Nepal Hindu Festival 2023: Dogs Pampered as Part of Celebration—Here's Why

Nepal's Hindu festival "Tihar" this 2023 is not only for people to enjoy, but for dogs to receive some love as well. These cute pets were pampered during the second day of the festivity; Kukur Tihar.

(Photo: PRAKASH MATHEMA/AFP via Getty Images) An Armed Police dog with vermillion on his forehead and marigold garland placed around his neck looks on during an event to mark the Hindu festival Tihar, at the Armed Police Dog Training School in Kathmandu on November 12, 2023. Dogs in Nepal were decked with marigold garlands and bright vermillion paint.

Nepali people showed them great love by decking them with marigold garlands, as well as bright vermilion paint on Sunday, Nov. 12.

But, why are Nepalis doing this to them? Here's what you need to know about the Kukur Tihar celebration.

Nepal Hindu Festival 2023: Dogs Pampered as Part of Celebration

According to The Strait Times' latest report, the Kukur Tihar is the second day of the Tihar festival. It focuses on worshipping dogs since they are known to be the agents of the god of death, Yamaraj.
Aside from this, people are also celebrating the Kukur Tihar to show their appreciation for the companionship and loyalty that dogs offer to them.

Sujit Dongol, a Nepali businessman, said that he loves their dog because their one-year-old American Bully already become a part of their family.

"He is a companion to everyone and is always happy and playful like a child. We feel happy worshipping a dog that lives with us," said the dog owner.

Aside from Dongol, other Nepali citizens also showed their love for their pets, as well as street dogs, by offering them toys and treats.

Of course, Nepal's Armed Police Force also held a special ceremony to honor and worship their canines, which are helping them during natural disasters and when detecting explosives and drugs.

"It is a special day. Our dogs have helped us a lot, so the security personnel feel happy to celebrate this," said Animal Health and Dog Handler section chief Ramesh Pokharel.

Other Animals Worshipped by Nepal

(Photo: PRAKASH MATHEMA/AFP via Getty Images) An Armed Police dog with vermillion on its forehead and marigold garland placed around its neck looks on during an event to mark the Hindu festival Tihar, at the Armed Police Dog Training School in Kathmandu on November 12, 2023. Dogs in Nepal were decked with marigold garlands and bright vermillion paint on November 12 to celebrate a day dedicated to them.

Aside from dogs, ABC Denver 7 reported that other animals are also being worshipped during the Hindu festival in Nepal.

For example, the first day (Kaag Tihar) focuses on pampering local crows.

On the third day, Nepali people will worship oxen and other beasts of burden (animals that are raised to do labor work).

For those curious why Nepalis are worshipping these animals, this is because the Tihar celebration is dedicated to Laxmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity.

If you want to learn more about Nepal's Hindu festival this 2023, you can click here.