This year’s Tihar has been truly special for me. It’s our second biggest festival, and it goes on for five beautiful days filled with light, laughter, music, and togetherness. Since moving to this new place, I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by a wonderful Nepalese community — and celebrating Tihar here has been nothing short of amazing.
Each day of the festival brought its own charm and meaning: ✨ Day 1 – Kaag Tihar (Crow Day): We started by offering food to crows, messengers of Yama, the god of death, to ward off sadness and bad news for the coming year.
🐕 Day 2 – Kukur Tihar (Dog Day): We honoured our loyal friends — dogs — by placing garlands, tika, and delicious treats for them. Seeing everyone’s pets proudly wearing flowers and tikas was heartwarming.
🐄 Day 3 – Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja: Morning began with worshipping cows, a symbol of prosperity and motherhood. As the evening arrived, we lit up our homes with diyas and candles to welcome Goddess Laxmi. The streets shimmered with light, and the air was filled with laughter, music, and the scent of incense.
👭 Day 4 – Govardhan Puja / Mha Puja: This day felt especially meaningful as we performed Mha Puja — a beautiful ritual of self-purification and self-respect. We celebrated life and energy with our family and neighbours, creating a deep sense of connection and gratitude.
🎶 Day 5 – Bhai Tika: The final day was emotional and full of love — sisters placing tika on their brothers’ foreheads, wishing them long life, happiness, and prosperity.
Throughout these five days, the best part was coming together with our neighbours to play Deusi–Bhailo every evening. We went from house to house singing, dancing, and sharing laughter. Everyone contributed — some cooked, some sang, some played the madal or guitar — and every night ended with food, stories, and joy.
This Tihar reminded me of home — of warmth, light, and community. It wasn’t just a festival; it was a celebration of connection, tradition, and belonging.
In Nepal, Mother’s Day — known as “Aama ko Mukh Herne Din” (आमाको मुख हेर्ने दिन) — is a beautiful occasion dedicated to honouring mothers and mother figures. It is celebrated by showing love and appreciation, often through gifts, special meals, and simply spending time together. In Nepalese tradition, this day is as important as birthdays or major festivals, with families coming together to express their gratitude for everything mothers do.
Even though I now live in Australia, I make it a priority to celebrate Nepali Mother’s Day with my children. It’s important to me that they grow up connected to their heritage, understanding the traditions and values I was raised with. Sharing these customs helps them not only learn about their roots but also appreciate the universal value of love, respect, and gratitude towards parents.
We celebrated yesterday with the traditional tika and sagun ritual, a meaningful part of Nepali culture that honours mothers with blessings and auspicious offerings. It was so lovely to see both my kids excited and eager to follow the tradition themselves. They carefully performed the puja, applying tika and offering sagun with genuine enthusiasm, which made the day even more special for me. Passing on these rituals not only connects them to our roots but also helps them understand the significance of respect, love, and family bonding in our culture — even while living here in Australia. It’s these moments that remind me how important it is to keep our heritage alive across generations, no matter where we are.
Happy Aama ko Mukh Herne Din to all the wonderful mums out there — near or far!
Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours, is one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in Hindu culture. It marks the arrival of spring, the victory of good over evil, and a time of unity, laughter, and togetherness. People play with colours (abir), throw water balloons, and enjoy traditional sweets and drinks while dancing to festive music.
The Significance of Holi
Holi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. It celebrates the legend of Prahlad and Holika, symbolising the triumph of devotion and righteousness over arrogance and evil. The festival also honours Lord Krishna’s playful tradition of smearing colours on Radha and the gopis, which inspired the modern-day celebrations.
Holi in Newar Culture
In Newar communities, Holi is celebrated with unique traditions that blend Hindu and Buddhist influences. The festival is known as “Sithi Nakha” in some places and is a time for social gatherings and merrymaking. The celebration in Kathmandu starts a week before the main day, with the installation of the ceremonial Chir (a bamboo pole decorated with colourful cloths) at Basantapur Durbar Square. This represents the playful spirit of Holi and is later burned in a symbolic farewell to winter.
Newars celebrate Holi with “Abiraya”, a tradition of applying abir (coloured powder) as a blessing and mark of love. Families and friends gather to enjoy traditional sweets like yomari and sel roti, while children and youth play with water and colours in the streets.
While Holi in Terai and India is celebrated a day later, in Kathmandu and other hilly regions, it falls on Fagu Purnima. The festival brings people of all backgrounds together, reinforcing harmony and joy.
A Celebration of Unity and Culture
Holi is more than just a festival of colours—it is a celebration of life, love, and cultural heritage. Whether through throwing abir, sharing sweets, or coming together with loved ones, it reminds us to spread happiness and positivity.
