The Embassy of Nepal in Colombo celebrated Tihar/Deepawali, one of Nepal’s most important religious and cultural festivals, with a special ceremony held at the Embassy premises. The celebration brought together diplomatic officials, members of the Nepali community, representatives of international organizations, business associations, and friends and well-wishers of Nepal in Sri Lanka.
Traditional Tihar Rituals and Laxmi Puja Observed
The religious ceremony was organized to mark the auspicious festival of Deepawali, which is celebrated across Nepal over five days. Each day of the festival is dedicated to expressing gratitude and respect toward different living beings and carries distinct religious and cultural significance.
The festival begins with Kaag Tihar, followed by Kukur Tihar, Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja, Goru Tihar and Govardhan Puja, and concludes with Bhai Tika. The five-day celebration reflects Nepal’s deep-rooted traditions and values of gratitude, respect, harmony, and coexistence with nature. The Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Nepal in Colombo, Vijay Kumar Raut, performed the traditional rituals and offered prayers to Goddess Lakshmi as part of the celebration.
Emphasis on Nepal’s Cultural Heritage
Addressing the gathering, Raut highlighted the profound religious, cultural, and spiritual importance of Deepawali in Nepali society. He emphasized that festivals such as Tihar play an important role in preserving Nepal’s rich cultural heritage while also promoting the country’s traditions and values among Nepali communities and international friends abroad.
The celebration provided an opportunity for participants to learn about and reflect on the cultural significance of Tihar and its unique traditions. Invitees also shared their thoughts and reflections on the festival and extended warm wishes for a peaceful, prosperous, and joyous Deepawali.
Nepali Community and International Representatives Participate
The ceremony was attended by diplomatic officials of the Embassy of Nepal, representatives of international organizations, members of the Nepali community in Sri Lanka, representatives of the Nepal–Sri Lanka Friendship Association, members of the Sri Lanka-Nepal Business Council, as well as friends and well-wishers of Nepal.
The gathering served as a platform to strengthen cultural connections between Nepal and Sri Lanka while bringing together members of the Nepali community and Nepal’s friends in the country. The celebration concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Sagar Bhandari, First Secretary at the Embassy of Nepal in Colombo.
Embassy Extends Tihar Greetings
On the auspicious occasion of Tihar/Deepawali, the Embassy of Nepal extended its warmest wishes to all Nepali nationals and friends of Nepal residing in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The Embassy expressed hope that the festival would bring peace, happiness, prosperity, and good health to everyone, while further strengthening the bonds of friendship, cultural understanding, and goodwill between Nepal and its international communities.
