Kaag Tihar, or Crow Tihar, is the first of five consecutive days in Nepali, known as Tihar or Yama Panchak. The five-day festival usually occurs in the month of Kartik, in autumn. Tihar honors crows as harbingers of death, as they are known as Yamaraj, and it is a celebration for the reverence of crows and rather, an honorific of their (the crows) sacred role in the order of the universe. Kaag means “crow” in Nepali language, as crows on this day are honored through various rituals, ceremonies, and offerings in honor and allusion to cultural beliefs regarding the sacredness of crows and crows’ sacred role in the Nepali culture around crows on the specific day of Kaag Tihar.
Mythological Significance of Kaag Tihar
Hindu myth and Nepalese mythology hold that Yamaraj is in charge of recording the births and deaths of mortals and all living things. Yamaraj uses messengers to convey his messages, and crows are recognized as messengers of Yamaraj. Crows are considered messengers between mortals and Yamalok, the realm of Yamaraj.
Kaag Tihar signals the arrival of Yamaraj on earth during the five-day Yamapanchak festival. On the first day, we respect crows for they announce Yamaraj’s arrival, and allow Yamaraj to send messages. Families follow the tradition of having offerings of food that a crow would appreciate, like rice, meat, fruits, nuts, grains, and sweets, and leave it in an open space or the roofing area for crows to take. This is a sign of reverence and so that the family would be spared death or misfortune in the coming year.
On this day, people recite prayers to the crow, asking them to accept the offering, naturally protect; and to keep the household free from lamenting and pain on behalf of Yamaraj. This ceremonial act demonstrates the all-important connection between man and nature, by even extending respect to the creatures involved in death.
Rituals and customs of Kaag Tihar
There are several rich rituals associated with Kaag Tihar that highlight the importance of the crow and the significance of this symbol:
- Rituals and customs of Kaag Tihar: There are some prolific rituals named Kaag Tihar. In the early morning food that has been called Kakbali, will be prepared according to availability; usually rice, meat, and other specialty food outside for crows to consume to have fortune since this is also a representative of Yamaraj’s messenger.
- Prayers and Mantras: The devotees can recite prayers and mantras in Sanskrit like, “Kāko’si Yamadūto’si,” or “O Crow, messenger of Yamraj,” as additional protection from bad luck.
- Facing South While Donating: During some of the rituals, it is possible to choose to face one’s north side towards the south direction — the direction of Yamaraj — while donating to charity and lighting the “Yamadip,” or energy source/oil lamp to Yama, to represent dispelling evil with light and become ‘in order.’
- Symbolic Interaction: Expanding on the afore-view, although crows are said to symbolize bad news – during Kaag Tihar, one’s experience of seeing a crow is redirected to note their presence for significance in respect and admiration according to ancient Vedic customs.
These ceremonies are intertwined for an intensive learning experience of respect, safe-guarding, and comfort for the presence of death in life.
Kaag Tihar in Contemporary Nepalese Culture
Kaag Tihar, which exists today, is still a very important Nepali cultural event and infuses the intersection of centuries-old religious customs and modern-day observance into this day.
Kaag Tihar also has the name of the first day of Tihar, the festival of lights. The initial day paves the way for the subsequent days, which will involve Kukur Tihar as a tribute to dogs, Gai Tihar as a tribute to cows, Bhai Tika as a tribute to brother and sister, and worship of the Goddess Laxmi. Despite the ubiquity of the crow and many instances of negative symbolism, it is treated as holy for this one day. People, in the interest of the day, decorate their homes and towns with crows’ offerings in anticipation of blessings for the potential destruction they live and witness during the rest of the year. Children and adults alike wait eagerly for the arrival of the crow, loving its sound well before and far after this day of morality.
Kaag Tihar is also an articulation of ecological consciousness in Nepali culture since it greets respect for animals as another inhabitant of the human and cultural world. Kaag Tihar merely points out that every animal, even one that is bodily/narratively associated with death, contributes something to this life.
Broader Context: Tihar and Its Significance
Kaag Tihar starts ‘Tihar’, the second largest festival in Nepal, only second to ‘Dashain‘. It is a 5-day festival of light, love, and prosperity. Each day celebrates something or someone (for example, a dog or brother/sister), but generally Tihar is a celebration of life and being connected with one another.
Kaag Tihar embodies major aspects of Nepalese culture—family ties, respect for the environment, spirituality, and appreciation of life. The festival comprises beautiful decorations, lamps lit, singing, dancing, and the now-iconic “Bhai Tika” ritual, which adds to the experience of brother-sister relationships.
Throughout this colorful festival, Kaag Tihar performs the helpful function of reminding a person of the fleeting nature of life, and the importance of coexisting with all living organisms at the spiritual level.
When is Kaag Tihar?
Kaag Tihar is celebrated on the Trayodashi (13th day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of Kartik lunar calendar, which typically happens in late October or early November. Lunar calendar is elastic and the date each year will be changed according to the phase of the moon.
This festival is succeeded by the five-day long festival of Tihar, and it concludes finally with the last ceremony of Bhai Tika, which is celebrated to praise the sacred relationship of siblings.
Ways to Enjoy Kaag Tihar
- Partake in the Rituals: While you’re in Nepal during Tihar, do make sure to feed crows along with people and listen in on the prayers they say! It’s likely one of the richer cultural experiences you’ll have in your life today.
- Know Local Traditions: Appreciation of food offerings and understanding why the rituals are important will give depth to your experience.
- Spread Beyond Kaag Tihar: In case, spread the whole Tihar festival to understand the relationship between crow, family, and blessings that follow.
- Take Photos: The festival is so lovely with all the decorations, it could be hours of enjoyment for those who enjoy taking photographs.
Conclusion
Kaag Tihar is not merely a feeding of crows but also an important belief concerning life, death and interdependence within Nepalese culture. In respecting the crows as divine messengers of Yamaraj, it begins Tihar in a solemn but holy manner.
For curious onlookers of Nepalese tradition or those interested in learning a little more about human beings’ relationship with the cycles of nature and death, Kaag Tihar may offer a window into the sacred.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are crows worshipped during Kaag Tihar?
The crow is believed to be a messenger of Yamaraj, the god of death, who keeps a record of all human lifespans. Favored foods are served to the crow to placate them so that they may spread happiness and protect the family from mishap and premature death.
2. What is crows’ food during Kaag Tihar?
Traditional food provisions prepared are rice, sweets, meat, fruits, and cereal options that the crow likes. The food is offered by the families to feed the crow appropriately as a symbol of respect and pride.
3. Where does Kaag Tihar stand in Tihar in general?
Kaag Tihar is the first of the five-day festival Tihar, known as Yamapanchak. Kaag Tihar initiates the festival by worshipping the crow, and then comes worship of the dog, cow, brother or sister, and goddess Lakshmi.