Tihar, also called Yama Panchak, is a five-day festival considered the second biggest in the country after Dashain. It is believed that Yamaraj, the god of death, takes a break from his usual work to pay a visit to his sister during this time. Tihar is a time when Nepalis express their gratitude to family and self as well as the animals. Not only deities and humans are worshipped during this festival of lights, but even animals are a prominent part of the celebration.