11:37AM is the auspicious time for receiving and offering Bhai Tika

KATHMANDU, Nov 13: Tihar, the second largest festival of Nepalis, has started. Also known as Yama Panchak, the festival is observed for five days.

The first day of Yam Panchak is observed as Kaag Tihar (Crow Festival) by offering food to crows. Hindus offer food to crows (Kaag), messengers of Yamraj (the God of death), on the first day of Tihar. 

Though Yam Panchak began on Thursday, Kaag Tihar has fallen on Friday, according to the Nepal Calendar Fixation Committee. Similarly, Dhanwantari Jayanti, Dhan Trayodashi and Dhanteras are also being observed today.

The second day is Kukur Tihar (Dog Festival) when the Hindus worship dogs. The third day is Laxmi Pooja. People worship Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth. People celebrate Laxmi Pooja with much fanfare and illumination. This year, Kukur Tihar, Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Pooja, however, are on the same day-- Saturday. 

The third day of Tihar festival is Goru Puja — worship of oxen. According to the committee, Goru Puja this year is being observed on Sunday next week. 

The final day is Bhai Tika — the day when brothers receive seven-colored Tika from their sisters. Govardhan Pooja is also celebrated on the day of Bhaitika, according to Nepal Calendar Fixation Committee. 

The auspicious time for receiving and offering Bhai Tika this year is 11:37AM on November 16.

Meanwhile, people from the Newar community celebrate the fourth day of Yam Panchak as Maha Pooja — worshipping one’s soul. 

However, due to COVID-19 fears, local administrations have prohibited Deusi-bhailo this year. 

The government has announced a three-day public holiday starting from Laxmi Pooja to Bhai Tika, from November 14 to 16.

 
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