Nepal Marks Crow Festival at the Start of Tihar

Nepal is observing Kag Tihar, or the Crow Festival today marking the beginning of the five-day Tihar festival.

People offer sweets and other food to crows, which Hindu tradition regards as messengers of Yama, the god of death.

Crows are believed to carry news to Yama, and devotees offer them food in the hope of receiving blessings and protection.

The festival is being observed on Saturday in accordance with the Hindu lunar calendar.Special prayers are also being held at Kagesshwori temples in Kathmandu.

Kag Tihar is the first day of Tihar, one of Nepal’s major Hindu festivals, which celebrates animals, deities, prosperity and family bonds.

This year’s Yamapanchak rituals began on Friday evening due to variations in the lunar calendar, with devotees also lighting lamps in honour of Yama.