Kathmandu, 18 Oct: The festival of lights, Yama Panchak — popularly known as Tihar — officially begins today.
Every year, this festival is celebrated from Kartik Krishna Trayodashi to Kartik Shukla Dwitiya.
Since Dwadashi Tithi lasts until 1:23 PM today and Trayodashi Tithi begins thereafter, the second-largest festival of Nepalis, Tihar, starts from today.
According to the Nepal Panchang Nirnaya Development Committee, Dhanteras or Dhan Trayodashi is to be celebrated today, and Yamadeep Daan also commences today, said committee member and religious scholar Prof. Dr. Devmani Bhattarai.
Kaag Tihar (Crow Festival) will be observed on Sunday, he added.
Committee Chairperson Prof. Shambhu Prasad Dhakal stated that Dhan Trayodashi and Yamadeep Daan are to be celebrated on the evening of Trayodashi Tithi, while Kaag Tihar is to be observed on the morning following Trayodashi, as per religious scriptures.
It is believed that performing Yamadeep Daan during Yama Panchak liberates one from the tortures of hell.
This year, Dhanvantari Jayanti also falls on Sunday, while Kukur Tihar and Laxmi Puja coincide on Monday due to overlapping lunar dates.
Five Days of Worship and Celebration
Yamadeep Daan is performed based on the number of family members, and according to scholar Prof. Toyaraj Nepal, it should be done facing south.
This ritual continues from Kartik Krishna Trayodashi until Kartik Shukla Dwitiya (the day of Bhai Tika).
On Sunday, Kartik 2, devotees observe Narak Snan (ritual purification bath) early in the morning and celebrate Kukur Tihar by worshipping dogs.
Laxmi Puja is performed in the evening.
Bathing before sunrise with Apamarga leaves and lighting lamps to float on rivers is believed to ward off the sufferings of hell.
On Monday, Kartik 3, Chaturdashi lasts until 2:52 PM and is followed by Amavasya, the no-moon night — thus Laxmi Puja is performed that day as per scriptures.
This year, Amavasya Tithi extends till 4:29 PM on Tuesday, Kartik 4, but no specific ritual falls on that day.
Cow, Ox, Govardhan, and Self (Mha) Puja will be observed on Wednesday, Kartik 5.
The same day marks Hal Tihar, Bali Puja, Mha Puja, and the beginning of Nepal Sambat 1146.
According to scriptures, the new year begins on the day of Kartik Shukla Pratipada at sunrise.
Bhai Tika will be celebrated on Thursday, Kartik 6.
The auspicious time for applying Tika is at 11:39 AM, said committee member Laxman Panthi.
Brothers receiving the Tika should sit facing west, while sisters applying it should face east.
For the general public, applying Tika during midday is also considered auspicious.
The festival known as Bhai Puja or Kija Puja in Newar tradition is also performed on the same day, and the committee has clarified that Tika may be applied until sunset without any issue.
Festive Glow Lights Up the Nation
With the approach of Tihar, cities including Kathmandu have already begun sparkling with colorful lights.
The bright illumination of homes and streets brings joy to all who stroll through the city.
Some people begin lighting lamps from Kojagrat Purnima, continuing the illumination as part of Deepawali celebrations.
While Kathmandu Valley remains quiet during Dashain, it becomes lively and radiant during Tihar.
On Laxmi Puja day, people sing Bhailo, and on Govardhan Puja day, they play Deusi.
In Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces, the tradition of singing Deusi-Bhailo begins as early as Kojagrat Purnima.
Games such as Kauda, Langurburja, and cards are commonly played during Tihar.
Meanwhile, the Nepal Police has urged the public to celebrate the festival peacefully without using firecrackers.
Despite repeated warnings, large quantities of firecrackers are often seized before Tihar, yet their use has not completely stopped.
