Streets full of children singing and dancing, houses covered from top to bottom with colorful lights, the aroma of festival food  from every household, families getting together to exchange greetings and play cards, and fireworks being lit at every corner – this would be a typical description of  the festival of lights commonly known as Tihar or Dipawali. Tihar is a five-day festival celebrated in Nepal where animals like cows, dogs, and crows are celebrated along with the relationship of brothers and sisters. What is interesting is how over time, celebrating with fire-crackers has become an integral part of Tihar, especially as fire-crackers do not have roots in Hindu traditions.

KATHMANDU, Oct 25: Tihar, the second largest festival of Nepali Hindus started today. Also known as Yam Panchak, the festival is observed for five days.