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Kathmandu: Nepali Hindus across the country are observing Kukur Tihar on the second day of the second largest festival that began Tuesday with Kaag Tihar by feeding crows.

On this day, dogs are worshipped and offered foods. Dog is the most loyal friend to human being, on the other hand it is regarded as the symbol of Yama, the deity of death.

Tihar is also a festival of lights and flowers, where people decorate their homes with colourful lights or oil-fed lamps and eat various delicacies including sweets and sel roti as a part of this festival. Playing deusi-bhailo and worshipping different animals and birds are also significant aspects of this festival.

Tihar, also known as Yampanchak, is observed for five days. The second day is Kukur Tihar, the third Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja, fourth day Gobardhan Puja or Goru Puja and fifth day Bhai Tika, the main day of the festival.

Newar community observes Mha Puja (worship of own soul) on the fourth day. Bhai Tika celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters put tika wishing for longevity and prosperity of their brothers, while brothers give gifts to their sisters and pledge to take care of them.

The auspicious time for Bhai Tika this Tihar is 11:51am, according to the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti. The government has announced a three-day public holiday starting from Laxmi Puja to Bhai Tika for the festival.

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