Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepali Hindus, is beginning from today. Also known as Yam Panchak, the festival is observed for five days. The first day Kaag Tihar is observed by feeding crows, regarded as messenger in Nepali society.
The second day is Kukur Tihar-the day is observed by worshipping dogs. Interestingly, the first day-Kaag Tihar- and second day-Kukur Tihar- have fallen on the same day this year due to alteration in the dates, according to the Nepal Calendar Fixation Committee.
Kukur Tihar is also called Narak Chaturdashi. People take holy dips in rivers and ponds at sunrise on this day in observance of the Narak Chaturdashi. After taking the holy bath, devotees light what is known as the Yamadeep facing it southwards.
Devotees also flock to the temples dedicated to crows such as Kageshwori Temple at Pashupatinath Temple area, Kageshwori Dham at Kageshwori Manohara Municipality ward no 1 among others.
The Committee decided the day to worship crow and dog on the same day in line with the Vedic scriptures.
Tihar, the festival of light, sees worship of cow and Goddess Laxmi on the third day (Laxmi Puja) and ox on the fourth day (Goru Puja).On the fifth and final day (Bhai Tika), brothers receive tika from their sisters.
However, people from the Newari community celebrate the fourth day of Yam Panchak as Maha Puja - worship of own soul.
The auspicious hour for Bhai Tika this year is 11:02 am Saturday (November 6).
Tihar is also known as the festival of lights. During the festival, people decorate their houses with colourful lights, flowers and oil lamps. They celebrate the festival eating various delicacies, including sweets and sel roti.
Organizing deusi-bhailo and worshipping various animals and birds are significant aspects of this festival.
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