- By Kashish Rai
- Thu, 16 Oct 2025 02:07 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Yama Panchak 2025: The second biggest festival for Nepali Hindus is Tihar or Yama Panchak. Tihar, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, is celebrated every year from the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha of the Kartik month to the second day of the bright fortnight of the Kartik month. This five-day festival, referred to as Yama Panchak in Hindu scriptures falls immediately after Dashain and is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the country. This festival is significant for showing respect to Yama, the god of death and animals such as crows, dogs, cows, and bulls, which maintain close relationships with humans in daily life. Meanwhile, people across the country observe Kaag Tihar or Kaag Puja by worshipping crows, offering sweets and delicacies to crows.
Check out the start and end date, significance and rituals that are observed during Yama Panchak below:
Yama Panchak 2025: Start And End Date
Yama Panchak 2025 Start Date: 19th October 2025, Sunday
Yama Panchak 2025 End Date: 23rd October 2025, Thursday
Yama Panchak 2025: Significance
According to mythology and folklore, Yamaraja is the god who bestows rewards upon a person for their good deeds throughout their lives. During Yama Panchak, he comes to earth at the invitation of his sisters to celebrate Bhaiya Tika. When he visits Earth as a guest, his protectors are also worshipped and honoured to appease him. Since death is the ultimate truth, it is human nature to desire happiness in life. This is why lamps are lit in honour of the god of death and he is prayed not to enter the home this year, to prevent untimely death or accidents. Crows and dogs are worshipped, as they are considered protectors against untimely death. Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, is also worshipped to ensure successful treatment and speedy recovery.
Kartik Amavasya is the darkest night in the month of Kartika, when the sun is at its lowest position, and the moon is also weak and invisible on the new moon day. However, on this night, Goddess Lakshmi, symbolising knowledge and consciousness, is worshipped by lighting lamps. Homes are cleaned, and garlands of flowers are hung on windows and doors. Therefore, this night is called Sukhratri, and on this day, Lord Kubera is worshipped for wealth and protection.
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Yama Panchak or Tihar brings 5 day festivities for Nepali Hindus. (Image Source: Canva)
Cows are worshipped during Yama Panchak as they are considered the living embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi. It is also called Govardhan Puja, which is associated with the incident of Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan. Cows and bulls are worshipped on this day, symbolising prosperity and nourishment in life. In the Newars community, this day is celebrated as Nhu-Daya Bhintuna, the New Year of the Nepal Samvat. On this day, the self is worshipped, which is part of the divine existence.
On the day of Bhai Tika, Yamaraj and Yamuna are worshipped. According to legend, those who die during Yama Panchak do not have to enter the gates of hell. On this day, sisters pray for the long life and health of their brothers, and brothers wish their sisters prosperity and long life. The festival of Tihar is an occasion to strengthen the love and affection between siblings, which brings them together regardless of time and circumstances.
Yama Panchak 2025: Rituals
On the first day of Yama Panchak, the Yamadoot (the messenger of Yama), the crow, is offered food of its choice, such as fish, rice, or other favourite items. During this, it is said, "Hey Mahamati Yamadoot Kaag, hamile diyako khana kura grahan gaari prasanna hoo r Yamdandarupi sankatabaat mukti dilaau." This means, "O messenger of Yama, please accept the food offered by us and free us from the troubles of Yama." It is believed that feeding crows prevents one from going to Yamaloka.
On the second day of Yama Panchak, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, dogs are worshipped. Dogs are considered the gatekeepers of Yama, so they are worshipped on this day. It is also called Kutta Tihar. On the third day, Lakshmi Puja is performed, celebrated as Diwali. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed into every home and worshipped by lighting lamps.
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On the fourth day, Govardhan Puja and Goru Puja are performed, in which cows are worshipped. The fifth day is celebrated as Bhai Tika, in which sisters pray for the long life and prosperity of their brothers. This day marks the end of Yama Panchak with the Yama Deepdaan (offering of Yama Deepa), and the festival of Tihar is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)