Diwali, the festival of lights, also called Deepawali or Tihar is the second greatest festival of the Hindu Nepalese after “Dashain.” It falls in Kartik, one of the Nepali months, and it is celebrated for 5 days. This year (2013), we celebrate Diwali from November 1st.
In Nepal, we celebrate the 4 consecutive days of Diwali by worshipping to crow, dog, cow, and ox. The 3rd day or the “cow worship day” is the most important day of Diwali because on this day, Hindu Nepalese also worships to Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, whom they regard highly in their life.
In Hindu religion, the cow is a sign of prosperity and wealth. According to Hindu scripture, the cow is a god. That is why, the Hindu Nepalese worship and put garlands in the neck of cows on the 3rd day of Diwali to show the respect to these animals.
Prior to Diwali, Hindu Nepalese clean their houses, as well as they decorate their house with the garlands of marigold. Also they offer chrysanthemums to the goddess Laxmi, who is worshipped in the evening with oil lamps, flower, and incense. This evening is also the time to burn the candles and to place them on the doorways and windows of the house to welcome goddess Laxmi.
The 5th day of Diwali is known as ‘Bhaitika,’ in which a sister puts tika on her brother’s forehead for his prosperity and longevity. In return, brother gives gifts and money to his sister and takes a vow to protect her. Indeed, Diwali is the festival, which brings the joyous moment in the life of every Hindu Nepalese. Some Hindu Nepalese also celebrate this festival by playing cards, burning firecrackers, and singing the song of ‘Deusi-bhailo.’
Happy Diwali 🙂
Learn more about other festivals celebrated in Nepal:
- Dashain and Tihar (Greatest festival of Nepalese)
- Saraswati Puja- The day for the diety of knowledge, art and music
- Maha Shivaratri- The Night of Lord Shiva
- What you need to know about Tihar?
