Tihar Memories

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Dear Nemaste,

The first puja I remember that we would partake in was Laxmi Puja, where we would pray for Lakshmi Matha, the goddess of wealth. As time went by, our habits changed, and although we haven’t played with Pathaka’s in a long time, I remember the first year (or the second), when we came to Canada, during Tihar, when the stars shone their brightest, my family and I would head over to the balcony, and light up firecrackers (not really ASK mamu).

Although I didn’t realize it back then, I do as I am writing this. Despite their hard time adjusting to a country with a different language and values, my parents always did their best to make us feel at home, in Nepal. They never forgot their values and beliefs, and each year, without fail, they always celebrate the festivals they grew up with. Thank you mamu and papu.

Next in our list of puja’s, comes Mahapuja.

Mahapuja is not celebrated by all Nepali’s, rather celebrated by the Newari Community. Mahapuja’s were always fun! My mom would go from the eldest to youngest, by putting tikka on them, and pujaing (told you Neplish was a thing!). After this puja was completed, we would then feast on the delicious bhoj that was made by mom. I would have seconds, and thirds, because of how well she made everything!

There were many other puja’s too, but these two were the ones that I enjoyed the most. To me, Tihar not only represents the festival of light, but a festival where I can spend my time eating, laughing, and talking with my family

Sincerely,

Arnima Shrestha

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Dear Nemaste,

Ever since I came to Canada when I was four years old, my favourite festival would be Tihar. I don’t know if it was the colourful patterns we would make with rangoli (colourful powder) or if it was the beautiful dresses and glowing lights or my favourite-the food and sweets, but all I knew was Tihar would be the festival I would always be looking forward to, but the only missing piece was my family back home.

I have experienced Tihar in both Canada and Nepal, and they were both unique experiences.

In Canada, I am very grateful to have the Nepali community, with whom I can celebrate the festivals with. During Tihar, we all gather up, eat food, put on tikka, wear dresses and exchange money, which allows me to spend time with my friends. However, the happiness that I experienced when celebrating in Nepal is a feeling that I will never forget.

Unlike Canada, Tihar is a common festival celebrated by many in Nepal. During my visit to Nepal, I could not believe how beautiful the town was under the starry night. It was filled with glowing lanterns and colorful lights. Colours spilled from houses, streets and people. I could the songs that the townspeople would sing and dance to till the morning.

Sincerely,

Ojaswi K.C