KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 19

The Nepal Calendar Fixation Committee has announced 11: 23 am on October 27 as the auspicious time for putting Tihar tika in this year's Yamapanchak or Tihar festival.

This year's Tihar festival is starting from October 22, Saturday with the observance of Yamadeepdan, the offerings of lamps to Yamadeva (the deity of death). The religious belief is that the celebration of Yamadeepadan will prevent the devotee from facing untimely death.

Committee executive director Surya Prasad Dhungel said Dhantrayodashi (Dhanteras) should also be observed same day. The Kag Tihar, the festival of crow, falls on October 23 and the Laxmi Puja (worship of Hindu Goddess Laxmi) , one of the major celebrations of the Tihar festival, falls on Monday, October 24.

October 25 is the day for Gai Puja when cow is cow worshipped with Hindu rituals. We are observing the Solar eclipse same day, according to him. October 26 is the day for Gobardhan Puja (ox worship) and the Newar community are celebrating the Mha Puja (worship of the self) same day. The day also marks the commencement of the Nepal Sambat 1143.

The tika for this year's Tihar festival is being observed on October 27 and sisters and brothers exchange the Saptarangi tika ( seven-coloured tika) on the occasion. Sisters put tika on their brothers wishing their wellbeing and longevity and offer them special Tihar delicacy as well. In return brothers also give the Tika and gifts to their sisters. The Newar community are celebrating the Kija Puja ( Bhai Tika) same day.