On The Road-Kathmandu, Nepal-Tihar-The Festival of Lights

A shop owner in Thamel-Kathmandu, Nepal creates a rangoli art decoration in hopes that the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi will pay a visit-during Tihar

Tihar is one of my favorite festivals to see in Nepal. Each day of the festival either an animal, a Goddess or a brother/sister relationship are honored. The biggest night, Lakshmi Puja, is the most important night of the festival when houses and businesses are cleaned, decorated with Rangoli art(flower, colored sand) and candles. Prayers are also performed in hopes that the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi, will pay a visit and bless your family or business with a prosperous year.

Thamel, the tourist section of town is one of the best places to hangout and watch the festivities. With the highest concentrations of shops, restaurants and businesses it’s one of the liveliest parts of Kathmandu during the festival with impromptu dancing, singing and traditional gatherings.

In this episode of Far East Adventure Travel Podcast, highlights from the latest Tihar Festival in Kathmandu, Nepal.