When we hear "dog festival," we might cringe as we remember the recent Yulin festival in China, but animal lovers like Ricky Gervais, a school teacher and rescue organizations stepped up and saved many animals' lives during that dark weekend.

But Nepal's dog festival is very different. Diwali is a "festival of lights" celebrated by millions of Hindus every year in places like India and Nepal. In Nepal, one day, called Kukur Tihar (also known as Swanti in the Newar region), is set aside and dedicated to man's best friend, according to The Mind Unleashed.

Diwali is a five day festival of gift-giving and story-telling, according to Dogster, celebrating the relationship of humans with all things. Day two is the day it all goes to the dogs.

Kukur Tihar or Kukur Puja means "worship of the dogs," according to The Mind Unleashed.

The dogs are offered garlands, a mark on the forehead called tika and given delicious food, all in an effort to express appreciation for the loyalty of dogs.

The loyal four-legged friends are anointed on their foreheads with red powder as a sign of sacredness.

This year, Diwali will begin on Nov. 9 in India with Kuku Puja falling on Nov. 11, according to Drik Panchang. In Nepal, the festival of lights begins on Nov. 11.

Will you celebrate Kukur Puja?