Tihar, also known as Deepawali or the festival of lights, is one of Nepal’s most significant and widely celebrated festivals. This vibrant, multi-day festival is a time of religious observance and a cultural celebration that illuminates the bonds between family, community, and the divine. Spanning five days, Tihar is unique in its combination of religious rituals and cultural traditions. It is celebrated during the autumn season, coinciding with the Hindu festival of Diwali in India, which shares many similarities and retains a distinct flavor and tradition specific to Nepal.
Reasons for Celebrating Tihar
Tihar is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, history, and culture. It is believed that Tihar originated from various Hindu scriptures that honor different deities and respect for life forms, especially those that play an integral role in daily life and the agrarian society of Nepal. Each day of Tihar is dedicated to honoring a specific deity or being, highlighting the interwoven relationships humans share with animals, nature, and other people.
The five days of Tihar consist of celebrations dedicated to crows, dogs, cows, oxen, and the goddess of wealth, Laxmi. Each of these entities has symbolic significance. For example, crows are messengers, dogs represent loyalty, cows embody prosperity, and oxen assist with agriculture. On the final day, Bhai Tika celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, embodying love, protection, and respect. Thus, Tihar is about performing rituals and paying homage to nature and family, embracing the value of all life forms.
Religion or Culture?
At its core, Tihar is both a religious and cultural festival. From a spiritual perspective, Tihar aligns with Hindu beliefs and traditions. Worshipping animals like cows and honoring the goddess Laxmi are integral practices in Hinduism. In Nepal, Hinduism is intertwined with daily life, so Tihar is a time to strengthen one’s connection to spirituality, divinity, and gratitude.
On the cultural side, Tihar transcends its religious roots to become a festival that fosters unity, joy, and family connections. People from various communities, including non-Hindus, participate in Tihar festivities. It serves as a time for the community to unite, decorate homes, light oil lamps, and share sweets and food. Cultural practices like singing “Deusi-Bhailo,” a traditional song sung in groups, and preparing Rangoli patterns on the floors bring communities closer. Therefore, Tihar is as much a cultural celebration as a religious one, reinforcing the values of togetherness, gratitude, and respect.
The religious aspect of Tihar revolves around the reverence and worship of deities. The goddess Laxmi is believed to bring wealth, prosperity, and good fortune to those who worship her with devotion. Crows and dogs, animals seen in Hindu mythology as messengers of the god of death, Yama, are honored with food and prayers, acknowledging the cultural belief that respecting all creatures brings spiritual merit. Similarly, worshipping cows and oxen expresses gratitude to animals that support agricultural livelihoods, symbolizing wealth and sustenance.
Culturally, Tihar is a time to reconnect with loved ones and reinforce social ties. On the last day, Bhai Tika celebrates the sibling bond, where sisters apply tika (a colored mark) on their brothers’ foreheads to wish them prosperity and protection. Brothers, in return, pledge to look after and protect their sisters. This tradition symbolizes Nepal’s cultural emphasis on family, unity, and mutual respect. Tihar is also a reminder of the Nepali identity, with unique celebrations such as Deusi-Bhailo songs, which differentiate the festival from Diwali in neighboring India.
Modern Influences on Tihar Traditions
As Nepal modernizes, Tihar has been resistant to changes. Globalization and urbanization have introduced new technologies, lifestyles, and ways of thinking, which, in turn, have influenced traditional practices. Many families are scattered across different cities and countries, affecting Tihar’s familial closeness. Despite these changes, many Nepalese try to return home for Tihar, emphasizing the cultural importance of family unity during this festival.
One of the noticeable shifts is the adoption of electric lights over traditional oil lamps, which were used to welcome goddess Laxmi into homes. Electric lights are more convenient and efficient, but they sometimes diminish the aesthetic and spiritual essence that the gentle glow of oil lamps brings. Moreover, celebrating Tihar is more sustainable and eco-friendly when traditional lamps are used, as they involve organic materials and minimal waste.
Likewise, modern, store-bought sweets replace traditional homemade delicacies such as sel roti (a rice flour doughnut), which require time and effort to prepare. The shift away from these homemade foods has implications for cultural heritage, as these traditional recipes hold generational wisdom and skills vital to cultural preservation.
The popularity of Deusi-Bhailo, the traditional singing and dancing ritual, has also declined, particularly in urban areas. The practice was once a vibrant part of Tihar, where groups would sing traditional songs while visiting households in the neighborhood. Nowadays, fewer people actively participate, mainly due to busy urban lifestyles and a preference for celebrating privately or on social media. Nevertheless, efforts are underway to revive these traditions, with schools, communities, and youth groups organizing events to encourage the younger generation to embrace these practices.
Preserving Tihar
Preserving Tihar involves a collective effort to maintain and respect its traditional values while adapting to modern times. Some essential steps to protect Tihar include:
Encouraging Traditional Practices: While modernization is inevitable, teaching younger generations the significance of practices such as making Rangoli, lighting oil lamps, and cooking traditional foods like sel roti is important. Schools, communities, and families can organize workshops or events to impart these skills to the youth.
Revitalizing Deusi-Bhailo: Communities can promote the singing and dancing ritual of Deusi-Bhailo by hosting local competitions, events, and performances. This can reignite interest in traditional songs and dances and create opportunities for younger generations to experience this joyful aspect of Tihar.
Reducing Environmental Impact: Tihar can be celebrated environmentally by minimizing plastic decorations, avoiding fireworks, and opting for reusable and biodegradable materials. Emphasizing traditional oil lamps over electric lights and encouraging eco-friendly practices can make Tihar a sustainable celebration.
Family Reunions: Efforts to reconnect families during Tihar should be encouraged, mainly when family members are increasingly scattered across cities or countries. If family reunions aren’t possible, digital technologies can facilitate virtual celebrations, allowing family members to maintain connections despite geographical distances.
Documenting and Promoting Tihar Traditions: Cultural organizations, researchers, and media platforms can contribute by documenting Tihar practices, making them accessible to a broader audience, and ensuring they’re preserved for future generations. This can include articles, videos, and social media campaigns highlighting the significance of Tihar.
Educational Outreach: Incorporating lessons about Tihar in school curriculums can help children understand its importance and encourage them to take part in preserving their cultural heritage. This fosters awareness and instills pride in Nepalese culture and traditions.
Similar Festivals Worldwide
Tihar closely aligns with Diwali, the festival of lights celebrated in India. Both festivals share common elements, including lighting lamps, worshipping deities, and celebrating with family and friends. However, Tihar’s emphasis on honoring animals and the unique traditions of Deusi-Bhailo and Bhai Tika give it a distinct Nepali identity.
In other countries, similar festivals that emphasize light and family include Thailand’s Loy Krathong, where people release floating lanterns to honor water spirits, and China’s Mid-Autumn Festival, which celebrates family unity and thanksgiving. Tihar is more than a festival of lights; it is a tribute to nature, family, and divine connections. While modernization has influenced its practices, the essence of Tihar, celebrating relationships, nature, and cultural identity, remains steadfast. Preserving Tihar requires respect for tradition and adaptability to modern times, ensuring that this beautiful festival continues to illuminate the lives of Nepalese people for generations to come.
Happy Tihar to everyone celebrating! May this festival of lights bring joy, prosperity, and warmth to all.