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Happy Dipawali!
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Posted on Nov 02 2005
The Nepalese community in the CNMI will celebrate today the final day of the Dipawali festival—a celebration that means as much to Hindus as Christmas does to Christians.
Happy Dipawali is the second biggest festival of the Hindu Nepalese community, which is celebrated between Oct. 30 and Nov. 3. The five-day fete, which ends today, is also called the Festival of Lights.
According to gkindia.com. Dipawali means “rows of lighted lamps,” which explains why it is often referred to as the Festival of Lights. “During this time, homes are thoroughly cleaned and windows are opened to welcome Laksmi, goddess of wealth. Candles and lamps are lit as a greeting to Laksmi. Gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared during Diwali,” the website says.
Each day of the festival is celebrated in different ways and with various programs, as indicated in the different names for each day. The festival’s main day is called Bhai Tika, during which all sisters put multi-colored powder on the forehead of their brothers and give them garlands to wish them good health and long life. The festival is also celebrated with different kinds of delicious Nepalese food.
* 1st day is worship to the Crow, which is called Kag Tihar.
* 2nd day is worship to the Dog, which is called Kukur Tihar.
* 3rd day is worship to the Cow, which is called Gai Tihar. It is also called Laxmi Puja, which is a symbol of the god Laxmi.
* 4th day is worship to the Ox, which is called Goru Tihar.
* 5th day is the main day of Happy Dipawali. It is called Bhai Tika.
There are currently 228 Nepalese citizens in the CNMI, with 106 on Saipan, 121 on Tinian and one on Rota.
