Tihar, also known as the festival of lights in Nepal, is a time of joy, devotion, and family togetherness. Beyond the vibrant diyas and delicious sweets, Tihar carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. To make the celebration more meaningful, here are five essential rituals and beliefs to observe during Gobardhan Puja in Tihar.
1. Avoid Worshipping Indoors – Perform the Puja in Your Courtyard
During Tihar or Govardhan Puja, it is considered auspicious to perform the rituals outdoors, especially in your courtyard. The open-air setting symbolizes purity, connection with nature, and openness to divine blessings. Setting up your puja outside allows the holy energy of lamps, incense, and prayers to spread freely — bringing positivity to your entire home.
2. Celebrate Together as a Family for Harmony and Blessings
Tihar is all about togetherness. It’s believed that performing puja and celebrating as a family strengthens bonds and invites harmony. Lighting diyas together, offering flowers to deities, and sharing festive meals create an environment of unity and gratitude — two key values that define this festival in Nepal.
3. Skip Black Clothes – Wear Yellow or Orange for Positive Energy
Color plays a vital role in Hindu traditions. During Tihar celebrations, wearing black is often avoided as it’s associated with negativity and misfortune. Instead, opt for bright colors like yellow, orange, or red, which symbolize prosperity, happiness, and divine energy. These shades are believed to attract positive vibrations and the blessings of Goddess Laxmi.
4. Create a Govardhan Hill and Perform Ritual Circumambulation
On Govardhan Puja, devotees create a small hill from cow dung, representing Govardhan Parbat lifted by Lord Krishna. The hill is beautifully decorated with flowers, leaves, and lamps. People perform a circumambulation (parikrama) around it, offering prayers for protection, gratitude, and prosperity. This ritual reminds devotees of nature’s divine role in sustaining life.
5. Do Not Look at the Moon During the Celebrations
A lesser-known belief during Govardhan Puja is to avoid looking at the moon. According to Hindu mythology, seeing the moon on this day may bring misunderstandings or false accusations. Instead, focus your prayers on Lord Krishna and the symbolic Govardhan Hill, reinforcing faith and devotion during the celebration.
Final Thoughts
Tihar in Nepal is more than lights and decorations — it’s a heartfelt connection between humans, gods, and nature. By following these age-old rituals and beliefs, you not only honor tradition but also invite peace, positivity, and prosperity into your life.
So this Tihar, light your diyas with intention, wear your brightest colors, and celebrate the spirit of togetherness with your loved ones.
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