Kaag Tihar
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| Kaag Tihar | |
|---|---|
| Official name | काग तिहार |
| Also called | Festival of Crows |
| Type | Religious |
| Celebrations | Honouring Crows |
| Observances | Prayers and religious rituals |
| 2025 date | 19 October |
| Frequency | Annual |
Kaag Tihar (Nepali: काग तिहार, literally "Crow Festival") marks the commencement of the five-day Tihar festival, a significant celebration in Nepal. This day is dedicated to worshipping crows, regarded as messengers of Yama, the god of death in Hindu mythology.[1]
In Hindu belief, crows are considered informants of Yama. Their cawing is often associated with the arrival of guests or news. To avert potential misfortune and to honor these creatures, people offer them food such as sweets and grains, placing the offerings on rooftops or open spaces. This act is thought to appease the crows and ensure that they carry favorable messages to Yama, thereby protecting the household from adversity.[2]
Rituals and Practices
On Kaag Tihar, devotees rise early to prepare offerings for the crows. They place portions of food on the roofs of their houses, inviting the crows to partake. This ritual underscores the cultural importance of living in harmony with all creatures and acknowledging their roles in the cosmic cycle.[3]