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Hindu youths read papal message of peace for the Festival of Lights
by Kalpit Parajuli
Tihar is a five-day celebration that represents the victory of truth over falsehood. Benedict XVI’s message for World Peace Day has become a point of reference for young Nepalis of all religions. Prayers are said for the pilgrimage of peace underway in Assisi.
Kathmandu (AsiaNews) – Young Hindus, but also young Christians and Muslims, celebrated Tihar, the Festival of Lights, singing the message of peace, love and dialogue written by Benedict XVI for World Peace Day. Representatives of various religious groups have circulated the papal message, and prayed for the Day dedicated to the “Pilgrims of truth, Pilgrims of Peace”, currently underway in Assisi.
Until 2006, the pope was unknown in Nepal because of the all-encompassing nature of Hindu culture and the ban on Catholics from conducting ceremonies in public.
With the fall of the monarchy and the establishment of a secular state, young Hindus and Buddhists have come to know and appreciate Benedict XVI, recognising the value of his writings and spreading them around.
"This year, our messages are mainly about dialogue, love, peace, the constitution and secularism,” said Madhav Ghimire, 26, a young Hindu from a group called Sishnopani. “Although, I am Hindu, the pope's message on World Peace Day has become very significant to Nepal. So we use it as a point of reference.”
Every Hindu celebrates Tihar is based on ancient mythology. Also known as Deepavali (row of lights), the event represents the victory of truth over falsehood, light over darkness, life over death and good over evil.
The festival lasts five days and marks the start of the new year. It is a time of reconciliation in families, especially between brothers and sisters, and of worshipping God.
In Nepal, Tihar began on Sunday and will end tomorrow. Each day is dedicated to a different animal: crows, dogs, cows and oxen. The latter represent the relationship between humankind and the gods and are fed delicacies and blessed with the Tika, a red mark that is put on the forehead, and a crown of flowers around the neck.
For Hindu culture expert Govinda Tondon, “Tihar has become a celebration for the entire population,” a time for “each religious group to extend the festival’s message of peace to its leaders.”
For him, the papal message is important in Nepal’s current situation and can help promote the work of reconstruction after years of civil war.
“Our political and religious leaders have a lot to learn from his words,” he explained. “A true representation of God must be a call to peace for all religions. Without peace they cannot live together.”