Each year, during the five-day long Tihar festival, Nepalese people come together to celebrate and honor dogs across the country. The second day of the festival, known as Kukur Puja, is specifically dedicated to canines, and is seen as a way to please Yamraj, the god of death, who is believed to have sent dogs to earth to serve as his messengers. As such, dogs are seen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity, and are showered with offerings and praise.
On this special day, pet owners and others gather to perform rituals to honor both their own animals and stray dogs that roam the streets. This includes placing vermilion marks on the dogs’ heads, adorning them with flower garlands, and feeding them treats. Some even take their dogs to special events and ceremonies, where they are commended for their loyalty and service.
In addition to the ritual offerings, dogs are also showcased for their impressive skills. At the Nepal police canine centre in Kathmandu, for example, a group of handlers celebrated their service dogs, demonstrating their abilities in tasks such as jumping through fire rings, standing on their hind legs, and fetching. These dogs serve as valuable assets to the police force, assisting in searches, sniffing out drugs, and detecting explosives.
Dogs are Revered During Nepal’s Annual Festival (Image via Getty)
The worship of dogs is a unique aspect of the Tihar festival, and is a significant part of Nepalese culture. In Hindu-majority Nepal, dogs are considered sacred animals, and their worship is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to those who do so. According to tradition, the festival begins with the worship of crows, followed by dogs, and then cows, which are considered sacred in Nepal.
The remaining two days of the festival are also significant, with one day dedicated to honoring the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, and the other to a special ceremony where sisters gather to pray for their brothers’ wellbeing. Throughout the festival, Nepalese people come together to celebrate and honor the sacredness of life, and the importance of showing gratitude and respect to all living beings.
