October / Novembermajor Festival
Tihar (Deepawali / Yamapanchak)
तिहार (दीपावली / यमपञ्चक)
About the Celebration
The five-day festival of lights honoring animals (crows, dogs, cows, bullocks) and celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters on Bhai Tika with colorful Rangoli and oil lamps (diyas).
Spiritual & Cultural Significance
Associated with Yama (God of Death) and Yamuna. Highlights human harmony with nature, domestic animals, and familial devotion.
Key Rituals & Days
- Kaag Tihar (Day 1): Feeding and honoring crows, the messenger birds
- Kukur Tihar (Day 2): Garlanding and honoring dogs for their loyalty and guardianship
- Gai Tihar & Lakshmi Puja (Day 3): Welcoming the Goddess of Wealth with golden illumination and Deusi-Bhailo songs
- Govardhan Puja & Mha Puja (Day 4): Ox worship and Newar celebration of the self
- Bhai Tika (Day 5): Sisters apply seven-colored Sapta-Rangi Tika on brothers' foreheads wishing them longevity