Kathmandu, Oct 18: Tihar, the second largest festival of Nepali Hindus is beginning from today. Also known as Yama Panchak, the festival is observed for five days. The first day of Yama Panchak is observed as Kaag Tihar by feeding crows, regarded as messengers of both good and bad tidings in Nepali society.
The second day is Kukur Tihar. The day is observed worshipping dogs. The third day is Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja, featuring worshipping cows and Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, respectively. The fourth day of Tihar is known as Goru Puja — worship of oxen, while the fifth and the final day is Bhai Tika — the day when brothers receive Tika from their sisters.
However, people from the Newari community celebrate the fourth day of Yama Panchak as Mha Puja — worship of own soul. The auspicious hour for Bhai Tika this year is 11:39 am on October 23, according to the Nepal Calendar Fixation Committee.
Tihar is also known as the festival of lights. During the festival, people decorate their houses with colourful lights and flowers, and illuminate the house and surroundings by lighting oil/butter lamps. They celebrate the festival eating various delicacies, including sweets and sel roti.
Performing the deusi-bhailo cultural singing and dance, and worshipping various animals and birds are significant aspects of this festival.
