Drawing a unique connect: Hills celebrate Tiwar with religious fervour

Amitava Banerjee | MP | 6 November 2018 | Darjeeling: The unique festival of "Tiwar" commenced with "Kak Tiwar" on Monday in Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

Dipawali is celebrated in a unique way in Darjeeling. The 5 days of "Tiwar" or "Yamapanchak," is commemorated in the honour of "Yamraj" — the mythological Lord of Death.

The first day of Tiwar is Kak Tiwar, dedicated to the crows, believed to be the bird associated with Yamraj. On this day food is left on rooftops and open spaces for the crows.

The next day is Kukur Tiwar. On this day marigold garlands are put on dogs with vermillion being applied on the forehead of dogs. The dog is offered a sumptuous meal. Even stray dogs are not left out on this day and people offer food to them as well.

The third day of Tiwar, which falls on the day of Dipawali, is commemorated as Gai Tiwar. Early in the morning, the cows which symbolise goddess Lakshmi are worshipped. The houses are painted and marigold garlands are put on doors to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.

In the evening after Lakshmi Puja, tika is annointed on the forehead of seven small girls as they are worshipped as the forms of Lakshmi. Diya or lamp is lit in the main altar of the house. Along with the diyas, copper vase called Gagri is kept filled with water and decorated with flowers. Several groups of girls dressed in traditional Gunue Cholo sit outside the main entrance of houses and sing the traditional "Bhailo."

The next day of Gai Tiwar or Laxmi Puja is the Goru Tiwar — the day dedicated to the ox. In the evening "Deushi" is sung by groups of boys wearing traditional "Daura Suruwal" and playing traditional musical instruments, madal, chyabrung and jhyamta. The five-day Tiwar concludes with "Bhai-Tika."

Both Bhailo and Deushi are forms of folk culture. Both have got a common mythological background. According to mythology, during the Satya Yug, Lord Vishnu in the form of a dwarf had asked for alms from King Bali. King Bali was renowned for his charitable nature.

Keeping his word, King Bali gave away his kingdom to Lord Vishnu. The girls of his kingdom fearing destruction, in groups, prayed to Goddess Lakshmi to bestow the kingdom with riches so that its lost glory could be regained.

"I do not usually return home during Dussehra but try my best to get leaves for Tiwar. The festival is fun-filled and I love playing Deusi with my friends. It's also about a sumptuous traditional spread including "Sel Roti" (traditional sweet bread) and different types of "Aachar", stated Avisekh Bagdas who works in Delhi.