MAHOTTARI: Tihar, Nepal’s second-largest festival, begins today, with Dhanteras being observed in the ancient Mithila region of Madhesh Province, including Mahottari district.
Traditionally, Dhanteras is celebrated on the first day of the five-day Tihar festival by lighting oil lamps in the evening and purchasing new metal utensils and jewellery. However, changes in the lunar calendar have extended the festival to six days this year.
According to Mahesh Kumar Jha, an expert on Maithil rituals, although the Dwadashi tithi prevails at sunrise today, Dhanteras will be observed before noon.
In the Mithila region, religious festivals, auspicious occasions and rituals are observed according to the Mithila Panchanga and Vidyapati Panchanga.
The Maithili tradition calls for purchasing gold, silver and other metal utensils and jewellery on Dhanteras to welcome Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. People also bring home items such as ‘khareto’ (traditional broom), coriander and other auspicious goods. The festival formally begins with the lighting of lamps in households.
Quoting the traditional calendar, Jha said the Trayodashi tithi would begin at 11:10 am today and continue until 10:47 am on Saturday. Accordingly, Kag Puja and Dhanwantari Jayanti, which are traditionally observed on Trayodashi, will fall on Saturday.
According to the Maithili tradition, the celebrations will conclude next Wednesday with Bhai Dooj (Bhaiya Dooj).
Kukur Puja will be observed on Sunday morning, coinciding with the Chaturdashi tithi, while Laxmi Puja will be performed on Sunday evening.
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