Tihar, the Festival of Lights, begins from Saturday

This year’s Tihar festival, also known as Yampanchak or the festival of lights, begins from Saturday (October 18) with the ritual of offering lamps to Yama, the god of death.

According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, the first day of the festival is Dhantrayodashi or Dhanteras, followed by Kag Tihar and Dhanwantari Jayanti on Sunday (October 19).

The worship of dogs, known as Kukur Tihar, falls on Monday morning (October 20), while Laxmi Puja, the worship of Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, will be observed in the evening. Homes and streets will be illuminated with oil lamps and decorative lights to welcome the goddess during the festival of lights.

The committee added that the Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi tithi lasts until 2:52 pm the same day and is followed by Aunsi tithi (new moon), which marks the beginning of Laxmi Puja.

The worship of cows and bulls will be done on Wednesday (October 22). The same day, the Newar community celebrates Mha Puja, the ritual of worshipping one’s own soul, as prescribed in ancient texts. The day also marks the start of the Nepal Sambat New Year 1146.

According to tradition, Bhai Tika and the Newar Kija Puja will be observed on Thursday (October 23). The most auspicious time for Bhai Tika this year has been set at 11:39 am, according to Committee Chairman Prof. Shambhu Prasad Dhakal. Committee member Prof. Devmani Bhattarai said those wishing to follow the exact astrological time may do so, but performing Tika any time in the afternoon is also acceptable.

Traditionally, Tihar or Yampanchak is celebrated from Kartik Krishna Trayodashi to Kartik Shukla Dwitiya—from the 13th day of the waning moon to the second day of the waxing moon in the month of Kartik as per the lunar calendar.

During this period, devotees engage in lighting lamps, which is believed to help free the soul from the sufferings of Yamalok, the realm of the afterlife.

As part of the celebration, crows and dogs—regarded as messengers of Yama—are also offered food and treats. – With inputs from RSS