On Monday, Nepal celebrated the second day of the Tihar festival, affectionately known as Kukur Tihar. A festival dedicated to dogs, people across the country pay their respects to their four-legged friends by worshiping them and giving them the royal treatment.
Tihar Corn 2025
Throughout Nepal, dogs were revered as faithful companions and protectors. They are considered to be the messengers of Yama, the god of death. From worshiping them with garlands to applying vermilion powder (tika) on their foreheads, people also offer flowers and treats to dogs for their loyalty, bravery and special bond with humans.
Nepal Police Celebrates Kukura Tihar
In the canine division of the Nepal Police, the celebration started on a festive note. Service dogs were shown off and honored for their invaluable service. Each dog received garlands, treats and blessings as the officers demonstrated their skills in several operations and cases.
These canine heroes have played a vital role in saving lives during disasters, helping in securing VVIPs and helping to trace cases. In recognition of their service, the division also awarded medals to the best dogs in crime detection, evidence retrieval and rescue operations. One special dog even earned the title of “Dog of the Year” for his exceptional performance on the team.
“It helps to catch criminals at large, it is a dog that helps in the process. It sniffs out those who use narcotics, it is a dog that identifies them. It protects houses and offices, chases those who loot or steal from these places,” Mahesh Bhul, an officer of the canine division of the Nepal Police, praised the dogs at the event with a special poem.
Every year, this celebration is organized by the cynological section, which also functions as a training school.
What is Kukur Tihar
For many in Kathmandu, Kukur Tihar is more than just a festival; it’s an emotion. Responding to similar thoughts, Sneha Shrestha, a resident of Kathmandu, was quoted by news agency ANI as saying, “Today is Kukur Tihar and it is one of the most joyous festivals in Kathmandu where we celebrate dogs for their loyalty and friendship. I think all countries around the world should learn from Nepal to respect dogs and love them as they are, no matter what they are. they are.”
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Roots of Kukur Tihar
Kukur Tihar has its roots deep in ancient Hindu mythology. According to the news agency, the Rigveda mentions Samara, the mother of dogs, who helped Indra, the ruler of heaven, to retrieve stolen cattle. In the Mahabharata, the faithful dog is said to have accompanied Dharmaraja Yudhisthira on his journey to heaven, symbolizing loyalty, justice and unwavering devotion.
Every year, on the second day of Yama Panchak, Nepalis rise early to worship both pets and stray dogs.
The Nepali community in India is also seen celebrating the festival among themselves.
