Write an essay on Tihar, festival of light or Dipawali. -Essay

Tihar is a festival which is celebrated by Hindu people. It is also called Dipawali or festival of light. It takes place on the month of karthik right after Dashain. It is celebrated with great joy.  People clean their shops and houses inside and out. They put flower garland outside houses, offices, shops. It is traditionally observed for 5 days in Nepal. So. it is also called Yama Panchak. The festival starts with worship of crows, then dogs, then cows. On a leaf plate people give food to crows. Crows are considered to be our messenger in after life. 

The second day is of dogs. People put tika on their foreheads and garlands around their neck and food is given to them. The third day is known as Laxmi puja. Laxmi is the goddess of wealth and fortune. Hindus worship cows in the form of Laxmi. People worship an image or idol of Laxmi. People clean their houses and light lights in tihar because it is believed that the goddess Laxmi only enters clean and lighted houses. 

People light candles, diyos, electric bulb to illuminate their houses and shops. It is believed that the goddess Laxmi enters houses at night, hence, the people stay awake at night.Oxen are worshipped in the fourth day. 

The fifth or final day IS Bhaitika. Sisters worshhip their brothers wishing for their long life and put tika, garlands on each other. They give presents and sweets to each other. Brothers give sister money and blessings. People also play bhailo and desi in tihar wherein they sing classic tihar songs and dance.