KATHMANDU, Nov 1: The Nepal Calander Determination Committee has stated that although today is the new moon day of Yama Panchak, or Tihar, there is no specific Tihar festival observed today.
Laxmi Puja, usually performed on the evening of the new moon, was conducted on Thursday. According to a statement released by the Committee regarding Tihar, Gai Puja, which takes place on the day of the new moon and the Kartik Shukla Pratipada, falls on Saturday. Though no Tihar festival is observed today, the Committee notes that the new moon in itself is considered a festival. Every month’s new moon day is celebrated, marked by rituals honoring ancestors.
Kukur Tihar, the festival of dogs, being celebrated (with photo...
This year, due to adjustments in the lunar calendar, no festival falls on today’s new moon day, explained Committee Chair Prof Shree Krishna Adhikari. He mentioned that such calendar shifts occur every few years. Due to this structure, Tihar, typically celebrated over five days, has been extended to six days this year. Beginning on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi, Tihar started on Tuesday, October 29.
This festival will conclude on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya (Sunday, November 3) after brothers receive five-colored or seven-colored Tika from their sisters as per traditional rituals.
While some communities and regions in Nepal have a tradition of celebrating Gai Puja on the day of Kartik Krishna Aunsi (New Moon), according to scriptural beliefs, Gai Puja should be conducted at the end of Aunsi and the beginning of Pratipada. Religious scholar Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam explained that although cows, revered as "Gau Mata," can be worshiped any day of the year, the Gai Puja held during Tihar specifically should be done on Saturday, which is why Gai Tihar is also celebrated on Saturday.
According to the calendar and wall calendars approved by the Calendar Determination Committee, Saturday, November 2, will observe six festivals in one day: cow and ox worship; Govardhan Puja; Bali Puja; Hali Tihar; Mha (self) Puja; and the start of new Nepal Sambat 1145. The committee has urged awareness regarding cow worship, as some discussions suggest it should take place on Friday.
