Tihar , the Festival of Lights and Prosperity
Tihar is a five-day-long vibrant festival celebrated in Nepal and India. Also known as Yama Panchak or Deepawali, this festival is also called the festival of lights as the term Deep translates to the flame of an oil lamp. This festival is the second biggest festival after Vijaya Dashami and falls around in the month of October. An Oil Lamp It is believed that during this time, the Goddess of Prosperity i.e. Laxmi visits every household. In order to attract her, people decorate their houses with flowers and lamps. However, in contemporary times, the usage of electric lights and lamps has become a trend. During Tihar festivals, people stay up till late involved in singing, dancing, and playing with firecrackers. The first day of the festival is Kaag Tihar, where foods are offered to Crows and Ravens. In Hindu Mythology, these birds are depicted as the messengers of Yama, the god of Death. The second day is Kukur Tihar, where dogs are worshipped and offered food. It ...