Nepal celebrates unique Hindu festival "Tihar" (2)

In Hinduism, the second day of "Tihar" is dedicated to dogs, the ride of Lord Bhairava. Lord Bhairava is one of the manifestations of Almighty Shiva. During this day, a Hindu takes breakfast only after dogs do.

The four-legged ride of Lord Bhairava is worshipped, garlanded and offered with tasty treats and good food.

The third day is dedicated to a cow or Goddess Laxmi in Hindu religion. The deity is considered the goddess of wealth. On this day, cows are washed, painted with unique Hindu colors and designs and worshipped before breakfast.

This is actually the day for the display of lights and garlands as it is believed that Goddess Laxmi visits those houses which are beautifully lit and garlanded to offer a dazzling look.

People express their gratitude towards Goddess Laxmi and her resemblance and the cow for all the benefits and prosperity bestowed upon families. When the sun goes down, girls dance and sing at people's houses, sometimes for the entire night, participating in the traditional celebration called "Bhailo".

Here, they dance, celebrate, share sweets and food, and collect money from neighbors and villagers for religious purposes.

The fourth day of the festival is dedicated to cow dung. Cow dung is very useful in Nepal for making methane gas for lighting homes. Some Hindus from different communities also worship oxen on this day.

The fifth and last day of "Tihar" is called Bhai Tika, where sisters worship brothers and pray for the god of death to provide a long life for them.

By offering garlands prepared by their own hands, sisters then thank their brothers for the protection they give. In return, the brothers offer gifts and money to symbolize a deep relationship between brothers and sisters.

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