November 2: Tihar, the second biggest festival of Hindus in Nepal, has started from today (November 2) as per the lunar calendar. Also known as Yam Panchak, the festival is observed for five days. The first day of Yam Panchak is observed as Kaag Tihar by feeding crows, regarded as messengers in Nepali society. However, worshipping of crows will be held on the second day of Tihar this year which is also known as Kukur Tihar - the day of worshipping dogs. The third day is Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja on which people worship cows and Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth.    
 The fourth day of Tihar is known as Goru Puja, when people worship oxen, while the fifth and the final day is Bhai Tika - the day when brothers receive Tika from their sisters.    
    
This year, both Kaag Tihar and Kukur Tihar fall on the same day (i.e. Wednesday), according to the Calendar Determination Committee Chair Professor Shree Krishna Adhikari.

"Although yamadipana falls on Tuesday (today), the Kaag Tihar is celebrated tomorrow as per the lunar calendar this year," Adhikari said, adding the time for worshipping crows is only till 7:17 am then the time begins for worshipping dogs.    
People from the Newari community celebrate the fourth day of Yam Panchak as Mha Puja (worship of own soul).    
 The auspicious hour for Bhai Tika this year is 11:02 am on Saturday (November 6), added Adhikari.    
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.    
Organizing deusi-bhailo and worshipping various animals and birds are the significant aspects of this festival. -- RSS