Today marks Kag Tihar, the first and one of the most important days of Yama Panchak.
The festival of Tihar, celebrated across Nepal, is a grand religious and cultural festival that lasts for five days.
The first day is Kag Tihar (Crow Festival), the second is Kukur Tihar (Dog Festival), the third is Laxmi Puja, the fourth is Goru Tihar and Govardhan Puja, and the fifth day is celebrated as Bhai Tika.
Tihar is also known as “Yama Panchak” because each day is connected to Lord Yama, the god of death, and his family.
Mythological Significance
According to Hindu scriptures, the crow (Kag) is believed to be the messenger of Yama, the god of death.
It is said that crows carry messages about the deeds, life, and death of human beings to Yamaloka (the realm of Yama).
Therefore, by worshipping crows on this day, people believe that Lord Yama becomes pleased and that misfortune and untimely death can be avoided.
Once, Lord Yama sent his messengers to deliver messages to the mortal world.
Among all, the crow was the most alert, intelligent, and trustworthy.
Hence, Lord Yama declared:
“Those who worship the crow on Kag Tihar
will never receive inauspicious messages in their homes.”
Since then, this tradition has continued as the first day of Tihar up to the present day.
Rituals and Worship
On this day, people wake up early in the morning, take a holy bath, and clean their homes and surroundings.
Food is placed on rooftops, courtyards, or open spaces for the crows.
Offerings such as rice, curd, sel roti, puri, and various sweets are prepared and presented.
When the crow comes to eat the offerings, people pray and recite-
“Kaga Deva Namastubhyam, Swasti Me Sada Bhava,”
meaning “Salutations to the divine crow; may there always be well-being.”
Symbolic Meanings
| Symbol | Meaning |
| Crow (Kag) | Messenger of Yama; symbol of karma and vigilance |
| Rice / Curd / Sel Roti | Purity, hospitality, and prosperity |
| Worship at sunrise | Beginning of life and victory of light over darkness |
| Cleaning the home |
Purity and preparation for Goddess Laxmi’s arrival |
Kag Tihar is a day that awakens awareness about death, karma, and divine messages.
It reminds people that every action has consequences, so one should always walk on the path of righteousness.
It also teaches that every creature, no matter how small or large, plays an equal role in maintaining nature’s balance.
Conclusion
Kag Tihar is not merely a festival of birds-
it is a celebration of awareness, respect, and the harmony between all living beings.
To honor the crow is to send a message to Lord Yama himself: “We live with compassion, purity, and good deeds in our hearts.”
