Dashain and Tihar: Nepal’s Grand Festivals of Joy, Family, and Light
Nepal is a land of breathtaking mountains, diverse cultures, and vibrant traditions. Among its many festivals, two stand out as the grandest and most cherished: Dashain and Tihar. Celebrated by millions of Nepali Hindu people every year, these festivals bring families together, strengthen community bonds, and fill homes with joy, colors, and blessings.
Dashain: The Festival of Victory and Family Reunion
Dashain, also known as Bijaya Dashami, is Nepal’s biggest festival. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, commemorating Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura.
When is it celebrated?
Dashain usually falls in September–October (Ashwin/Kartik in the Nepali calendar) and lasts 15 days.
Key Rituals and Traditions:
- Ghatasthapana: Initially, the festival begins with sowing jamara (barley seeds), which later becomes a sacred offering.
- Fulpati: Then, on the seventh day, offerings of flowers and sacred items are brought to homes and temples.
- Maha Ashtami & Maha Navami: During these days, devotees worship the Goddess Durga with prayers, offerings, and in some communities, animal sacrifices.
- Bijaya Dashami (Tika Day): Finally, elders bless younger family members by applying tika (a mixture of yogurt, rice, and vermilion) and giving jamara along with heartfelt blessings for prosperity.
- The Spirit of Dashain:
Overall, Dashain is a time for family reunions, wearing new clothes, playing swings (ping), enjoying feasts with goat meat and traditional delicacies, and traveling back to ancestral homes.
Tihar: The Festival of Lights, Love, and Harmony
Soon after Dashain, Nepal celebrates Tihar, also known as the “Festival of Lights.” It is also known as Deepawali or Yamapanchak and is marked by five days of unique rituals dedicated to animals, siblings, and the goddess of wealth.
- When is it celebrated?
Tihar usually falls in October or November, following Dashain. - The Five Days of Tihar:
- Kaag Tihar: On the first day, people worship crows, the messengers of news.
- Kukur Tihar: Next, they honor dogs for their loyalty and companionship.
- Gai Tihar & Laxmi Puja: On the third day, people worship cows in the morning and light oil lamps in the evening to welcome Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth
- Govardhan Puja / Mha Puja (in Newar tradition): During the fourth day, people worship of oxen and self-purification rituals.
- Bhai Tika: Finally, on the last day, sisters apply tika and garlands to their brothers, wishing them long life and prosperity. Brothers, in return, give gifts and blessings.
- The Spirit of Tihar:
Throughout the festival, streets and homes glow with diyos (oil lamps), candles, and colorful lights. People decorate houses with rangoli, sing Deusi-Bhailo (traditional songs), and exchange sweets. The festival emphasizes love, light, prosperity, and the sacred bond between siblings.
Why These Festivals Matter
Dashain and Tihar go beyond religion—they represent Nepal’s cultural heartbeat. They are about:
- Family bonds: Families come together from near and far.
- Community spirit: Villages and cities come alive with celebrations.
- Tradition and modernity: From ancient rituals to modern decorations, the festivals evolve yet preserve their essence.
In conclusion, visiting Nepal during Dashain and Tihar is a magical experience. From the joyous blessings of Dashain to the glowing lights of Tihar, these festivals reflect Nepal’s rich heritage, deep spirituality, and warm hospitality. Ultimately, they remind us that even in life’s struggles, goodness, love, and light always prevail.