Tihar, a
Hindu festival celebrated with equal enthusiasm by animists in the hills, took place when we were at Dhiren's parents' farm. The five day event honors Laxmi, Goddess
of wealth, and Yama Raj, lord of the underworld. Every house is decorated with oil lamps because there was once a king whose astrologer said a serpent would take his life away unless he decorated his palace
with lit oil lamps on Laxmi's puja day. Laxmi was pleased and got the
serpent to alter the king's remaining age in Yama Raj's ledger. He cunningly put a seven in front of the zero and the king
lived another seventy years. On the last day of tihar, sisters perform a puja requesting Yama Raj to grant their brothers a long life. We were honored to participate in the ceremony. The excellent pictures below were taken for me by Prem, who works with Purba and is one of the leaders of our crew.
Tihar Puja Fall 2006