai or Laxmi on third day, Oxen or self on fourth day and brothers on last day.
On the first day, the crow, the messenger of Yama is worshipped by offering sweets and food to the Kaag. On the second day, dogs are worshipped by garland and great delicious food. In hinduism it is believed that dogs guard the underworld empire just like it guards our everyday homes. Whereas in China, dogs are killed in the name of festival yulin dog meat festival. The third day is the important day during tihar festival as during this day Goddess Laxmi and Cow are worshipped. Cow is considered as the mother in Hindu religion as she gives milk which is better for health. Cows are worshipped with the flower garland on the neck and red tika in forehead and offered with the delicious food. In the evening, Hindu people worship goddess Laxmi in homes, offices, industries and companies. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Laxmi will bring the prosperity with the wealth. Specially from this day, dausi and Bhailo is sung by the young boys and girls visiting door to door singing and dancing. The last day is the most important day of the festival called as Bhai Tika. In this day, sisters and brothers celebrate with a special puja, seven color tika, garland and delicious food. sister dabs seven colors on top of the base using her fingers.ome may give tika with the help of a small stick or a brush without the using banana leaves. In this case, small stick is dipped into the tika base, then brushed vertically on the forehead, then using a different stick, the seven colors are applied on top of the base. After tika, flower garland is put around brother's neck. Then brothers give tika to sisters in the same fashion. Sisters also receive flower garland around their neck. Brothers give gifts such as clothes or money to sisters while sisters give a special gift. Those without a sister or brother, join relatives or friends for tika. Sisters pray for their brother's long life to the Hindu God of Death (Yam Raj). In this way, Tihar festival celebrate in Nepalese society within Hindu culture.
First Day Kaag (Crow) Tihar
 |
| Kaag Tihar |
Second Day Kukur (Dog) Tihar
 |
| Kukur Tihar |
Third Day Gai (Cow) and Laxmi Tihar
 |
| Gai Tihar |
Fourth Day Oxen Tihar/Gobhardan Puja
Fifth Day Bhai Tika
0 comments:
Post a Comment