Diwali in Nepal

 

Nepal is only Hindu Rastra in the world i.e . The country who has declared himself Hindu country even India hasn’t declared himself hindu country. It is known as a secular country. But it doesn’t mean, there are only Hindus in Nepal.  There are people from every religion speaking many languages. It is a multi religion, multi lingual Hindu country. Diwali in Nepal is also celebrated with complete hindu traditions and rituals. It is known as Tihar over there like the other parts of Indian community around the world, here too Diwali is celebrated in honor of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha , the Goddess of wealth and God of auspiciousness in hindu religion. Both are worshiped by people together one is worshiped to throw away obstackles and problems  (God Ganesha) and  other is worshipped for wealth prosperity. In Nepal Diwali continues for five days. On the first day people cook rice and feed cows. This is because people believe that Goddess Laxmi comes on Cows to get her blessings people do so. The second day is celebrated for Dogs as it is considered the Vahana the vehicle) of Lord Bhairava people feed dogs on this day . The custom of feeding dogs with the various types of delicious food is an old tradition of this festival in Nepal. Some special items are prepared on the third day. The fourth day is dedicated to Lord Yama, the God of justice and Death. People worship him for long life and to get rid of their evir-deeds which they have done unintentionally as  intensitionally  evil-deeds cannot be forgiven. The fifth and the last day is celebrate as ‘Bhai Dooj which is dedicates to brothers sisters prayers for their long lives love of brother-sister relations. In this way Diwali brings joy and cheers to the lives of Nepaleese.