Introduction
Tihar is one of Nepal’s most vibrant and heartwarming festivals, and it all begins with Kaag Tihar, the day dedicated to the humble crow — the messenger of Yama, the god of death.
If you’ve ever been in Nepal during October, you’ve probably noticed the city slowly lighting up with diyos (oil lamps), the smell of sel roti filling the air, and cheerful greetings of “Subha Tihar!” echoing everywhere. But before all the lights and music, there’s Kaag Tihar — the quiet start that reminds us of respect, balance, and connection with nature.
Table of Contents
Kaag Tihar 2025 Date
This year, Kaag Tihar will be celebrated on October 19, 2025 (Sunday) — marking the first day of the five-day long Tihar Festival or Yamapanchak.
Here’s how Tihar 2025 unfolds across Nepal:
| Day | Date | Celebration |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | October 19 | Kaag Tihar – Worship of crows |
| Day 2 | October 20 | Kukur Tihar – Worship of dogs |
| Day 3 | October 21 | Gai Tihar & Laxmi Puja – Worship of cows and goddess Laxmi |
| Day 4 | October 22 | Goru Tihar / Mha Puja – Worship of oxen & self (Newar tradition) |
| Day 5 | October 23 | Bhai Tika – Celebration of brother-sister bond |
Why is Kaag Tihar Celebrated
Kaag Tihar is a day dedicated to honouring crows and ravens, seen as the emissaries of Yama, the deity of death. This festival is observed on the Trayodashi of Kartik Krishna Paksha as per the Bikrama Sambat calendar, typically coinciding with late October or early November.
Contrary to many cultures where the crow is associated with death and sorrow, Kaag Tihar celebrates these birds, believing that appeasing them can ward off any unfortunate news throughout the year.
Rituals and Traditions of Kaag Tihar
The morning of Kaag Tihar starts early. Before sunrise, families clean their courtyards, rooftops, or balconies. Fresh offerings — usually rice, grains, sel roti, sweets, and water — are placed neatly on a leaf plate or in a small bowl.
Then, the crows are called with gentle voices — “Kaag, Kaag, ayo khau!” (Crow, come eat!)
People wait for the birds to arrive. When a crow lands and takes a bite, it’s considered an auspicious sign — a symbol of good news and blessings for the year ahead.
In many homes, women especially observe Kaag Tihar with faith that their prayers to Yama will protect their brothers until Bhai Tika, the fifth day of Tihar.
How to Celebrate Kaag Tihar at Home
If you’re in Nepal (or even abroad), here’s how you can celebrate meaningfully:
- Wake up early and clean your home and surroundings.
- Prepare simple food — rice, grains, puffed rice, or sweets.
- Place the offering on your rooftop, balcony, or courtyard.
- Call the crows gently and let them eat in peace.
- Pray silently for happiness and protection in your family.
- Avoid plastic waste — use leaf plates or earthen bowls.
- Teach children why we celebrate and what it means.
It’s that simple — and that beautiful.
Happy Kaag Tihar Wishes 2024
काग तिहारसँगै आजबाट तिहार सुरु भएको छ आजको दिनमा कागलाई मिठो खान दिएमा बर्षैभरी शुभ समाचार सुन्न पाइने जन-विश्वाश छ। काग तिहारको शुभकामना |
kaag tiharsangai aajha bata tihar suru bhayekoaajha dinma kaaglai mitho khan dieyema barsa bhari subhasamachar sunna paine cha bhane jan biswas cha kaag tiharko subhakmana
Ajha kaag tihar aartha yampanchak pahilo din yesh dinkoaabasar ma kaagle barsabhari ghar aaganma sukhad khabarbhitriawos bhanera kamna gardhachau sampurna nepali hindudharmalambiharuma kaagko hardik subhakmana
शुभ बोल सन्देश बाहक पंक्षी काग तिहारको शुभकामना यि कानहरुले सधै शुभ सुन्न पाईयोस
subhakmana sandesh bahak kaag tihaar ko subhakamana ye kanharule sadhai ramro sunna paewosh
आज झिलिमिली पर्व तिहारको पहिलो दिन काग तिहार यहाँहरु सबैमा काग तिहारको शुभकामना
Ajha bata jhilimili parba tiharko pahilo din kaag tihar yaha haruma sabaima kaag tihaarko subhakamana
Conclusion
Kaag Tihar may not be as grand as Laxmi Puja or Bhai Tika, but it carries a quiet magic of its own. It reminds us to begin the festival of lights with respect, awareness, and gratitude.
As the crows swoop down to take their share of food, they carry with them our hopes — for peace in every home, good news in every heart, and harmony between people and nature.
Happy Kaag Tihar 2025!
May your Tihar begin with joy, positivity, and countless blessings.
FAQs
What is Kaag Tihar and why is it celebrated?
Kaag Tihar is the first day of the Tihar festival in Nepal, dedicated to worshipping crows — believed to be the messengers of Yama, the god of death. People feed crows with rice, grains, and sweets to keep away sadness and invite good news and blessings for the coming year.
When will Kaag Tihar be celebrated in 2025?
In 2025, Kaag Tihar falls on Sunday, October 19, marking the beginning of the five-day Tihar festival (also known as Yamapanchak).
What do people offer to the crows on Kaag Tihar?
Families usually prepare offerings such as rice, sel roti, grains, puffed rice, sweets, and water. These are placed on rooftops, balconies, or courtyards early in the morning to feed the crows.
