Yamapanchak begins

Kathmandu, Oct 18: This year's Tihar festival, the second largest festival of the Nepali Hindus, has begun from today after the Yamdipdam this evening, the night of the Kartik Krishna Trayodashi.     

After the Yamdipdam, Deepawali is performed at homes, business houses and others from this evening itself.     

Decorating homes with colourful lights, flowers and oil-fed lamps as well as eating various delicacies including sweets and sel roti are the parts of this festival of lights. Playing of deusi bhailo and worshipping of different animals and birds are also significant aspect of this festival.     

Beginning from Yamdipdam, the crow will be worshipped on Sunday, the second day of the Tihar festival.     

Prof Dr Devmani Bhattarai said that no any performance will be done on Tuesday, the fourth day of the festival.     

On Monday evening, Laxmi Pooja will be performed, while the cows will be worshipped on Wednesday, the fifth day of the Tihar festival. On the same day, Govardhan Pooja and Bali Pooja will be performed.     

Tihar is also a festival where the bonding between brothers and sisters is respected and recognized through Bhai Tika. Sisters put Tika wishing for longevity and prosperity of their brothers, while brothers in turn give gifts and pledge to take care of their sisters. The festival will be concluded on Thursday this year after the Bhaitika.(RSS)