Kathmandu. Tihar, the second greatest festival of Nepali Hindus has begun from today. The festival is celebrated for five days with the worshiping of various birds and animals and playing deusi-bhailo. Since gatherings are dissuaded due to the pandemic, local authorities have  prohibited the deusi-bhailo programs, characteristic of the festival, this time.

The five days are also called Yama Panchak.  In the first four days, animals and birds that have meaningful presence in Nepali households are worshiped.  The first day is observed as Kaag (crow) Tihar, the second day the Kukur (dog) Tihar, the third the Gai (cow) Tihar or Laxmi Puja, the fourth day Goru (oxen)Tihar.  The fifth and final day is Bhai Tika – the day when brothers are worshiped by their sisters. The Newari community celebrates the fourth day of Yam Panchak as Maha Puja – worship of one’s own soul.

Tihar is also known as the festival of lights and people decorate their houses with colorful lights, candles and oil lamps. Decoration of houses with flowers is also a common sight.

The auspicious hour for Bhai Tika this year is 11:37 am on November 16, according to the Nepal Calendar Fixation Committee.

Meanwhile  the government had announced a public holiday on Kija pooja on November 17, adding to the previous announcement of  a three-day public holiday starting from Laxmi Puja to Bhai Tika from November 14 to 16.