Yamapanchak begins from today
Crow is worshiped as a messenger bird.
KATHMANDU: Tihar, also known as Yamapanchak, is set to illuminate Nepal from Nov 11 to Nov 15, celebrating the five-day festival of lights and flowers.
During Yamapanchak, Goddess Laxmi and brothers are worshipped, with the auspicious Bhai Tika scheduled at 10:51 am on Wednesday, Nov 15, according to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.
Surya Prasad Dhungel, the Executive Director of the Committee, highlighted the significance of 10:51 am for Bhai Tika but emphasized that the exchange of Bhai Tika can occur throughout the day.
The festival kicks off with Kaag Tihar on Nov 11 i.e. today, where the crow, representing Yama, the god of death, is worshipped in the morning.
Crow is worshiped as a messenger bird. If a crow crows, it is believed that some message or guest will come.
From this evening onwards, to please Yamaraj, there is also a custom of offering Yama lamp at home according to the number of families. There is a classical belief that by offering a lamp in this way, Yama will be freed from torture.
According to the scriptures, crows are especially considered as a bird that conveys inauspicious messages.
It is still popularly believed that Yamaraj appointed the crow as his messenger because he was able to bring messages quickly through the sky.
It is a religious belief that if you do not worship and feed the crow on this day, you will be guilty of sin. As the crow conveys good and bad messages, it is worshiped as the messenger of Yamaraj.
On Sunday, Kukur Tihar and Laxmi Puja coincide, with the morning dedicated to worshipping dogs and the evening dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Laxmi.
Gai Puja falls on Nov 13, followed by Govardan Puja, Hali Puja, Mha Puja, and Nepal Sambat 1144 on Nov 14. The festival concludes with Bhai Puja or Kija Puja on Nov 15.
