Nepal recently celebrated Kukur Tihar, a festival dedicated to dogs, with people from all over the country gathering to honor their furry friends. During the festival, which is also known as “Day of the Dogs,” Nepalese people show their gratitude to dogs, whom they believe are loyal and trustworthy animals.
The festival is a part of the five-day-long Hindu festival of Tihar and is celebrated on the second day of the event. During the festival, people adorn their pets with garlands of flowers and apply tika, a colored powder, on their foreheads as a mark of blessing. They also offer them delicious treats and worship them by lighting lamps and incense sticks.
The festival has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it is not just limited to pet dogs. Stray dogs are also welcomed and fed, with people leaving food on the streets for them.
The celebration of Kukur Tihar is rooted in the Nepalese tradition, where dogs are believed to be the messengers of Lord Yama, the god of death. According to legend, Lord Yama’s two dogs guard the gates of the afterlife and determine whether a soul can enter or not. By celebrating the dogs, people hope to please Lord Yama and ensure that their loved ones’ souls can enter the afterlife.
Kukur Tihar is not only a festival to celebrate dogs, but it is also a way to promote animal welfare and rights. It helps raise awareness of the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect.
The festival has gained international attention, with people from all over the world traveling to Nepal to participate in the celebrations. Kukur Tihar has also been recognized as a symbol of Nepalese culture and tradition.
Kukur Tihar is a unique festival that celebrates the bond between humans and dogs. It is a beautiful way to honor our furry friends and promote animal welfare. The festival has become an essential part of Nepalese culture and tradition, and it continues to attract people from all over the world who share a love for dogs.