Swanti / Tihar (Deepawali)

The second-largest event in Nepal after Dashain is the Tihar Festival, often referred to as Deepawali and Yamapanchak. The majority of Hindus worldwide commemorate this Five-Day Festival.
In our culture, which has been illuminating the sky since Kojagrat Purnima for a month. Tihar is celebrated in Sa Kaulaga beginning on Trayodashi. We also celebrate Deepawali because it is the month of Dipadan, Yam Panchak is another name for this celebration, particularly on the day of Aushi (Lakshmi Puja). These five days have been referred to as Yampanchak because Yamraj accepted hospitality at the home of his sister Yamuna. This celebration is also referred to as Swanti Nakha in Nepalbhasa.

This celebration takes place in the month of Asaoj or Kartik (October or November). At the Tihar festival, people commemorate various creatures, including as Dogs, Cows, Oxen, and Crows, in addition to themselves.

The festival of lights is another name for the Tihar celebration. The five days that make up Tihar each have special meaning.

• First day, Kaag Tihar, is a time to honor the crow since it represents God Yama (Yamaraj) ‘s messenger of death.
• Second day is Kukur Tihar, which honors dogs for their devotion to humans.
• Third day is Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja, which honors cows as the national animal of Nepal and a sacred animal. Worship Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, as well.
• Fourth day is Goru Tihar and Mha Puja, which honors oxen as sacred creatures. The Newar community observes Mha Puja, also known as the festival of self-worship.
• On the Fifth day, known as Bhai Tika, siblings exchange presents and cash while placing Tika on one other’s foreheads.

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