Youngstown State University’s Nepalese Student Association will present “Dashain & Tihar Night” from 3:30-7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12. The event will occur in Kilcawley Center’s Chestnut Room on the YSU campus.
The gathering will celebrate two major Nepalese festivals, Dashain and Tihar, and includes cultural music, dance performances, and food by Choolah.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, see here.
About the festivals
Dashain is Nepal’s biggest festival and public holiday. The Nepal Tourism Board describes the celebration as “the longest Hindu festival in Nepal, traditionally celebrated for two weeks with prayers and offerings to Durga, the Universal Mother Goddess.”
According to the board, “Dashain honors the Goddess Durga, who was created out of the shakti or energy of all the gods, armed with weapons from each of them.” The celebration typically includes family reunions, blessing and gifts. In 2023, the festival occurred in October.
Tihar is a five-day festival of lights and colors. According the Nepal Tourism Board, the festival honors Yama, the God of Death, and features the worship of Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth. The tourism board adds: “Houses all over the country are lit up with extra lights and decorated with garlands. A great view can be had of the brightly lit-up Kathmandu city from the Swoyambhunath Stupa.”
Animals and livestock have central roles in the festival. According to the tourism board, “The celebrations begin with the adoration of crows and dogs. Leaf dishes of rice, incense and light are set out for the dark messenger, while dogs are worshipped and offered goodies.”
On the fifth day, known as Brothers Day, brothers and sisters pray for each other and exchange gifts. The festival ends with feasting and blessings.
This year, Tihar occurs from Nov. 11-16.
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