Every year in Nepal, there’s a day when dogs take center stage. They’re showered with flowers, food, and affection — not just by their owners, but by everyone. This beautiful celebration is called Kukur Tihar, a festival that honors the loyalty and friendship of dogs.

A Festival Within a Festival

Kukur Tihar, which literally means “Dog Festival”, is celebrated on the second day of Tihar, Nepal’s five-day Hindu festival also known as Deepawali or the Festival of Lights. Each day of Tihar is dedicated to honoring different animals, deities, or relationships.

The sequence typically goes:

Kaag Tihar – Worship of crows, messengers of death

Kukur Tihar – Worship of dogs

Gai / Lakshmi Puja – Worship of cows and Goddess Lakshmi

Goru / Govardhan / Mha Puja – Worship of oxen and self-purification

Bhai Tika – Celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters

The Meaning Behind Kukur Tihar

In Hindu belief, dogs hold deep spiritual significance. They are associated with Yama, the god of death, and are thought to guard the gates of the afterlife. Worshipping dogs on this day is seen as a way to honor Yama and express gratitude toward these faithful creatures who serve and protect humans.

A well-known story from the Mahabharata adds to this symbolism: when the hero Yudhishthira was offered entry into heaven, he refused to go without his loyal dog. The dog later revealed itself as Yama in disguise, rewarding Yudhishthira’s compassion and loyalty. This tale reflects the values of faithfulness and moral integrity celebrated in Kukur Tihar.

How Nepal Celebrates Dogs

The rituals of Kukur Tihar are both touching and visually striking:

Flower Garlands (Mala): People adorn dogs with marigold garlands to symbolize respect and dignity. The bright orange flowers are said to represent the sun’s energy and purity.

Sacred Tika: A red mark, or tika, made from a mixture of vermilion powder, rice, and sometimes yogurt, is applied to the dog’s forehead as a sign of blessing.

Feasting and Treats: Dogs receive delicious food — from meat, eggs, and milk to biscuits and dog food. Both pet dogs and stray dogs are included in the celebration.

Community Joy: Streets, temples, and homes fill with smiling faces and wagging tails. Police and military service dogs are honored for their dedication and courage as well.

A Message of Compassion

Kukur Tihar is much more than a religious ritual — it’s a celebration of kindness, loyalty, and gratitude. It reminds people to respect all living beings, regardless of whether they have an owner or live on the streets. In recent years, the festival has also helped raise awareness about animal welfare and the treatment of stray dogs in urban areas.

Kukur Tihar, one of Nepal’s most heartwarming traditions, is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik — which usually falls in October or November according to the lunar calendar. The exact date changes each year, but the spirit remains the same: a day when dogs are honored as divine beings and beloved friends. Adorned with garlands, tikas, and special treats, they become symbols of Nepal’s deep cultural respect for animals and the belief that love and loyalty deserve to be celebrated.