Tihar, the second-largest festival of Nepali Hindus, begins today. Also known as Yama Panchak, the festival is celebrated for five days with devotion, lights, and joy.
The first day of Yama Panchak, Kaag Tihar, is dedicated to crows, considered messengers of good and bad news in Nepali culture. The second day, Kukur Tihar, honors dogs for their loyalty and protection. The third day, Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja, is marked by worshipping cows and Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
The fourth day is observed as Goru Puja (worship of oxen), while the fifth and final day, Bhai Tika, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. According to the Nepal Calendar Fixation Committee, the auspicious hour for Bhai Tika this year is 11:39 am on October 23.
In the Newar community, the fourth day is also celebrated as Mha Puja worship of one’s own soul-marking the beginning of their New Year.
Tihar, often called the “festival of lights,” transforms homes and streets across Nepal with colorful lamps, flowers, and decorations. People prepare and enjoy traditional delicacies such as sel roti and sweets, and perform deusi and bhailo, traditional songs and dances that symbolize blessings and community harmony.
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