Constitutional expert Adhikari urges to celebrate Tihar as Tihar by preserving Nepal’s original culture and tradition
Kathmandu. Constitutional expert and analyst Bipin Adhikari has urged the government to celebrate Tihar as Tihar by preserving Nepal’s original culture and tradition.
Through social media, he urged the officials not to limit Tihar only to Laxmi Puja or Deepawali. He said that Tihar has its own unique identity and importance as Dashain, Chhath, Shivaratri, Krishna Janmashtami and Ram Navami are different festivals.
“Tihar should be called Tihar. Dashain Tihar is not Tihar, Chhath Tihar, Shivratri, Krishna Janmashtami or Ram Navami is not Tihar,” he said, adding that the importance of Tihar should not be diminished just by calling it Lakshmi Puja or Deepawali. According to the official, Tihar is a festival based on pure Nepali tradition in terms of both name and custom. It is also celebrated as Yamapanchak. He said that Tihar will highlight the interrelationship between people, nature, animals and family.
He said that the five days of Tihar reflect different relationships and social significance.
According to Adhikari, the Crow Tihar celebrates respect to the bird world, Kukur Tihar celebrates friendship and trust between humans and animals, the importance of livelihood and prosperity and the bull festival expresses gratitude for the contribution of animals in agricultural life.
He also said that Bhai Tika will strengthen the affection, protection and family relations between brothers and sisters. Adhikari said that this period is celebrated as a Swaanti festival in the Newar community and Mha Puja or self-worship and the new year of Nepal Sambat has special significance. According to him, Tihar reminds people that their existence is interdependent with nature, animals, family and society. He said that Tihar will give the message that not only human beings are important, but coexistence with the entire nature and animal world is equally important.
He said that although it is traditionally customary to perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening on the day of Gai Tihar, Tihar should not be limited to Lakshmi Puja or Deepawali. He said that the lamp is lit every day and the lighting of the lamp gives a symbolic meaning of light and hope.
Stating that almost all communities of Nepal celebrate Tihar according to their own unique style and tradition, Adhikari said that there is both diversity and similarity in this festival. He believes that the original traditions of all communities will be included within the broad cultural form of Tihar.
“Tihar is not only Laxmi Puja or Deepawali, but also a cultural expression of human coexistence,” he said.
Stating that it would not be appropriate to leave one’s original tradition and learn from others, Adhikari urged people to extend best wishes on the occasion of Tihar rather than just wishing them on Diwali.
He stressed on the need to preserve Nepali civilization and cultural identity by continuing good traditions. Adhikari extended Tihar greetings to all
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