20/10/2025
Kukur Tihar, which translates to "Dog Tihar," is a wonderful and unique festival celebrated in Nepal that is entirely dedicated to honoring dogs.
It is the second day of the five-day Hindu festival of Tihar (also known as Deepawali or the Festival of Lights).
Here are the key aspects of Kukur Tihar:
Significance
Honoring the Bond: It celebrates the loyalty, companionship, and protective nature of dogs towards humans.
Messenger of Yama: In Hindu mythology, dogs are considered to be the messengers of Yama, the god of death. By worshipping dogs on this day, people aim to please Yama and seek blessings for a good afterlife.
Mythological Ties: Dogs are revered in ancient texts, with one popular story from the Mahabharata where Dharmaraj Yudhisthir refuses to enter heaven without his devoted dog, which is later revealed to be the god Dharma himself.
Celebration and Rituals
On Kukur Tihar, both pet dogs and stray dogs are treated with the utmost respect, love, and honor. The main rituals include:
Garlanding (Mala): Dogs are adorned with beautiful garlands, typically made of marigold or makhamali (Gomphrena globosa) flowers. The garland signifies their importance, honor, and a special blessing.
Tika: A red tika (a mixture of vermilion powder, rice, and yogurt) is applied to the dog's forehead. The tika marks the dog as a sacred creature, a devotee, and an object of devotion.
Feasting: Dogs are given a royal feast with delicious foods and special treats that they might not normally get, such as milk, eggs, meat, and high-quality dog food.
It is considered a sin to act disrespectfully towards a dog on this day, reinforcing the message of compassion and respect for all animals.