Diwali 2022: Interesting facts about Nepal's Tihar worshipping animals

Here's all you need to know about the five-day-long festival of Tihar celebrated by Gorkhas and Nepali Hindus where animals like crows, dogs, cows etc are worshipped.

lifestyle
By Chayanika Das
Published on Oct 21, 2022 05:14 pm IST 5 Photos
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In Nepal, the five-day-long festival of Diwali is known as Tihar or Yamapanchak and it is celebrated by worshipping animals. This festival, paying tribute to our four-legged friends, restores some faith in humanity. Tihar is also celebrated by the Nepali population in India. Here's all you need to know about the festival dedicated to animals.(Instagram)
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The first day of Tihar is known as 'Kaag Tihar' (crow festival). It is celebrated by feeding crows and ravens. The crow symbolizes the Messenger of Deaths from God Yama it is believed that worshipping them can bring good luck.(Instagram/@capturedwithgracious)
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'Kukur Tihar' or 'Kukur Puja' falls on the second day of Yamapanchak. On this day, dogs are worshipped with floral garlands and tilak. After a ceremonial puja, they are treated to their favourite meals.(Instagram/@everythingaboutnepal)

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On the third day, 'Gai Puja' (cow festival) is observed during the day and the Goddess Laxmi (the goddess of wealth) is worshipped in the evening. (Instagram/@lanaramadaisy)
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On the fourth day, different people worship different beings. Some even worship the mountains or themselves.(Unsplash)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chayanika Das

Chayanika Das is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times. She focuses on the gallery section, covering news and lifestyle, and also writes features.

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