When we think of Tihar, the first image that comes to mind is 'lamps'. We have seen an era from placing lamps in banana leaves to earthenware lamps to digital lamps.

I remember waiting for the group singing 'Deusi Re' from afar to come to our house to sing. More than that, I remember the confusion about where we would go to play Deusi and how much money we would get. When we went to play Deusi, we would eat selroti. At that time, when we went to play Deusi, one person would pick up the money and another would pick up the money. When we picked up the money, we would look at each other to see how much money we would give. Now, that Tihar festival comes to mind.

I remember the sisters inviting us to get tika by saying 'Dai tan aij'. Now, the custom has changed. At that time, the sisters would tie velvet flowers on their hands and invite us to get tika. Earlier, I used to get tika from my aunt's daughter. My aunt's four daughters. Sometimes I would go to Biratnagar, sometimes to Kathmandu. And when I applied tika with them, my sister applied tika less. Even now, when I think of Tihar, I only remember the light. Kathmandu is different during Tihar, there is light everywhere. It is like the world is bright. I used to feel that it is only bright at this time. The joy this light gives is different. It seems like it is giving a different kind of energy.

Tihar is fun in childhood. Going to my uncle's house. Going to play Deusi. Walking around in Deusi. Going to apply tika. Eating fruits. Eating sweets. But, these days, work has made me busy. And sometimes, I don't get to celebrate the festival because I am running around. This year, I am in Mustang due to the shooting of Kabaddi. Earlier, it was said that tika must be applied. But, now it is not even said that it must be applied as a responsibility. Rather than a priority, now it is said that it must be applied until it is received.

Earlier, even in the rituals, it was said that this day should be done, it must be done. Because Tihar is a time to worship nature! During this festival, cows should be worshipped, dogs are worshipped. Bulls are worshipped. At that time, it was said that it must be done by force, cows are also worshipped, bowed down. Dogs are also worshipped, bowed down. But, as the need increases, it is said that it must be done when requested. Now Tihar is seen that way.

When I was a child, I used to go to play Deusi a lot. Saying 'Yati Bhai Jamma', I used to go from village to village to play Deusi. Recently, when I was in the old mandala, we used to go to the houses of our teachers to play Deusi. Sometimes we would go to Abhi Subedi's, sometimes we would go to Kanakmani Dixit's. Sometimes we would go to Nischal Basnet's and sometimes to Ram Babu Gurung's to have fun. But, when the new mandala came, we too became a little bit of a household name, a household face. We got caught between our problems and needs.

The aspect of going like that during Tihar, having fun, became less and less. With the formation of the new mandala, I don't remember going to play Deusi like that. But, when there was a mandala in Anamnagar, we would go to play Deusi in a small car. Someone would make us sweets and feed us. We would go to 10/15 houses. Such activities should also be done to keep saying that we are also your people.

Earlier, when I thought that fewer people came to play Deusi at our house, I used to look at it in terms of meaning. The reason is that now the demand comes before Deusi. Deusi dakshina is 50 thousand, 1 lakh. People go to play Deusi wherever they are given a lot of money. If culture and tradition are linked to meaning, it tends to lean towards business.

If business is linked to culture, that culture dies. That's why - at that time, when fewer people came to play Deusi at our house, I used to think that my father would give me a little money. Lately, I have also called home and asked those who come to play Deusi to give money. The reason is, so that Deusi players keep coming. People gather when Deusi is played!

During Dashain, people who don't know each other don't gather at home like this. Only family and relatives gather. But, during Tihar, people gather at the homes of strangers and play Deusi. This is also a beautiful aspect of our culture. That is why I feel that this beautiful thing should not be forgotten now.

When I live in Kathmandu, I move around like a cat moving house. But, I keep wanting to come to ours too. This time, my film 'Balishtha Balaram' is going to be released in the theaters during Tihar. I plan to apply tika on my sister's hand. I am waiting for the opportunity to apply tika on my sister's hand and go to the theater. Let's see what happens!

Therefore, I would like to wish everyone to celebrate this festival by following the beautiful aspects given by culture. Let's see culture in its own beauty, and not associate it with meaning. May its beauty be passed on to future generations. It may change with time, but let's not let its sweetness die. If that culture is preserved, future generations will be able to see and hear it. Celebrate Tihar with the same sweetness as before, rather than with much pomp and show.