Diwali in Nepal

Diwali in Nepal

http://www.diwalifestival.org/diwali-in-nepal.html

Surrounded by majestic Himalayas, Nepal, is a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual society and the only Hindu Kingdom of the world. Hindus in Nepal celebrate the Diwali festival with bright lights, gift exchanges, fireworks, and elaborate feasts to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of light and wealth. Various houses and shop front in Katmandu, Nepal, displays the bright lights typical of Hindu communities during Diwali. 



Diwali is celebrated here with the usual Hindu festivities and rituals. Diwali in Nepal is known as Tihar. Just like most places in India Diwali is celebrated here to honor the goddess of wealth and god of prosperity-Lakshmi and Ganesh respectively. The festival here continues for five days. Every day has its special significance. The first day is dedicated to cows as they cook rice and feed the cows believing that goddess Lakshmi comes on cows. The second day is for Dogs as the Vahana of Bhairava. Preparation of delicious food especially meant for the dog is a typical characteristic of the day. Lights and lamps are lit to illuminate the entire surrounding and some of the specialty items are prepared to mark the third day of the festival. Fireworks, Lamps and crackers are widely used. The fourth day is dedicated to Yama, the Hindu God of Death. He is prayed for long life. The fifth final day is Bhhaya Dooj dedicated for the brothers who are wished long life and prosperity by their sisters.

Diwali Celebrations in Nepal

http://www.onlinediwaligiftstore.com/diwali-celebrations-in-nepal.html

Nepal, a landlocked Himalayan country in South East Asia, shares its international boundaries with India and China. In this multi–lingual and multi–cultural nation, Hindus make up an overwhelming majority of its population, which is why every Hindu festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy.

In Nepal, Diwali – the festival of lights is known as Tihar and is held for five consecutive days, wherein each day holds a unique significance. On the first day, crows – considered to be the messengers of the Lord of death, Yama, are worshipped and fed in order to keep them happy. Dog, which is believed to be the Vahana (vehicle) of Bhairava by Hindus, is worshipped on the second day. The third day of Tihar is dedicated to the worship of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, and her Vahana (vehicle), Cows. In the Hindu religion, cows rightfully occupy the status of a second mother owing to their generous contribution to the human populace in form of milk. Govardhan Pooja or Goru Tihar (Oxen worship) is performed on the fourth day, which also marks the beginning of a new Hindu year. The fifth and final day is Bhaiya Dooj, which celebrates the chaste bond of love between a brother and his sister. Like India, Nepal also illuminates itself with traditional earthen lamps (Diyas), sets off firecrackers and cleanses itself.