Kathmandu, October 19, 2025 (Kartik 2, 2082 BS) — The festival of Kag Tihar, dedicated to crows as messengers of Yama, the god of death, is being observed across the country this morning.

According to Professor Shambhu Prasad Dhakal, Chairperson of the Nepal Panchang Nirnaya Development Committee, the festival falls on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi and should be celebrated during sunrise. Therefore, today, Sunday, has been determined as the auspicious day for its observance.

In Hindu belief, crows are considered the messengers (duta) of Lord Yama, who learns about events in the mortal world through them. To please these divine messengers and ensure they carry good news to Yama, devotees offer various delicious foods to crows early in the morning. Traditionally, when a crow caws near a home, it is believed to bring messages or omens — often interpreted as “good news.”

Scriptures mention “Kaken dadhi bhakshitam”, meaning crows are fond of curd and rice. Hence, feeding them this combination is believed to send auspicious messages to Yama. On this occasion, special worship (puja) is held at the Kageshwori Mahadev Temple in Kageshwori Manohara Municipality–1 and at the Kageshwori Temple in Hanumandhoka, where a large idol of a crow is also displayed.

The Tihar festival symbolizes the balance of punishment and protection — Yama as the punisher of evil deeds and Dharma Raj as the protector of virtuous ones. The ritual of Yamadeep Daan (offering lamps in the name of family members) began on Saturday evening, believed to free souls from the torments of Yama. These lamps are traditionally placed facing south as per Vedic customs.

This year, due to variations in the lunar calendar, Yam Panchak began on Saturday evening, marking the start of the five-day Tihar festival. The Dhanteras festival — dedicated to purchasing gold, silver, or copper utensils to invite the goddess Lakshmi’s blessings — was also celebrated on Saturday. It is believed that buying such items on this day helps ensure that Goddess Lakshmi remains permanently in one’s home.