Kukur Tihar, Nepal Dog Festival 2024 in Kathmandu

Kukur Tihar, or Kukur Puja, translates to the worship of dogs and is a mini-festival within the larger Hindu celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights. According to Nepalese tradition, one day of this five-day festival is dedicated solely to honoring humanity's most devoted friend and guardian. In Hinduism, dogs are considered sacred animals, believed to share a special bond with humans and accompany them on their journey to heaven. Diwali is celebrated annually in late October or early November, with Kukur Tihar always occurring on the second day of the festivities.

Traditional Celebrations

During Kukur Tihar, dogs are treated with special love and admiration as they are worshipped, bathed, and adorned with flower garlands, or "malla," draped around their necks. Their foreheads are painted with a paste called "talik" or "tikka," made from red-colored powder, rice, and yogurt, symbolizing their sacredness. The highlight of the celebration for the canines is the feast, which includes an array of goodies such as fruit, cookies, eggs, milk, cheese, meat, and high-quality dog food.

Both police dogs and stray dogs are honored during this festival, which celebrates the cherished bond between dogs and humans. It is considered a sin to behave disrespectfully towards a dog on this day, emphasizing the importance of treating them with respect and care. During Kukur Tihar, there are no exceptions; every dog, whether owned or stray, receives special treatment. Even Nepalese police dogs get to feel the holiday spirit as they enjoy a day off and participate in a special march to mark the occasion.

Origins of Kukur Tihar

Tihar, a five-day Hindu festival in Nepal, is the second-largest celebration after Dashain. Its history is tied to the Mahabharata, where the Pandavas journey to heaven with their dog. Yudhishthira refuses to enter heaven without his loyal companion, impressing Indra, the king of the gods, who then opens the gates of heaven for him. Additionally, Yama, the god of death, has two dogs that guard hell. Worshipping dogs during Tihar reflects the belief that they will accompany and protect individuals on their final journey, emphasizing their significance in Hindu culture.