Dog Worship Festival 'Kukur Tihar' Observed Across Nepal and India

Guwahati, October 27, 2019:

Few know that there is a festival that is exclusively dedicated to dogs; this festival, celebrated mainly in Nepal and neighboring areas in India, is known as 'Kukur Tihar'.

The second day of the Tihar festival celebrated in Nepal and large swathes of Northeastern and Eastern India, is dedicated to man's best friend. The festival is known as 'kukur' (dog) Tihar.

During Kukur Tihar, man’s four-legged friend is honored and celebrated by adorning it with garlands of flowers (usually marigold) and ‘tilaks’. Afterward, the furry animals receive their favorite delicious treats.

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The custom is observed as dogs are seen as protectors of the house. A dog is the most loyal friend to human beings, and according to Hindu myth, dogs are regarded as the guards of Yama, the god of death.

Commenting on this, Sidharth Rajkhowa, a dog lover from Assam, says, "I believe this festival is unique and beautiful. Dogs are live beings, and if they are getting special treatment for a day, that serves God's purpose more than idol worship. I believe animals and birds deserve more love and respect."

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This year, Kukur Tihar and Laxmi Puja are being celebrated on the same day, according to Nepal Panchanga Nirnayan Samiti.

Tihar festival, which is also called Yama Panchak or Deepawali has begun from today. The festival is generally celebrated for five days with various rituals.

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