The Nepali Students’ Association (NSA) is organizing its first-ever Tihar celebration at the U of M on Oct. 18 at 5 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at University Centre. The event aims to create a sense of community for Nepali students while sharing the festival’s cultural significance with the wider university population.
Neha Saru Magar, founding president of the NSA, explained the inspiration behind the celebration. “We were inspired by a desire to create a ‘Home away from home’ for Nepali students,” she said. “We saw an opportunity to share our culture with the wider university community.”
The celebration is designed to promote cultural diversity and inclusion on campus. “Instead of diversity being just acknowledged, we want it to be experienced,” Magar said. “We’re welcoming students, staff and faculty from all backgrounds to participate — not just observe. Whether it’s trying Selroti for the first time or joining us in Rangoli-making, it’s about connection through shared joy.”
Tihar, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated over five days, each with unique rituals and meanings. These include Kaag Tihar (Crow Day), honouring crows; Kukur Tihar (Dog Day), celebrating dogs’ loyalty; Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja, worshipping cows and the Goddess Laxmi; Govardhan Puja/Mha Puja, reflecting gratitude toward nature and self; and Bhai Tika, when sisters pray for their brothers’ long life. “What makes Tihar truly special is that it goes beyond religion — it celebrates relationships, gratitude, harmony and coexistence,” Magar said.
The event has been a collaborative effort involving weeks of planning. The NSA executive team worked closely with UMSU, the Nepali Cultural Society of Manitoba and a Pandit Ji who will conduct the Puja. Magar stated, “It has truly been a community-driven initiative.”
The celebration will feature traditional Puja, Selroti and other authentic Nepali cuisine, Prasad distribution, Rangoli art displays, a photo booth and music and dance performances. The event will conclude with Deusi-Bhailo, a traditional song and dance.
Magar hopes both Nepali and non-Nepali attendees gain meaningful experiences from the celebration. “For Nepali attendees, I hope it feels like home. For non-Nepali attendees, I hope they walk away with new friendships, full stomachs and a warm appreciation of our traditions. More than just learning — we want them to feel included in our celebration,” she said.
NSA plans to make Tihar an annual tradition and eventually collaborate with more cultural groups. “This is just the beginning,” Magar said. “When we celebrate together, it reminds us that distance doesn’t dilute identity. It strengthens our cultural roots […] while embracing where we are.”
