Tihar (तिहार)

Tihar (तिहार), also known as Deepawali or Yamapanchak, is the second-largest festival in Nepal. It is a five-day festival of lights celebrated in October or November (Kartik in the Nepali calendar).

What makes Tihar unique is that each day is dedicated to honoring a different animal or relationship. Day 1 is Kaag Tihar (crow), Day 2 is Kukur Tihar (dog), Day 3 is Gai Tihar (cow) and Laxmi Puja, Day 4 is Goru Tihar (ox) and Gobardhan Puja, and Day 5 is Bhai Tika (siblings).

On the third day, families light oil lamps (Diyo), candles, and decorative lights around their homes to welcome Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. Rangoli patterns made from colored powder and flower petals are drawn at doorways.

On the fifth day, Bhai Tika, sisters place colorful Tika on their brothers' foreheads and garlands of flowers around their necks, praying for their long life. Brothers give gifts in return. Children go door to door singing Deusi and Bhailo songs.