Kaag Tihar: Honoring Crow, Yama’s Sacred Messenger, Usher in Festival of Lights

19th October 2025, Kathmandu

The vibrant and luminous five-day festival of Tihar, also known as Deepawali or Yamapanchak, commences with a day dedicated to a creature often overlooked: the crow.

Kaag Tihar Honoring Crow

This first day, known as Kaag Tihar (Crow Tihar), holds profound spiritual significance in Nepali culture, honoring the crow not merely as a bird, but as the revered messenger of Yamaraj, the God of Death and Justice.

This unique tradition highlights the deep-rooted reverence for the natural world and the acknowledgment of the cosmic balance between life and death—a central theme of the Tihar festival.

The Crow: Messenger of Yamaraj and Carrier of Destiny

In Hindu mythology, the crow (Kaag in Nepali) is recognized as the divine envoy of Yamaraj. It is believed that the crow travels between the earthly realm and the underworld, carrying messages about human deeds, both good and bad, to the God of Death.

A Symbol of Karma: The crow’s role is to act as an impartial courier, delivering the report of human actions.

This is why the crow, though sometimes considered an unwelcome presence (as noted in the original text, being ‘unpleasant’ in contrast to the cuckoo), is nonetheless worshipped because of its direct, if sometimes ominous, connection to the cosmic justice system.

The Mythological Connection: The tradition is reinforced by ancient tales, such as the Puranic story where Goddess Parvati took the form of a crow to deliver a message to Lord Shiva when he was lost in Shivapuri or Bagdwar.

This act elevated the crow’s status as a trusted, divine carrier of vital news.

Rituals of Kaag Tihar: Appeasing the Messenger

The rituals performed on Kaag Tihar are acts of respect and appeasement, designed to ward off bad omens and ensure that the crow carries only good news to Yama.

The Offering of Kak-Bali: The primary ritual involves placing a special offering, known as Kak-Bali, for the crows. This food is meticulously prepared on a sal leaf and typically consists of:

Freshly cooked rice and dal (lentils).

Flowers.

Sesame seeds (Til).

The Significance of Sesame Seeds: The inclusion of sesame seeds is particularly symbolic. Sesame (Til) is traditionally associated with rituals related to Yama, and offering it is believed to be a protective measure against the wrath or negative impact of the God of Death.

Seeking Protection and Good Fortune: By satisfying the crow with these generous offerings, devotees pray for good fortune, the cessation of grief, and protection from any potential misfortune or untimely death in the coming year, seeking to please Yama’s messenger.

The Kageshwori Connection

The observance of Kaag Tihar is not limited to households. The ancient Kageshwori Temple, located north of the Kathmandu Valley, is a significant site for crow-related worship.

On the day of Kaage Ashtami (or Bhadrakrishna Ashtami), the temple holds an exhibition of a magnificent golden crow, further cementing the bird’s sacred status within the community and reminding the public of its mythological importance.

Kaag Tihar: Setting the Stage for Tihar

As the first day of Yamapanchak, Kaag Tihar sets a solemn, respectful tone for the rest of the Festival of Lights. By acknowledging the crow and its connection to death and karma, the festival reminds people to live righteously and respect all forms of life.

The five days of Tihar follow a beautiful progression, honoring a creature on each day from the crow (messenger) to the dog (guardian), the cow (prosperity), and the ox (labor), culminating in the final celebration of the sacred sibling bond (Bhai Tika).

To truly understand the essence of Tihar, one must first appreciate the profound meaning embedded in its initial celebration: Kaag Tihar, a humble yet powerful tribute to the messenger who watches and reports on us all.

For more: Kaag Tihar Honoring Crow