Tihar, a major festival of the country, began on Saturday.

The five-day 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 Shukla Paksha (2nd day of the waxing moon) every year.

The 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.

The first day of Yamapanchak, Kaag Tihar (worship of crows) is being celebrated on Saturday by offering sweets and food to the birds. According to Hindu mythology, crow is considered the messenger of Yama. As the cawing of the crows symbolises sadness and grief, devotees offer food to the avian to avert grief and misfortune from their homes.

According to Shree Krishna Adhikari, chairman of the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samit (NPNS) Kukur Tihar and Laxmi Puja have fallen on the same day this year. Kukur Tihar will be observed on Sunday morning while Laxmi Puja will commence the same evening.

Likewise, Gai Puja will be celebrated on Monday.

Goru Puja, Hali Tihar, Govardhan Puja, and Mha Puja have all fallen on Tuesday. The Newa community will also mark Nepal Sambat 1144 new year the same day.

Tihar, which is also taken as a festival of light, will conclude with Bhai Tika on Wednesday. Even though Bhai Tika can take place throughout the day, the auspicious time is at 10:51am this year, NPNS said. The rituals can be carried out till sunset.