Dashain and Tihar – Major Festivals of Nepal
Are you looking for information about the major festivals of Nepal?
Then you are in right place. In this article, I will share with you a brief description of Dashain and Tihar.
Dashain and Tihar are the greatest and longest festivals in Nepal. These festivals commonly take place between September to November. In these festivals, students get a long vacation (about 30 days).
To seek jobs or to continue their study, young people from the villages move to the nearest city. And of course, this festival is one of the greatest opportunities for them to meet their family members. They enjoy the festival together.
In Dashain and Tihar, people use the big mass of meat. The most popular meats are buff, beef, chicken, pork, and mutton. Some villages still lack electricity. That means no possibility of using refrigerators. So, villagers still preserve meat by using the drying and frying preservation technique.
Dashain Festival:
Dashain is one of the biggest festivals in Nepal. It is celebrated for a minimum of 10 days. It is started with the day of Ghatasthapana and ended with the day of Kojagrata Purnima (The full moon day).
Dashain is celebrated once a year. In this festival, people worship Durga, a Hindu goddess. Some most important days of Dashain are Ghatasthapana, Phulpati, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, Vijayadashami, and Kojagrat Purnima.
On the day of Ghatasthapana, the people of all caste except Kirati people sow Jamara (seeds of maize or grains).
Similarly, on the day of Maha Ashtami (8th day), people cut an Ash Gourd (locally known as Kubhindo).
Vijaya Dashami is the most special day of Dashain. On this day, some of the people (especially Khas-Aryas) wear red Tika on their forehead while other people (especially Kirati) wear white Tika.
The red Tika means a mixture of Yogurt, Rice, and Red Abir. Similarly, white Tika means a mixture of Yogurt and Rice. Kirati people also use mugwort instead of Jamara.
On this day most of the children go to Mamaghar (maternal uncle’s house). They receive Tika, Dakshina, and blessings from grandfather and grandmother. They also enjoy delicious food.
Playing swings, flying kites, Playing cards, and buying new clothes are the most special things to do in Dashain.
Tihar Festival:
Tihar is another most celebrated festival in Nepal. It is also called Deepawali or the festival of lights. People of Nepal, Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Assam celebrate this festival.
Abir and garland are fundamental things in Tihar. Abir is a colorful power. Marigold and Globe amaranth are the most common flowers to make the garland.
The scientific name of Marigold is Tagetes erecta and its local name is Sayapatri. Similarly, the scientific name Globe amaranth is Gomphrena globosa and its local name is Makhamali.
Gai Tihar or Lakshmi Puja is one of the most special days of Tihar. On this day, people decorate their house with electric lights or candles, garlands of marigolds, and Rangolis. Then, in the evening, they worship the Hindu goddess Lakshmi.
Not only the Laxmi goddess but also some animals and birds are worshipped in this festival. People worship crows, dogs, cows, and oxen on the day of Kaag Tihar, Kukur Tihar, Gai Tihar, and Govardhan Puja, respectively.
On the day of Laxmi Puja, youths play Bhailo where group members dance by singing Bhailo songs. In return, they get Sel roti, money, grains, and flowers.
Deusi and Bhailo are another attraction of this festival. Normally, the groups of boys play Deusi and girls play Bhailo.
Bhai Tika is the last but the most special day of Tihar. All of the brothers (Maiti) receive Tika and Fulmala from their sisters (Cheli). In return, she also receives gifts and blessings from them. After Tika, they share greetings too.
If any brother is not able to attain the Tihar, she puts Tika on the main pillar of the house.
In the villages of Nepal, people play some games like playing cards, Dayish, and Tirpasa as part of the celebration.
I hope this article helped you to know about the Dashain and Tihar festivals.
