Dashain & Tihar are two of the most celebrated festivals in Nepal! Nepali people are rich in culture and traditions. The varieties of festivals, events and occasion people of Nepal celebrate has significance of its own.
Dashain (Vijaya Dashami)
Dashain commemorates a great victory of the Gods over the wicked demons. One of the victory stories told is that Ram after a big struggle killed Ravan, King of Demons. The main celebration glorifies the win of Good over evil by Goddess Durga. Goddess Durga had emerged and destroyed Mahishasura, who had created terror. It is celebrated almost for 15 days in the month of Late September and Early October.
'Ghatasthapana' the first day of Dashain is welcomed by worshiping Goddess Durga for 9 consecutive days called as 'Nawa Ratri'. The first nine days symbolizes the battle which took place between the different manifestations of goddess Durga and the Demon Mahishasura.
At the tenth day Mahishasura was slain and it is celebrated as 'Vijaya Dashami'. On this auspicious day, seniors put 'Tika' and 'Jamara' giving blessings to their young ones! In preparation of Dashain every home is cleansed and beautifully decorated, as an invitation to Goddess Durga, so that she may visit and bless the house with good fortune! This day is celebrated like a family reunion where everyone enjoys with varieties of foods, playing cards and flying kites, etc.
Dashain reunites family, friends and also gives the working people time to relax and celebrate.
Tihar (Festival of Lights)
The second biggest festival of Nepali people after Dashain, lasts for five days and people worship Laxmi - Goddess of Wealth.
Tihar, also called Dipawali is the most dazzling festivals for Hindu. The cities and sorroundings are cleaned and presence of Marigold flower is seen everywhere! At night every house looks illuminating with lights, 'diyos' and candles.
This festival falls in the month of October or November (asoj or kartik in Nepali Calendar ), and celebrated for five days long by worshipping 4 different animals I.e. Crow (Kaag Tihar).
Dog (Kukur Tihar),, Cow (Gai Tihar) and Ox (Goru Tihar).
Goru Tihar is the day when Goddess of wealth, Laxmi, is worshhipped.
The 5th day is celebrated as 'Bhaitika'. On this day sisters put the seven colors Tika on the brother's forehead and pray for their longer well being and progress which signifies great importance for the love between brothers-sisters.
Celebration of Tihar brings Joy to families and friends; playing 'Deusi-Bhailo' and worshipping goddess Laxmi, who is believed to bring prosperity and happiness to the lives of people.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deependra_Chaudhary
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