KATHMANDU: Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav has said that Tihar, the festival of lights, strengthens national unity by bringing together communities across the mountains, hills and Terai-Madhesh through shared celebrations, mutual respect and goodwill.

In his message on the occasion of Tihar (Deepawali) 2026 here today, Yadav stated that Nepal’s rich diversity of languages, cultures, traditions, ethnic groups and religious beliefs was a source of national pride.

He noted that the festival weaves this diversity into a common cultural bond, reinforcing the spirit of ‘unity in diversity’.

Highlighting the Tihar’s cultural significance, Yadav asserted that Kaag Tihar (Crow Tihar) symbolizes the importance of communication and messages, while Kukur Tihar (Dog Tihar) honours loyalty and devotion.

Furthermore, he argued that Gai Tihar (Cow Tihar) reflects motherhood, prosperity and reverence for life-giving cultural practices while the worship of oxen celebrates hard work, productivity and the country’s agricultural heritage.

He added that rituals associated with Tihar festival like Laxmi Puja, Deusi-Bhailo and Bhai Tika promote prosperity, social harmony and family bonds.

Yadav, in his message, also highlighted traditional celebrations in Madhesh, including Govardhan Puja, Hukka-Loli (Hukkapaati) and Hurrahuri, saying these festivities foster goodwill, brotherhood, community solidarity and a festive spirit in rural communities.

Describing Tihar as more than a festival of lights, VP Yadav maintained that its deeper message lies in promoting hope, compassion, coexistence and respect for nature.

On the occasion, the VP expressed confidence that the festival would encourage tolerance, social justice and mutual respect while strengthening national unity and inspiring collective efforts towards building a prosperous and self-reliant Nepal.