Nepalese Hindus Celebrate Dogs for Their Version of Diwali Called Kukur Tihar
![Nepalese Hindus Celebrate Dogs for Their Version of Diwali Called Kukur Tihar](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Diwali-Dogs.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85&blur=80)
![Nepalese Hindus Celebrate Dogs for Their Version of Diwali Called Kukur Tihar](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Diwali-Dogs.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
In Nepal, there is a holiday that celebrates dogs.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Diwali-Doggo.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
Called “Kukur Tihar“, it falls on the same day as the Hindu holiday, Choti Diwali.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Happy-Kukur-Tihar.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
Dogs are decked with garlands of flowers — usually marigolds.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Marigold-Dogs.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
They are also adorned with red “tika” on their foreheads.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/KukurTihar.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
The mark symbolizes good luck, bravery, auspiciousness, and other positive traits.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Kukur-Tihar.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
The reason for this holiday is as special as these good doggos.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Good-Boy-Diwali.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
In one of Hinduism’s oldest texts, the mother of dogs, Samara, helps retrieve the stolen cattle of Indra, the ruler of heaven.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Dog-Holiday.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
The dog is the messenger and guardian of Yama, the ruler of the dead.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Willow-Diwali.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
It is said that a dog also guards the gates of the afterlife.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/KukurTiharDoggo.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
In another sacred text, the king of righteousness, Yudhishthira, vehemently refused to enter heaven without his beloved canine companion.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Corgi-Diwali.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
Dogs also represent the concept of dharma, otherwise known as the path of righteousness.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Kukur-Tihar-Dog.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
Dogs are cherished, thanked, and honored for being trusted, loyal friends.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Happy-Doggowali.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
Not just pets — even stray dogs are celebrated on Kukur Tihar!
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Pupper-Kukur-Tihar.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
If dogs could speak, they’d probably say their favorite part about the holiday is the food.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Pug-Diwali.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
They may receive treats such as meat, eggs, milk, or high-quality dog food.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Happy-Diwali-Dog.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
The dogs must love all the attention and praise they receive on Kukur Tihar.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Happy-Doggo.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
Some cats even get in on this holiday!
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Cat-Diwali.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
Although not all of them enjoy it.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Cat-Tihar.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
Maybe Kukur Tihar is best left up to the doggos.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Dog-Diwali.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
Thank you for being our best friends!
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Happy-Dog-Kukur-Tihar.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
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