Holi: Nepal’s Festival of Colours and Spring Renewal

Introduction

Holi, also known as Fagu Purnima, is the joyous festival of colours celebrated enthusiastically across Nepal and India. This vibrant festival marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter, symbolising new beginnings, joy, and the triumph of good over evil. Holi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly the story of Holika, a demoness whose defeat signifies the victory of righteousness.

Celebration

Holi is a day of playful chaos and fun, where people gather in streets, courtyards, and public spaces to throw colourful powders, spray water, and indulge in lively celebrations. The air is filled with bright hues as participants cover each other in gulal (coloured powders) and engage in water fights using balloons and water guns. Singing, dancing, and laughter are common as communities rejoice. Many also visit family and friends, offering sweets and festive greetings, making it a day of unity and joy.

Story of Holika and the Triumph of Good Over Evil

The central myth behind Holi revolves around Holika, the sister of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, and her attempt to kill his son Prahlad, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. Holika, who had a boon to remain unharmed by fire, sat with Prahlad on a pyre in an attempt to kill him. However, due to Prahlad’s unwavering faith, Holika was burnt to ashes, while Prahlad survived unharmed, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. To commemorate this, bonfires are lit on the eve of Holi in some regions, representing the destruction of Holika.

Duration and Timing

Holi is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in Falgun (February/March), marking the end of winter. The festival lasts for a day in most regions but can extend to two days in the Terai region of Nepal.

Significance

The festival of colours goes beyond just the mythological aspect; it also signifies spring’s arrival and nature’s renewal. People of all ages participate in the festivities, breaking social barriers and embracing unity. The use of bright colours and water represents the liveliness of spring, and the festival encourages forgiveness, renewal of relationships, and harmony among people. Holi allows communities to come together, laugh, and celebrate life carefree and joyfully.

Introduction: What is Tihar?

Tihar, often called Deepawali, is one of Nepal’s most vibrant and eagerly awaited festivals. Celebrated over five joyous days, it’s known as the Nepalese Festival of Lights, illuminating homes, streets, and hearts with an abundance of joy. But Tihar is more than just an occasion for lights—it’s a heartfelt celebration of the deep bonds between humans, animals, and deities.

This festival is marked by rich rituals honouring various animals, such as crows, dogs, and cows. These culminate in the Bhai Tika ceremony, highlighting the sacred relationship between brothers and sisters. Every year, families across Nepal look forward to Tihar, which coincides with the end of the harvest season, spreading light, happiness, and prosperity throughout the land.

Why People Love Tihar

Tihar holds a special place in the hearts of the Nepali people, not only for its rituals but also for the sense of togetherness it fosters. Here’s what some locals have to say about this festive season:

• Suman Shrestha, a shopkeeper from Bhaktapur, says, “Tihar is more than a festival for me. It’s a time when families unite, and everyone, from kids to elders, participates in the joyous celebrations. The lights, the prayers, the food—it’s magical.”
• Priya Subedi, a college student from Kathmandu, adds, “I love how Tihar is not just about humans. How we respect and worship animals during the festival, like on Kukur Tihar and Gai Tihar, shows how connected we are to nature.”

How Tihar is Celebrated

Tihar unfolds over five unique days, each filled with significant rituals. Here’s a glimpse into this colourful festival:

Day 1: Kag Tihar (Crow Day)

Tihar kicks off with Kag Tihar, where crows are honoured as messengers of death in Hindu tradition. People leave food offerings for these birds, believing that pleasing them wards off bad news. This simple ritual beautifully illustrates the spiritual role that nature plays during Tihar.

Day 2: Kukur Tihar (Dog Day)

One of the festival’s highlights is Kukur Tihar, where dogs are rewarded for their loyalty with love and respect. They are adorned with flower garlands and treated to special snacks. Whether stray or pet, all dogs are celebrated.

• Gita, a resident of Pokhara, describes the joy: “My dog always knows when it’s Kukur Tihar. She waits patiently as I give her a tika and garland, and it feels like she’s blessing me back!”

Day 3: Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja (Cow Day and Worship of Goddess Laxmi)

The third day focuses on cows, revered as sacred in Hinduism for their role in agriculture. Families worship cows with tika and special treats.

In the evening, homes come alive with Laxmi Puja, worshipping the Goddess of Wealth. Houses are beautifully decorated with diyas (oil lamps) and colourful rangolis (patterns made with coloured powders) to welcome the goddess and invite prosperity.

Did you know? The more diyas you light, the more prosperity you’re believed to invite into your home.

