Tihar (Deepawali)

Tihar is the second biggest Hindu festival in Nepal and falls in the month of October-November. It is also called a festival of lights as, especially, every house across Nepal set alight candlesticks or oil lamps in front of their porch, roof and garden. They offer special prayers and worship to Goddess Laxmi as well as to the crows and dogs. Deepawali is mostly known for the exchange of love and gifts between brothers and sisters. Brothers receive Tikas, a mixture of rice, yogurt and vermilion, on their forehead from their sisters along with a gift of food and sweets. In addition, sisters also wish and pray for a long life for their brothers. The brothers in return offer their sisters the gift of clothes, food and money.  The festival becomes even more charming when young and old alike visit door to door singing the traditional songs and asking for gifts and blessings. The weather during Deepawali is very pleasant and is made delightful by the blossoming of colorful flowers all around.