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What Is Kukur Tihar & Why Do Nepalese Celebrate Dogs During Tihar?

Nepal celebrates Kukur Tihar 2025, honoring dogs with garlands, treats, and blessings for their loyalty, courage, and devotion.

Published By: Nisha Srivastava
Last Updated: October 21, 2025 16:51:51 IST

Nepal observed the second day of Tihar festivities, Kukur Tihar, a special day with all its attention focused on dogs. Everywhere in the country, humans worshiped and doted on their four-legged friends, proving the special connection between humans and dogs.

What Is Kukur Tihar?

Kukur Tihar, one of the five-day Hindu celebrations of Tihar, is a festival in praise of dogs as loyal friends and guardians. Dogs are considered to be the messengers of Yama, the deity of death, and are worshiped for their valour, loyalty, and service to mankind.

A garland, tika (vermilion powder), flowers, and special foods are given to dogs during the festival, depicting thankfulness and reverence towards their existence in our lives.

Dogs Receive Royal Treatment on Kukur Tihar

At the Canine Division of the Nepal Police, festivities assumed a big size. Service dogs were paraded and rewarded for their invaluable contribution to law enforcement.

Every dog was given garlands, treats, and blessings, while officers demonstrated their capabilities in operations, detection of narcotics, and security duties.

Kathmandu Citizens Celebrate Kukur Tihar

For most people in Kathmandu, Kukur Tihar is not just a festival it’s an emotional celebration of love, loyalty, and companionship.

Spiritual Beliefs Behaind to Celebrate Kukur Tihar

The festival has very old Hindu origins and was written about in the Rigveda and Mahabharata.

The Rigveda mentions Samara, the mother of dogs, who assisted Indra, king of heaven, in recovering stolen cattle.

In the Mahabharata, a loyal dog followed Dharmaraj Yudhisthir to heaven, representing loyalty, righteousness, and unshakeable devotion.

Why Kukur Tihar Is Special

Kukur Tihar is a festival of appreciation and respect for dogs, reminding human beings of the fidelity, bravery, and unreserved love dogs owe them. From family pets to service animals within police and rescue units, this festival is in recognition of their roles in our lives.

Throughout Nepal, the day is filled with smiles, dog treats, and joyful rituals, making Kukur Tihar one of the most endearing festivals of the year.

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