Tihar,Bhai Tika and the festival of light.

             The five of Tihar are celebrate in October of in early November. This festival falls during the harvest season. Tihar is also the festival of light. Tihar is a time to worship Laxmi, God of wealth, and a day to worship one’s own body, worship of ill-omened crows, dogs, sacred cows, bull-oxen,the family money box and brother everywhere during this festival. Tihar is the day of Laxmi puja every home, temple and building is graced by row of light. Laxmi were a crown of jewels, a garland of flowers and heavenly brilliance. The Nepali adores Laxmi makes gifts and offering to her, worship her idols and propitiate her especially during the Tihar festival.

          There is a interesting story regarding the origin of this festival. Ancient king Bali by dint of his pious and charitable acts, achieved good fortune and later become more powerful then the God and held and Gods in prison. Laxmi and Vishnu intervened with Bali and gave him the kingdom of the netherworld.

          Tihar is also called yamapanchak, or fivwe day of Yama Panchak. On the first day of crow, the massager of Yama, is worshiped. The second day of Tihar is worship of the dog, as the dog is the great keeper of yama. The third of Tihar is Laxmi puja. Laxmi is the earth mother, and the cow which provides milk, is therefore venerated and worship by the people. In the evening women and children go from door to door singing the Bhailo song and asking for alms, receiving coins or money and sweet meats from every house wife? The fourth day of Tihar is celebrated by worshipping the bull or oxen or Guru to protect these valuable animals from disease and accident. Maha puja is done on the fourth day especially by the Newar community. The last day of Tihar is Bhai Tika, is most important day of Tihar. On this day every brother is worshipped by sisters and receives blessing and best wishes for theirs longevity and future prosperity. At the same time Tika is given by brother they present gifts to their sister in case and good. It is a grand occasion for married sister to renew their love and affection with her natal homes.