Tihar - Deepawali of Gorkhas: A Festival of Lights and Reverence

The Significance of Tihar

Tihar is more than just a festival of lights for the Gorkhas. It is a celebration that signifies the bond between humans, animals, and the divine. The festival reflects the deep-rooted connection the Gorkha community has with nature, as different days are dedicated to honoring animals, including crows, dogs, cows, and oxen.

The Gorkhas believe that these animals have a special place in their lives and serve as messengers or helpers in their spiritual journey. This reverence for animals is what sets Tihar apart from the Diwali celebrated in other parts of India.

The Five Days of Tihar

Each day of Tihar has a unique significance, with specific rituals and customs attached to it.

Day 1: Kag Tihar (Worship of Crows)

The first day of Tihar is dedicated to the worship of crows, known as Kag in Nepali. Crows are considered the messengers of death in Gorkha folklore. On this day, people place food outside their homes for crows. By feeding the crows, it is believed that they will not bring bad news or misfortune to the family.

The act of feeding the crows also symbolizes respect for nature and the belief that all creatures, big or small, have an important role in life.

Day 2: Kukur Tihar (Worship of Dogs)

On the second day, dogs, or Kukur, are worshipped. Dogs are considered protectors and loyal companions of humans. In Hindu mythology, dogs are associated with Lord Bhairav, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and are also believed to guard the gates of the afterlife.

On this day, Gorkhas garland their dogs with flower malas, apply tika on their foreheads, and offer them delicious food. Even street dogs are fed and treated with respect. The day is a reminder of the love and loyalty dogs show and how important they are in human life.

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

The third day is perhaps the most important day of Tihar, as it is dedicated to the worship of cows, known as Gai Tihar, and the goddess of wealth, Laxmi Puja. The cow holds a special place in Hindu culture as a symbol of motherhood and prosperity. Early in the morning, cows are worshipped, garlanded, and given the best grass to eat. The cow is thanked for providing milk, dung, and other resources that support human life.

In the evening, homes are lit with oil lamps and decorated with rangolis to welcome Goddess Laxmi, who is believed to bring wealth and prosperity. Women perform Laxmi Puja with great devotion, praying for financial well-being and success for their families.

Day 4: Goru Tihar and Govardhan Puja (Worship of Oxen)

The fourth day of Tihar has two significant rituals: Goru Tihar, which is the worship of oxen, and Govardhan Puja, which celebrates Lord Krishna’s protection of the people of Vrindavan from a storm. Oxen are vital in agrarian societies like those in the northern part of West Bengal, where farming plays a major role. On this day, oxen are fed and decorated as a gesture of gratitude for their hard work in the fields.

Govardhan Puja, on the other hand, involves building a small hillock made of cow dung to represent Mount Govardhan, which Lord Krishna lifted to protect the villagers from rain and floods. The worship during this day signifies a connection with the Earth and nature’s bounty.

Day 5: Bhai Tika (Celebration of Sibling Bonds)

The fifth and final day of Tihar is Bhai Tika, a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters. It is a day of sibling love, where sisters pray for the long life and prosperity of their brothers, and brothers vow to protect their sisters.

Sisters apply a special multi-colored tika on their brothers’ foreheads, while brothers give gifts in return. This ritual strengthens the bond of love and protection between siblings. The atmosphere is filled with laughter, love, and feasting as families come together for the celebration.

Tihar Traditions and Preparations

Like Diwali, Tihar is a festival of lights, and preparations for it start well in advance. Homes are cleaned and decorated with flowers, oil lamps, and candles. The festival is incomplete without rangolis, which are made using colored powders, flowers, and rice to beautify the entrance of homes. These decorations are believed to invite positive energy and welcome Goddess Laxmi into the household.

In many Gorkha households, deusi-bhailo is a popular tradition during Tihar. Deusi is a form of traditional singing performed by groups of people who visit homes and sing blessings for prosperity and well-being. In return, they are given gifts or money as a token of gratitude. This adds a communal and joyful spirit to the festival, as people engage in singing and dancing late into the night.

Food plays an important role in Tihar, with families preparing a variety of delicacies such as sel roti (a traditional rice flour bread), mandu (dumplings), and other sweets. These treats are shared with neighbors and relatives, adding to the festive cheer.

Tihar in the Northern Part of West Bengal

In the northern part of West Bengal, where the Gorkha community is predominantly found, Tihar is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The towns of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong come alive with lights, music, and festivity during this time. The mountains echo with the sounds of deusi-bhailo as people move from house to house, spreading joy.

The distinct cultural identity of the Gorkhas shines through during Tihar, where ancient traditions are followed with reverence. Though it shares similarities with the mainstream Diwali, Tihar’s focus on the worship of animals and nature gives it a unique flavor that highlights the Gorkhas’ connection to their environment.

Want to know more about culture and festival of north estern part of India? Read our article on Tsechu Festival.

Conclusion

Tihar, or the Gorkha Deepawali, is a festival that beautifully intertwines light, love, nature, and family bonds. It is a celebration of life in all its forms – from the crows in the sky to the dogs on the streets, from the hardworking oxen in the fields to the sacred cows, and finally, to the cherished bond between siblings.

For the Gorkha community, especially in the northern part of West Bengal, Tihar is more than just a festival of lights; it is a time to reflect on the harmony between humans and nature, and the spiritual significance of every creature. It’s a celebration of gratitude, reverence, and familial love – a true embodiment of the Gorkha spirit.