The day of the crows: Kaag Tihar

KATHMANDU, Oct 23: Kaag tihar is the inception of 5 days of tihar celebrated on Kartik Krishna Paksha Trayodashi. It is a very unique festival where we feed and worship crows despite them being accepted as messengers of death and sadness. Nepali people have a very unique relationship with Death where it is included in our celebrations and festivities. Tihar is also known as Yama Panchak as it is related with worshiping and appeasing the God of Death Yama, hoping for a healthy life.

It is believed that tihar started when Yama visited Yamuna to take her brother's life, but she delayed him by asking him to hold on until the Tika oh his forehead faded away after the 5th day of worship. A diyo (lamp) is also lit in the evening to appease Yama in the Same way for longevity of the family. Crows are extremely intelligent creatures which can be seen at the top of the food chain in cities. They have perfectly adapted to living with humans and are extremely useful to us. They eat pests that affect crops and also help keep the environment clean by eating garbage.

Despite being associated with sadness, it is also said that crows flying to the north and east bring fame and prosperity respectively. During this day people make and eat various sweets such as, Nimkeem, Selroti, Nikki, Lakhamari, Lalmohan etc. The house is also cleaned and decorated with twinkling lights, diyo, candles etc. Despite being illegal, people also light fireworks during the festival.

This day is also called Kwah puja in newari communities and is celebrated in a similar way. Dhan Trayodashi also falls on this auspicious day where the God of medicine, Dhanwantari is worshiped and people buy gold/silver jewelry, house appliances, etc.