Photos by: Santosh Singh and Jitendra Sah

Locals in various Tarai districts have decorated their localities as Tihar, the five-day Nepali festival of lights, began from Tuesday.

The festival, also known as Yamapanchak, is celebrated from Trayodashi of Kartik Krishna Paksha (13th day of the waning moon in the month of Kartik) to Dwitiya of Kartik Sukla Paksha (2nd day of the waxing moon) every year.

This festival is considered to be of great importance as it shows reverence to Yama, the god of death, and animals including crow, dog, cow and ox, which maintain a close relationship with humans.

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

The first day of Yamapanchak, Kaag Tihar (worship of crows) is celebrated today by offering sweets and food to the birds. According to Hindu mythology, crow is considered the messenger of Yama.

Likewise, Kukur Tihar (worship of dogs) was celebrated on Wednesday while Laxmi Puja falls on Thursday.

Tihar is also a festival where the bonding between brothers and sisters is respected and recognised through Bhai Tika. On the occasion of Bhai Tika, that falls on October 21 this year, 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 auspicious hour for the Bhai Tika this Tihar is at 11:51 am, according to the Nepal Calendar Fixation Committee.

The government has announced a three-day public holiday starting from Laxmi Pooja to Bhai Tika i.e. from October 19 to 21.