KATHMANDU: Kaag Tihar, the first day of the five-day Tihar festival, is being celebrated across Nepal today with traditional rituals and religious fervour.
Dedicated to crows, Kaag Tihar holds special significance in Hindu tradition, where crows are regarded as messengers of Yamaraj, the god of death and justice.
On this occasion, devotees offer food, particularly rice pudding and other delicacies, to crows, believing that pleasing them helps convey auspicious messages to Yamaraj and protects against untimely death, misfortune and negative events.
Special worship ceremonies are being held at Kageshwari Mahadev Temple in Kageshwari Manohara Municipality to mark the festival. Religious rituals dedicated to crows are also being performed at Kageshwari Temple in Hanumandhoka, Kathmandu.
Tihar is deeply associated with Hindu beliefs surrounding Yamaraj and Dharmaraj. According to religious tradition, Yamaraj is the divine authority associated with death and justice, while Dharmaraj represents righteousness and the protection of those who follow the path of virtue.
The five-day festival celebrates the special relationship between humans, animals and nature through different religious observances. Following Kaag Tihar, the festival continues with Kukur Tihar, Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja, culminating in Bhai Tika.
Meanwhile, Dhanteras, traditionally observed ahead of Tihar, was celebrated on Tuesday. On this occasion, people purchase gold, silver, copper utensils and other valuables, believing that such purchases bring prosperity, good fortune and the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
Tihar is one of Nepal’s most cherished festivals, celebrated through traditional worship, illuminated homes, family gatherings, cultural performances and the exchange of blessings and goodwill.
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