Auspicious time for Bhai Tika declared

KATHMANDU: NOV. 2 – Tihar, the second biggest festival of Nepali Hindus also known as Yam Panchak is beginning today. The festival is being observed for five days.

The first day of Tihar (Yam Panchak) Kaag Tihar. The day is observed by feeding crows. Crows are regarded as messengers in Nepali society.

Similarly, the second day is Kukur Tihar- the day is observed by worshipping dogs. The third day is Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja. The day is observed by worshipping cows and Laxmi, the goddess of wealth.

The fourth day of Tihar is known as Goru Puja which is observed by worshipping ox while the fifth and the final day is Bhai Tika – the day when brothers receive Tika from their sisters.

However, both Kaag Tihar and Kukur Tihar fall on the same day, tomorrow (Wednesday), according to Calendar Determination Committee Chairman Prof Shree Krishna Adhikari.

“Although Yamadipana falls on Tuesday (today), the Kaag Tihar is celebrated tomorrow as per lunar calendar this year,” Adhikari said, adding the time for Kaag Tihar is only till 7:17 am then the time begins for Kukur Tihar.

People from the Newar community celebrate the fourth day of Yam Panchak as Mha Puja – worship of their own soul.

The auspicious time for Bhai Tika this year is 11:02 am Saturday (November 6), he added.

Tihar is also known as the festival of lights. During the festival, people decorate their houses with colorful lights, flowers and oil lamps.

They celebrate the festival by eating various delicacies, including sweets and sel roti.

Organizing deusi-bhailo and worshipping various animals and birds are significant aspects of this festival.

-RSS