Diwali is also celebrated in Nepal, but in a different way; There is no relation with Shri Ram…

Nepal's Diwali is called Tihar, it is dedicated to animals and deities, Lakshmi is worshiped but there is a difference in the rituals. In Nepal, this is the second biggest festival after Dashain but somewhat different. Two countries of the world are called pure Hindu countries. Because the number of Hindus is highest in these countries. One country is India and the other is Nepal. Both are neighboring countries. In fact, the percentage of Hindu population in Nepal is the highest in the world. Diwali is celebrated with great pomp in both the countries but in nature these two festivals are completely different in both the countries. If in India the main relationship of this festival is with Lord Ram then in Nepal it is not at all related. The customs of this festival are completely different in both the countries. There are only two things common in this, one is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and the other is fireworks with lights.

In both the countries, Diwali is usually celebrated for five days. In India, Diwali starts with Dhanteras and ends with Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj. Diwali in Nepal starts with animal worship and ends with Bhai Tika. The population of Hindus in Nepal is 80.6 percent while the total population there is 3 crore. Till a few years ago, Nepal was declared a Hindu nation. Now with the formation and implementation of the new Constitution, Nepal's status has become a secular country, where there is Hindu dominance. The population of Hindus in India is 78.9 percent. The total population of the country is 140 crores. India is also a secular country with majority Hinduism. Tihar focuses on animals such as crows, dogs, cows and bulls, while Indian Diwali focuses on the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya.

In Nepal, Diwali is known as Tihar, a vibrant celebration that lasts for 5 days. Different animals and deities are honored every day. This is the biggest festival after Dashain in Nepal. Dashain is the Nepali version of the Indian festival celebrated from Navratri to Dussehra. This time Nepal's Diwali is being celebrated from 1st November to 5th November whereas India's Diwali is being celebrated from 29th October to 3rd November. How is Nepal's 5-day Diwali celebrated? Let us know that Nepal's Diwali i.e. Tihar festival is celebrated for five days. How Tihar is celebratedTihar usually falls between late October and early November, coinciding with the Nepali month of Kartik. If there are rituals on all five days.

Homes and shops are decorated with oil lamps (diyas), candles and electric lights to invite Goddess Lakshmi, who symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Every day during Tihar, people remember different animals and try to make them happy. This festival starts by feeding food to crows, which are considered messengers of death. People offer food to birds to ward off bad luck. First day (Kag Tihar) – dedicated to crows, who are fed rice as they are considered messengers of death. Second day (Kukur Tihar) – a celebration of dogs, who are He is revered as the guardian of Yama, the god of death. Dogs are decorated with garlands and given special treats.

Third day (Cow Tihar) – It focuses on cows, worshiped for their importance in agriculture. Lakshmi is also worshiped on this day. Fourth day (Guru Puja) – Bulls are respected. Govardhan Puja takes place. This day marks the beginning of the New Year for the Newar community of Nepal. Fifth Day (Bhai Tika) – Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters apply colored tilak on the forehead of their brothers. Pray for his health and prosperity. Brothers respond with gifts. Cow Tihar is important because the cow is a symbol of wealth and is considered a sacred animal in Nepalese culture. How to Celebrate Tihar Deusi Bhailo – During Tihar, groups of children and young adults gather to share sweets and People visit homes singing traditional songs in exchange for money, which is similar to caroling Rangoli – Colorful patterns made of rice, flour or flower petals are created at the entrance to welcome guests and deities.

Feasts and gifts – Families prepare meals with a variety of dishes. Gifts are exchanged, which strengthens community bonds. Traditional foods play an important role in the celebrationBan on FireworksAlthough firecrackers are banned in Nepal due to safety reasons, fireworks are still common during all five nights of Tihar. Lord Ram has no role in Nepal's Diwali or Tihar. Tihar emphasizes harmony between humans and animals. It is also called Yamapanchak. In this, the god of death Yama and his sister Yamuna are also honoured. The last day of Diwali in Nepal is Bhaitika. Sisters pray for the well-being of their brothers by applying colorful tilak on their forehead. Gifts are exchanged.

What to do in India's Diwali: India's Diwali starts from Dhanteras. Rituals like Lakshmi Puja and Bhai Dooj are performed on different days. This festival mainly celebrates the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya and worships Lakshmi for wealth. How important is Lord Ram in Nepal? In Nepal, Lord Ram is undoubtedly recognized and respected but he is not worshiped as prominently as in India. The Kathmandu Valley has historically focused more on deities such as Shiva and various forms of Shakti. Sita is more revered as a local goddess. There are fewer ancient temples dedicated to Lord Rama in Nepal as compared to India. However in recent years, there have been movements to promote the worship of Lord Rama in Nepal.

Post Views: 205