Tihar (festival)

Tihar is a special festival that is celebrated in Nepal. It is a time when people decorate their homes with colorful lights and flowers, and they put up pictures and statues of different Hindu gods and goddesses. People also draw special patterns called rangolis on the floors of their homes using colored powders.

During Tihar, people also show their love and respect for animals. One day of the festival is dedicated to dogs, who are considered to be loyal friends and protectors. People offer them special treats, put decorative garlands around their necks, and worship them.

Another day of Tihar is dedicated to cows, who are believed to be holy animals. People decorate cows with beautiful garlands and mark their foreheads with a special powder called tika.

The festival also includes special prayers and ceremonies for the goddess Laxmi, who is associated with wealth and fortune. People light candles and oil lamps and place them all around their homes to welcome the goddess and to bring good luck and prosperity.

Overall, Tihar is a joyous festival that brings people together to celebrate and show their appreciation for the blessings in their lives, including their friends, family, animals, and the gods and goddesses they worship.