Written by: Praneesha Shrestha - 31017, Grade V
Posted on: 22 November, 2023
The five-day festival of lights is known as Tihar. We worship Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, in Tihar. On the first day, Kaag Tihar is the day of the crow. The second day, Kukur Tihar, is for worshipping the dogs as the agents of Yama. On the third day are Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja. On this day, cows are offered prayers and food in the morning, and Goddess Laxmi is offered elaborate prayers and puja in the evening. Goddess Laxmi is welcomed into people’s homes by making a path of footprints leading into the house. All lights are kept on, and the doors and windows are kept open to let in the goddess. Rows of lamps are placed along windows and doors, with the strong hope that goddess Laxmi enters. The fourth day is for the draft animal, the oxen, when the Newari community also performs Mha Puja dedicated to oneself. The fifth day is Bhai Tika. It is when sisters put tika on their brothers’ foreheads, give blessings, and give gifts. Houses all over the country are lit up with extra lights. We can see the great view of Kathmandu city. People also make rangoli and decorate the rangoli very nicely in their house. People also sing, dance, and play deusi bhailo while playing deusi bhailo. We also earn some money and food. People and kids also play with tons of firecrackers.
