South Asian News Network

Tihar Nepal celebrates a five-day festival called Yamapanchak, dedicated to various animals and nature elements. The festival begins with the lighting of Yamaraj outside the house, and includes worship of crows, dogs, and Goddess Lakshmi of Dhanadhanya on the first day. Special days include Lakshmi Puja and Bhaitika, where Lakshmi is worshipped for wealth, good fortune, and knowledge acquisition.

Kag Tihar is dedicated to crows, as they are considered messengers in Hindu mythology. Dogs are seen as the guardian, security guard, and messenger of Yamaraj, symbolizing religion and righteousness. Laxmi Puja is celebrated on the third day, cow-day, where the goddess of wealth, Goddess Lakshmi, is worshiped.

Gogardan Puja and Goru Pooja, or ox worship, are performed on the fourth day, with Govardhan mountain being worshiped as food and breeders. In the Newar tradition, one can worship themselves as a divine part on this day, and on the night of Kartik Shukla Pratipada Tithi, one should also worship Danvirand Vachan Baliraj for devotion and closeness to Lord Narayan.