Tihar also
commemorates Rama & Sita's return from exile after the slaying of
Ravana. The lights that are lit everywhere, recall the lights
that the inhabitants of Ayodhya lit to welcome back their beloved
prince.
The
five days of the festival are called the 'five days of Yama', the god
of Death. The first day, which this year is on October 26th
is paying respect to Yama, the God of Death, by worshiping
crows, who are his messengers.
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The
following day, dogs, Yama's gate-keepers are worshiped. The
family pooch, and street dogs, too, are fed garlanded and given tika on
that day.
On the
evening of the new moon day (Oct. 28) , Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped
(along with the family wealth) for good fortune and prosperity.
People believe that Goddess Lakshmi visits every house during Tihar and
gives blessings of peace and prosperity. People light up rows of lamps
in their houses to welcome the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity and
also to light up her path.
Hindu
mythology regards Goddess Lakshmi as the Goddess of Light, Beauty,
Wealth and Good Fortune. She is said to be the daughter of sage Bhrigu,
who took refuge in the ocean of milk and was reborn during the famous
ocean churning process carried out by Gods and demons.
Deepawali
is celebrated to commemorate the birth of the Goddess of Wealth and
hence Lakshmi Puja is a very important part of the celebrations.
Also, with the Goddess of Fortune on everyone's minds, a lot of
gambling takes place.
From that
day onwards, for the next three days, groups of singers roam all over
the Valley, singing and dancing, entertaining and collecting alms from
all the households. One can hear the familiar refrain of these
songs, 'dyo shi re' until late into the night
The next morning, cows are
worshipped, and the protective rakshabandana thread, that was tied
around one's wrist during the full-moon in August at Janai Poorni, is
removed and tied to the tail of a cow, so that it might ferry you
safely through the underworld, if your number comes up this year.
The
same day occurs Govardhan Puja - bullocks are worshipped in the
morning, as Lord Krishna is remembered for protecting the cow-herders
of Vrindavana by lifting Mount Govardhan to shelter and shield them.
In the
evening, Mha Puja, the worship of one's own body, or self, is
performed, especially among
Newaris.
It's also Newari New Year's day 1129. For the next three days all
the houses are illuminated with festive lights.
The fifth day of Tihar is called
Bhai Tika. It is a day dedicated to sisters. In the Vedic era,
Yama (Yamraj, the Lord of Death) visited his sister Yamuna on this
day. He gave his sister a boon that whosoever visits his sister
on this day shall be liberated from all sins. Thus, the tradition of
Bhai Tika continues.
May Goddess
Lakshmi settle in your home and family, and foster all your endeavors!
Love &
Pranams, Billy and Suzie (Lakshmi)
