A Nepali festival of lights like no other - Tihar 2020

We came back to Kathmandu just in time for Tihar, the annual Festival of Lights. During Tihar, also known as Deepawali in Nepal and Diwali in India, candles, string lights and lanterns set the city aglow as an offering to Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and luck. Colorful garlands of marigolds are strung over doorways and windows. Crows, dogs and cows are celebrated and the festival ends with Bhaitikka, a day to celebrate brothers and sisters. There is a marvelous feeling of merriment in the air here. Last night we watched as groups of children ran from shop to shop singing and “collecting small money”. Entrances to homes and businesses are decorated with ornate rangoli made out of flowers, sand, lentils, rice and a generous sprinkling of sparkles to welcome Hindu gods and goddesses. Joy abounds during this festival and the streets are alive with singing and dancing. The days are now warm, the nights cool, and it is a particularly magical time here in Kathmandu. 🌟