Diwali(दीवाली) in 🇳🇵 Nepal

Diwali in Nepal, known as Tihar or Yamapanchak, is a five-day festival that is uniquely Nepali in character and arguably the most beloved celebration in the country. While sharing the theme of lights with Indian Diwali, Tihar has distinctive traditions that set it apart, including the celebration of animals and the special bond between brothers and sisters.

The five days each honor different beings: Kaag Tihar celebrates crows as messengers of death, Kukur Tihar honors dogs as guardians of the afterlife with garlands, tika, and special food. Gai Tihar celebrates cows as symbols of Laxmi. The fourth day is the main Diwali celebration with Laxmi Puja, and the fifth day is Bhai Tika, when sisters apply elaborate tika on their brothers' foreheads and pray for their long life.

On the evening of Laxmi Puja, homes are illuminated with oil lamps, candles, and electric lights. Groups of children and young people go singing deusi and bhailo, traditional folk songs performed door to door in exchange for money and treats, similar to caroling. The singing groups compete for the best performances and can earn significant amounts.

Nepali Tihar food includes sel roti, a crispy ring-shaped rice bread that is the quintessential festival snack, along with anarsa, kheer, and various mithai. Marigold and globe amaranth garlands decorate every home, temple, and shop, and the entire country is bathed in golden floral beauty.

The Hindu Festival of Lights celebrating the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance, observed with oil lamps, fireworks, sweets, and prayers to Goddess Lakshmi.