The five-day festival of Tihar, also known as Yamapanchak, commenced on Wednesday with the observance of Kaag Tihar, the worship of crows. Devotees mark this day by offering sweets and food to crows to honour the birds.

Tihar, a major festival in Nepal, is celebrated from Trayodashi of Kartik Krishna Paksha (the 13th day of the waning moon) to Dwitiya of Kartik Shukla Paksha (the 2nd day of the waxing moon). The festival holds significant cultural importance, showing reverence to Yama, the god of death, and honouring animals like crows, dogs, cows, and oxen, each representing a bond with humans.

In Hindu mythology, crows are seen as messengers of Yama. Their cawing is believed to symbolise sorrow and grief; thus, devotees offer food to them to ward off misfortune and sadness from their homes.