# travel inspiration : all you need to know about the Diwali @Nepal part 3

Diwali, or Tihar ; the light festival..

Here I am, back to Katmandu after my dreamy stay in the jungle, to celebrate the light festival.. The locals are quite busy getting ready to celebrate and you can feel the atmosphere has changed in the streets of Thamel or Baktapur, which are even more so crowded and agitated as usual.. To give you an idea of the vibe, it feels a bit like the day before Chrismas Eve or something like that.. And I must say I too was really exited to discover this celebration !!

In October or November depending on the year, the Newars (Nepalese) celebrate this enormous festival that lasts for 5 days.. In reality it takes much longer however, because they prepare for several days in advance to make thousands of candles, and cook all the terra-cotta lamps for the celebrations..

It is a traditional and very important Hindu holiday, celebrated with devotion and worship in Nepal. During the 5 days, Nepalise party and celebrate in the streets with their families. Candles are lit everywhere,and they dance, sing, and make offerings.. Every day corresponds to a celebration ; they begin by honoring the cows, which are crowned in Nepal (and incidentally is the only animal that they do not eat), then they pray for dogs on the second day.

The third day, is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth and prosperity) and Ganesh. On the fourth day, they worship the ox, and the fifth and last day is called Bhai Tika or Kija Puja and is observed by sisters applying tika to the foreheads of their brothers to ensure long life, and thank them for the protection they provide. They also exchange gifts.

The Diwali festival comes to a head at the end of the day, especially in the streets of Baktapur, which is completely lit by candles. It is beyond beautiful…

Magnificent mandalas are drawn on the doors of all the houses, even the ground, and the children sing for money… My fellow tourists, by the time you have heard, and paid three separate groups of children, the next time you see another group approaching, turn and walk in the opposite direction, unlike myself who ended up broke by giving them all my money… because of course you are expected to give them something at the end of each song. I was even invited to one of the families houses to eat, but i politely declined as they participate in animal sacrifice. Above all you must know that Diwali is a family celebration, with big meals, sharing, and unfortunately many animal sacrifices

I felt so blessed to discover this celebration ! Especially because it is only happening once a year and I got lucky enough to be there at the right time !! So grateful for that ! If you travel to Kathmandu, try to schedule your stay for the Diwali so you can live this magical experience with the locals..

And after this amazing moment, it was time for me to hit the road again.. Next stop Pokhara and its beautiful mountains ..

xoxo