Yamapanchak begins; Kaag Tihar marked today with worship of crows

Tihar, the second-biggest festival for Hindus, known as Yamapanchak, has begun today. The first day of Tihar is being observed today as Kaag Tihar, with the worship of crows in homes.

On Kaag Tihar, observed on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi, it is customary in the morning to offer crows, regarded as the messengers of Yamaraj (the god of death), tasty food items. Kaag Tihar is celebrated on the day when the Trayodashi tithi falls at sunrise.

According to Sanatan Hindu tradition, the crow is considered the messenger of Yamaraj. With the belief that the crow will carry good news to Yamaraj, people worship and feed crows today to please them.

Every year, the five-day Tihar festival begins from the day of Kaag Tihar. Tihar is regarded as a festival of light and joy.