Here in Australia, we celebrated Holi with vibrant colours, laughter, and joy, bringing together friends and neighbours for a truly unforgettable day. We danced to festive music, splashed colours on each other, and embraced the spirit of togetherness. The kids had an absolute blast, running around with water balloons and bright abir, their smiles reflecting the happiness of the festival. It was a day filled with fun, laughter, and beautiful memories, reminding us that no matter where we are, the spirit of Holi brings people closer.
Tihar, my favourite Nepali festival, has come and gone, leaving behind a glow that warms my heart. Known as the festival of lights, Tihar honours animals, family bonds, and the goddess of wealth, Laxmi. Each day has its own deep meaning, blending spirituality, gratitude, and family love. Living far from Nepal, we’ve found creative ways to keep the spirit of Tihar alive, celebrating these rituals as a bridge to our culture and traditions. Here’s a glimpse into how each day brought us closer to our roots, no matter the miles between us.
Day 1: Kaag Puja – Honoring the Messenger Crow
Tihar begins with Kaag Puja, dedicated to the crow, a symbol of the god Yama’s messenger. Traditionally, we offer food to crows as they’re seen as bearers of news, both good and bad. In Nepal, the sight and sound of crows herald Tihar’s arrival, and this ritual reminds us to respect all forms of life, especially the ones that serve as nature’s messengers.
Here in Australia, I couldn’t find any crows around, so I improvised by using a photo of a crow, setting it up in our home, and offering flowers and sweets. It’s a humble gesture, but it’s also a way to begin the festival with gratitude and respect for life’s simplest messengers.
Day 2: Kukur Puja – Celebrating Man’s Best Friend
Kukur Puja is one of my favourites because it honours dogs, the most loyal and loving animals. In Hindu culture, dogs are seen as guardians, protectors, and friends. On this day, people place a red tika on their dogs’ foreheads, garland them with marigolds, and offer them treats.
I don’t have a dog here, but my family in Nepal has Chhotu, our loyal companion. While I couldn’t be there, I celebrated in spirit by printing his picture, offering a small prayer, and thanking him for watching over my family. It’s a reminder that love transcends distance, even when it comes to our furry friends.
Day 3: Gai Puja and Laxmi Puja – Honouring the Cow and the Goddess of Wealth
Gai Puja is a morning ritual devoted to the cow, a revered animal in Hinduism. Cows represent abundance, nurturing, and sustenance, qualities we cherish. The day begins with offerings of fruits and garlands to cows, showing gratitude for all they give us.
Later, we celebrate Laxmi Puja, dedicated to the goddess of wealth. This is the heart of Tihar, when families light diyos (oil lamps), decorate their homes with rangoli, and prepare for Laxmi’s arrival. In Nepal, a red mud trail is drawn from the doorstep to the altar to welcome Laxmi.
This year, we set up a small altar with a photo of Laxmi and created footprints leading into our home. I added twinkling lights and candles, transforming our space into a sanctuary of warmth and blessings. It’s these small touches that keep Laxmi Puja magical, even far from home.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja – A Celebration of Self and Community
The fourth day of Tihar, Govardhan Puja, honours the story of Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to protect his village from a storm. Families create a small mound symbolising the mountain, celebrating nature’s strength and resilience.
For us Newars, this day also marks Mha Puja, a beautiful tradition of self-worship. “Mha” means “body” in the Newar language, and the ritual is about cleansing and honouring oneself as a sacred vessel. We arrange mandaps (small, decorated seats) for each family member, light a diya representing the soul, and offer flowers and grains.
I’m incredibly fortunate to have family here as well, so we were able to celebrate Mha Puja with all the traditional rituals, bringing the spirit of Newar culture to life even far from Nepal. Together, we carefully set up mandaps with grains, fruits, flowers, and oil lamps, making sure every detail echoed our heritage. It was a beautiful opportunity not only to honour the self, as Mha Puja represents, but also to pass down these customs to our kids, who were eager to learn. As we went through each step, I explained the meaning behind the rituals, sharing stories about our ancestors and why we celebrate Mha Puja. The kids loved participating and adding their own touches, making it a fun, memorable day filled with laughter, learning, and togetherness. Celebrating this tradition abroad felt like creating a bridge between generations, where they can appreciate the values we hold dear and, hopefully, carry them forward.
Also on this day we celebrate Nepal Sambat, the traditional Newar New Year, is a significant celebration of Newar culture and heritage. This unique lunar calendar, which traces its roots back to 880 AD, holds deep historical and cultural significance for the Newar community, an indigenous group from the Kathmandu Valley. Nepal Sambat is celebrated with enthusiasm, as it marks not only the New Year but also the enduring spirit of unity and resilience. The Newars, known for their rich art, architecture, and festivals, embrace Nepal Sambat as a time for cultural renewal. During this period, Newar families honour their heritage by participating in rituals, gatherings, and traditional feasts. The celebration of Nepal Sambat exemplifies the vibrant Newar culture, highlighting values of family, community, and continuity, while paying homage to a history of independence and cultural pride.
