Tihar’s Day of the Dog: A Celebration of Loyalty and Love

Tihar, also known as Deepawali or the Festival of Lights, stands as Nepal’s second-largest festival. Spanning five days, Tihar is a vibrant celebration that honours not just gods and goddesses, but also the animals that enrich human life. Of all these days, the second day holds a unique significance for dog lovers everywhere: Kukur Tihar, or the Day of the Dogs.

What is Kukur Tihar?

Kukur Tihar is an annual Hindu festival, typically falling around October or November, that is dedicated to celebrating dogs. On this special day, the bond between humans and their canine companions – both pets and strays – is acknowledged, cherished, and formally honoured.

Unlike most Western holidays for pets, this is a formal religious observance rooted in Hindu mythology and tradition, offering a profound moment of gratitude and respect for the loyalty and service dogs provide.

The Rituals of Worship

The celebrations are colourful and heartfelt, transforming every dog into an object of devotion for the day:

– Garlands (Mala): People adorn dogs with beautiful marigold and makhamali flower garlands around their necks. These garlands symbolise the dogs’ importance and their sacred status during the festival.

– Tika: A red tika (a mixture of vermilion powder, rice, and yoghurt) is applied to the dog’s forehead. The tika marks the dog as a blessed and sacred being, signifying honour and purity.

– Feasting: Dogs are treated to a special diet of delicious and highly prized foods, including milk, eggs, meat, and high-quality dog treats. During Kukur Tihar, it is considered a sin to show any disrespect or unkindness to a dog.