A Special Festival Celebrates The Love Of Dogs!

A very special "Thanksgiving Day" in Nepal!

Dogs are an important part of many people’s lives. Nepal recognizes that dogs are our friends, and they have a festival every year to thank them.
There is an entire day during a festival in Nepal dedicated solely to thanking dogs for their loyalty and friendship. The time itself is called “Diwali” celebrated by Hindus, and is a ‘festival of lights’ celebrated by millions every year in the fall, in India, Nepal and elsewhere.

Specific to Nepal, there is a day during this celebration dedicated to all the Dogs, called Kukur Tihar, specifically to thank our 4-legged companions for always being our loyal friends.

It is called Kukur Tihar or Kukur Puja (worship of the dogs).
People offer garlands, tika (a mark worn on the forehead), and delicious food to dogs, and acknowledge the cherished relationship between humans and dogs.
The garlands are a sign of respect for the animals. It is not only domestic dogs that are honored, but stray dogs, as well. It is such a sweet tradition to include every dog in the city, not just the ones with a home. The floral necklace is called a malla, which is a mark of respect and dignity. It announces that the person (or in this case, the animal) wearing it is important and prayers that go along with the malla are symbolized in the necklace. Plus, they just look so gorgeous with flowers draped around their regal shoulders.

The images honoring these animals are truly breathtaking.

The thought of this beautiful festival is lightening the heavy hearts of dog lovers everywhere, amid horrendous news bites from another kind of festival in Yulin, China, recently.


With red powder, the dogs are marked on their foreheads as a sign of sacredness.
In the Tihar Festival dogs are worshiped as representations of the Hindu god Bhairav.

And remember, you don’t have to live in Nepal to take part in this festival. You can celebrate your dog’s greatness every day just by being a responsible and loving pet parent – but if you want to break out the daisy chains for your pup, we’re sure they won’t protest.

Such a beautiful celebration! Bravo! How will you honor your dog today?

Source: The Mind Unleashed

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