Day 5: Bhai Tika – Strengthening the Sibling Bond
The last day of Tihar is Bhai Tika, a day to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters place a tika on their brothers’ foreheads, wishing them long life and protection. In return, brothers offer gifts as a symbol of their love and promise to protect their sisters.
I feel incredibly lucky to have my brother here with me to celebrate Bhai Tika, bringing the spirit of Tihar even closer to home. This special day is all about the love, blessings, and lifelong bond we share. Here are some highlights from our celebration – from the tika, tradition garland and masala to exchanging gifts and laughter, every moment felt like a cherished tradition we’ve carried with us.
Deusi-Bhailo Traditions
Traditionally, people celebrate with Deusi and Bhailo, lively songs sung to bless each home in exchange for treats, bringing joy and unity as groups go door-to-door singing.
We’re fortunate to live in a neighborhood that embraces these traditions, filling our celebrations with warmth and connection. Alongside all the delicious feasting, we were blessed to be part of a community where Deusi-Bhailo thrives.
This year, we had groups of seniors, adults, and children stopping by to play Deusi-Bhailo, filling our home with song, laughter, and festive spirit.
Wishing everyone celebrating Nepal Sambat a joyous and prosperous new year! Tihar reminds me that home is wherever our heart and traditions are, and no matter how far we go, we carry these festivals with us. Here’s to another year filled with light, love, and togetherness.
Recently, one of my readers asked an interesting question: “If eating beef is considered sinful because of the relationship between the cow as a mother and her milk, then why do Hindus, especially Nepalese Hindus, happily eat buffalo meat? Isn’t buffalo milk more nutritious, making buffalo a better mother?”
It got me thinking, and I did some digging to explore this further. Here’s what I found and why I don’t eat beef.
First, it’s important to recognise that in Hinduism, the cow holds a unique and sacred place, and this reverence goes beyond mere practicality or nutrition. The cow is symbolically and spiritually connected to Hindu beliefs and culture, which is why I, like many other Hindus, refrain from eating beef.
The Spiritual Connection with Cows
The cow has been revered in Hinduism for thousands of years. In the Vedas and ancient scriptures, the cow is referred to as “Gau Mata” or “Mother Cow,” symbolising motherhood, nurturing, and selfless giving. This connection comes not just from the milk the cow provides but from its association with key deities. For instance:
Lord Krishna, one of the most beloved Hindu deities, was raised as a cowherd, and his playful interaction with cows is often depicted in religious art. Cows are also tied to Lord Krishna’s teachings on compassion and non-violence.
Goddess Earth (Prithvi) is sometimes personified as a cow, highlighting the belief that cows are life-sustaining and nurturing like the Earth itself.
In this context, cows are considered symbols of life, fertility, and the provider of sustenance, much like a mother to her children. Eating beef, therefore, is seen as equivalent to committing harm to a mother, which is why it is considered a sin in many Hindu communities.
But Why is Buffalo Meat Accepted?
In Nepal, and particularly among groups like the Newars, buffalo meat is widely consumed despite the taboo on beef. This difference arises because buffaloes do not share the same religious or cultural symbolism as cows. While buffalo milk is indeed more nutritious than cow milk—higher in fat, protein, and other nutrients—the spiritual reverence for cows stems from deeper historical, cultural, and religious roots.
Here are a few reasons why buffalo meat is accepted in certain Hindu communities:
Lack of Spiritual Connection: Buffaloes, unlike cows, are not venerated in Hindu scriptures. While buffaloes are important for milk and meat, they do not have the same symbolic and religious significance as cows. The spiritual bond with cows goes beyond their utility, making them sacred, while buffaloes are seen as utilitarian animals.
Cultural and Ethnic Traditions: In Nepal, different ethnic groups have their own dietary practices. For example, Newar Hindus include buffalo meat (locally called “buff”) as a staple in their cuisine. The acceptance of buffalo meat comes from cultural practices that predate modern Hindu dietary restrictions. Buffaloes are raised for both milk and meat, and the consumption of buffalo meat has become culturally normalised.
Practicality: In regions where cows may be harder to raise due to climate or geography, buffaloes are more common because they are hardy animals that can thrive in harsher conditions. This practicality makes buffaloes valuable for both their milk and meat, especially in Nepal.
The Sacredness of Cows Goes Beyond Nutrition
Even though buffalo milk is more nutritious, the sacredness of cows in Hinduism is not tied to nutritional value. Instead, it is based on symbolism. Cows are gentle creatures, embodying the principles of non-violence (ahimsa), purity, and selfless service. They provide milk, dung (used as fuel or fertiliser), and serve as companions in farming, making them deeply integrated into traditional agrarian life.
For Hindus, the reverence for cows is not just about their physical benefits; it’s about what they represent in terms of compassion, nurturing, and life-giving energy. This is why cow slaughter is prohibited in many parts of India and Nepal, and why I choose not to eat beef.
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