Dashain & Tihar - The Biggest Festival of Nepal

Dashain: Nepal's Biggest Festival of Victory and Family Unity The longest and biggest festival observed in Nepal is called Dashain which literally means the 15 day festival of victory between the gods and the demons. This big festival is celebrated in the calorific honor of goddess Durga to commemorate her triumph over the demon Mahishasura. People of all the age and sex across the country celebrate with rituals, tika ceremonies followed by sumptuous meals. Ghatasthapana, the first day of Dashain, the people sow barley for proceeding the representation of Jamara, a symbol of richness. Vijaya Dashami the tenth day of Dashain, on which elder family members put tika a mixture of yogurt, rice and vermilion on the younger ones heads and impart Jamara meaning success, prosperity and long life. Houses are swept and embellished, new apparels are put on and good foods such as goat meat, sel roti are cooked. Extradition cultural games including card playing and flying kites are rife during the festivals period. It was also a season when people go back to their respective homeland to meet up with their relatives, refresh friendships, and acquaintances. Happy greetings given during this festival include the social relations of Dashain emphasizing victory, renewal and unity plus homecoming and joy in every corner of Nepal. The festival unites people; people of different age perform different rituals to celebrate the divinity of the goddess Durga and pray for protection, prosperity, and blessings for the next year. Tihar: Nepal’s Festival of Lights and Worship Tihar also know as Deepawali is a colorful five day festival that follows Dashain and is dedicated to the worshipping of animals and gods along with respecting familial relationships. Every day of Tihar or festival has its own importance; Kaag Tihar is the first day here crows those who are messenger of death are offered food as a way to pay respect to life. The second day Kukur Tihar is dedicated to the Dogs and on this day the dogs are offered marigolds flowers and tika mark on the forehead. The third and the most important day is Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja and on this day cows are offered respect as they are symbol of wealth and people welcome goddess Laxmi by lighting lamps and candles at their homes. On the fourth day of the festival Govardhan Puja is done as well as Mha Puja which is celebrated by the Newars and they offer prayers to oxen along with worshiping the self for strength and health. Bhai Tika, the last day of festival where sisters put tika, a mark on their brothers forehead, exchange gifts and pray for long life of their brother. The colorful festival has rangolis, special songs such as Deusi Bhailo, and feasting, finally there are fire crackers adding more glamour to the occasion. Tihar focuses on light and happiness in addition to the relationship between human and nature; for these reasons, it is one of the most popular and sacred festivals in Nepal to celebrate.