Day of the Dog

    Kukur Tihar is part of Tihar. That’s a five-day festival in Nepal, a country in South Asia. The exact dates vary each year. But it often falls in October or November.

    Tihar is the second-largest celebration in the country. And it doesn’t just celebrate dogs. There are festival days for cows and crows too. These animals are important to many Hindus. Hindus are people who follow the religion Hinduism. In Nepal, about 80 percent of the population is Hindu. 

    For many Hindus, these animals are special for different reasons. Cows are a symbol of life. Crows are thought to be messengers between the living and the dead.

    And what about dogs?

    In the Hindu religion, dogs play important roles. They serve as companions to gods and goddesses. They lead kings to heaven. Some Hindus even believe that caring for dogs on Earth means they will help you after death. 

    Kukur Tihar is part of Tihar. That’s a five-day festival in Nepal, a country in South Asia. The dates vary each year. But it often falls in October or November.

    Tihar is the second-largest celebration in Nepal. And it doesn’t just honor dogs. There are days for cows and crows too. These animals are important to many Hindus. Hindus are people who follow the religion Hinduism. In Nepal, about 8 in 10 people are Hindu.

    For many Hindus, these animals are special for different reasons. Cows are a symbol of life. Crows are thought to be messengers between the living and the dead.

    And what about dogs?

    In Hinduism, dogs play important roles. They serve as companions to gods and goddesses. They lead kings to heaven. Some Hindus believe that if you care for dogs on Earth, they will help you after death.

    Kukur Tihar is part of Tihar, a five-day festival in the South Asian country of Nepal. The exact dates vary from year to year, but the festival often falls in October or November.

    Tihar is the second-largest celebration in the country, and it includes festival days for cows and crows as well as dogs. These animals are important to many Hindus. Hindus are people who follow the religion Hinduism. In Nepal, about 80 percent of the population is Hindu.

    For many Hindus, these animals are special for different reasons. Cows are a symbol of life, while crows are thought to be messengers between the living and the dead.

    And what about dogs?

    Dogs play important roles in the Hindu religion, including serving as companions to gods and goddesses and leading kings to heaven. Some Hindus even believe that caring for dogs on Earth means they will help you after death.

    On Kukur Tihar, no dog is left out of the fun. Dogs in animal shelters are given plenty of hugs. Stray dogs dine on tasty meals. Pet dogs wear floral garlands. 

    Some dogs are even celebrated for their accomplishments. In one city, a Kukur Tihar ceremony was held for dogs who helped the police solve crimes. 

    And many pups are given tika. This is a mark on one’s forehead, often of a red powder. Tika is part of the Hindu culture. Wearing tika means the pups are being blessed and honored. 

    So this month, toss your favorite furry friend an extra treat. Give a special belly rub. On Kukur Tihar, the goal is to love and care for dogs—just as they love and care for us. 

    On Kukur Tihar, no dog is left out. Dogs in animal shelters get plenty of hugs. Stray dogs get tasty meals. Pet dogs wear flowers.

    Some dogs are honored for their service. In one city, a Kukur Tihar ceremony was held for dogs who helped the police solve crimes.

    And many pups are given tika. That’s a mark on one’s forehead, often of a red powder. Tika is part of the Hindu culture. Wearing tika means the pups are being blessed and honored.

    So this month, give your favorite dogs some extra love. They deserve it! 

    On Kukur Tihar, no dog is left out of the fun. Dogs in animal shelters are given plenty of hugs, and stray dogs are provided with tasty meals. Pet dogs wear floral garlands.

    Some dogs are even celebrated for their accomplishments. In one city, a Kukur Tihar ceremony was held for dogs who helped the police solve crimes.

    In addition, many pups are given tika. This is a mark on one’s forehead, often of a red powder. Tika is part of the Hindu culture. Wearing tika means the pups are being blessed and honored.

    So this month, toss your favorite furry friend an extra treat. Give a special belly rub. On Kukur Tihar, the goal is to love and care for dogs—just as they love and care for us.