This dog was remarkably zen about its vermilion tika and marigold garland; crows had their turn the day prior, though they are worshiped with food, not garlands and powder.
Powder that could well have come from this colorful array here… and it’s not just for tikas.
Creative people also use it, along with flower petals, to make the most creative, usually symmetrical, designs. The brown-red line leads from the mandala into the home or place of business. Lights, fruit, and cash generally feature, too.
Like this one.
Or this one.
A non-symmetrical example, I saw this in Thamel; it’s made of rice and other grains (the brass pot is wheat, I believe), with the date in Newari script alongside the map and flag. It was unusually large, so they’ve cordoned it off, but usually the mandalas are right on the street; beautiful art made to last just the night.
I really do love how the alley goes all out at this time of year.
Firecrackers are going off as I prepare this post, as we say goodbye to Tihar for another year.