Day 4: Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja

This day celebrates the Govardhan mountain and oxen, which are crucial for farming in Nepal’s rural areas. Farmers express gratitude to their oxen for their invaluable assistance.

In Newar communities, Mha Puja is performed to worship the self and promote health, wealth, and longevity.

Day 5: Bhai Tika (Brother-Sister Day)

The festival culminates with the emotional highlight—Bhai Tika. Sisters apply a colourful tika to their brothers’ foreheads, symbolising prayers for their long lives and protection. In return, brothers offer their sisters gifts as a token of love and commitment.

• Manoj, from Okhaldhunga, shares, “Even though I live far from my sister, I always make sure to come home for Bhai Tika. Our bond is priceless, and this ritual brings us even closer.”

Economic Significance of Tihar

Beyond its cultural richness, Tihar significantly boosts the local economy. Markets overflow with people buying flowers, sweets, oil lamps, and gifts, benefitting local traders and small businesses.

• Sushil Rana, a flower seller in Kathmandu, notes, “During Tihar, I sell ten times more flowers than other times. It’s the busiest time of the year for us.”

The demand for decorative items like diyas and rangoli materials surges, providing local artists with opportunities to showcase their talents. The festival also encourages domestic tourism, with families visiting from afar to celebrate together.

Significance of Tihar in Modern Times

Tihar’s message of love and unity resonates deeply in today’s fast-paced world. With technology and urbanisation on the rise, Tihar brings people back to their roots, emphasising family, tradition, and a connection with nature.

Lighting lamps symbolises hope and optimism, making Tihar a cherished festival for all ages.

• From Kathmandu, Suman reflects, “In today’s stressful life, Tihar gives us a reason to pause and reflect on what truly matters—our family and the light within us.”

Conclusion

Tihar is more than just a festival of lights; it celebrates relationships, respect for nature, and prosperity. Each day brings unique traditions that spark joy and unity among participants. As diyas shine brighter and families gather closer, Tihar reminds us that love and light will guide the way even in the darkest times.

Dive Deeper into Tihar: More Than Just a Festival

Tihar is a vibrant celebration in Nepal filled with traditions reflecting love, respect for nature, and deep-rooted cultural values. Beyond the lights and rituals, Tihar touches every aspect of life, creating experiences cherished by all.

Personal Stories: How Tihar Connects Families

In every household, Tihar brings warmth and togetherness. Families prepare special foods, decorate their homes, and share laughter.

Maya Lama, a mother of two from Patan, shares, “During Tihar, our house feels alive with colours and lights. My kids help me prepare the rangoli and light the diyas. We cook together and laugh together—it’s one of the few times when all of us sit down without distractions.”

These intimate moments make the festival truly special. Tihar unites everyone, encouraging kindness, respect, and love.

Economic Boost: Tihar’s Impact on Local Businesses

Tihar significantly boosts economic activity. Local businesses, from flower vendors to sweet shops, experience a surge in sales as families prepare for the festivities.

Prakash Shrestha, who runs a mala stall in Bhaktapur, explains, “For small businesses like mine, Tihar is a lifeline. The weeks leading up to the festival are the busiest of the year.”

Tihar provides a vital boost to the floriculture industry in Nepal. Marigold flowers, in particular, become centrepieces for worship and decoration, showcasing the festival’s significance in the local economy.

Introduction

Dashain is the most significant and widely celebrated Hindu festival in Nepal. It honours the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Dashain is deeply rooted in the Hindu religious tradition, but its cultural importance transcends religious boundaries, as people of different faiths also participate in the celebrations. The festival also reflects Nepal’s rural
culture, marking the end of the monsoon season and celebrating harvest time.

Celebration

Family reunions, feasts, and various rituals mark Dashain. The festival spans 15 days, during which homes are cleaned and decorated, symbolising the welcoming of the goddess. Special pujas (rituals) are conducted to honour Durga, and animal sacrifices are offered to appease the goddess and seek blessings. On the tenth day, known as Vijaya Dashami, family members receive blessings in the form of “tika” (a mixture of rice, yoghurt, and vermilion) and “jamara” (barley seedlings) from elders. This is one of the most awaited moments, as it signifies familial bonds and the continuation of blessings from one
generation to the next.

Duration and Timing

According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Dashain lasts for 15 days, starting in the month of Ashwin (September/October). It is celebrated nationwide, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley and rural areas.

Significance

Dashain carries immense religious, cultural, and familial significance. It symbolises the triumph of virtue over vice and provides an opportunity for spiritual renewal. It is also a time of social gathering, as people from cities return to their ancestral villages to celebrate with their families. The rituals performed during Dashain are believed to bring good fortune and ensure protection from evil forces for the coming year.