In Swanti, the first day, Kwah Puja, is dedicated to crows. Swanti is the five-day Newar festival of Nepal and is closely related to Tihar, the Nepalese form of Diwali.
Kwah Puja honors crows as messengers of death. Families place food and delicacies on rooftops or outside for the birds, seeking to appease them and avert misfortune. The ritual reflects Swanti’s wider concern with death, longevity, prosperity, and renewal within the household.
The second day is Khichā Puja, dedicated to dogs, which are also regarded as messengers of death. Dogs are garlanded and given special food. On the third day, cows are honored in Sā Puja, while Lakshmi Puja is performed that evening in many Newar homes. Later days include Mha Puja, worship of the self, and Kija Puja, the ceremony for brothers.
The sequence explains why peacocks, swans, and pigeons are not the expected answer. Crows are specifically tied to Kwah Puja, while dogs and cows belong to later observances. Swanti is celebrated by both Hindu and Buddhist Newars, and its dates change because they follow the lunar calendar.