It is that time of the year again when several houses across India are lit up with fairy lights and candles. Yes, the festival of lights, Diwali, is here and preparations are on full swing! However, for dog parents, there’s more than one reason to celebrate!
While many families are celebrating Diwali, dog parents are celebrating ‘Kukur Tihar’ – a festival dedicated to man’s best friends, dogs! According to BBC, dogs are worshipped and celebrated by putting a tika on their foreheads, a garland around their necks, and are pampered with lots of treats!
Even though ‘Kukur Tihar’ is essentially celebrated in Nepal, several Hindus in India celebrate it too. Many took to social media to share pictures celebrating the occasion with their furry friends and boy, do they look adorable! Have a look:
Happy “Kukur Tihar”. A festival dedicated solely to thank dogs for their loyalty and friendship. #festivals #doglovers pic.twitter.com/PfXeOhMePQ
— Neeloo Sherpa, IPS 🇮🇳 (@Neelsher) November 13, 2020
#kukurtihar pic.twitter.com/Wp9nfjkCTj
— Shweta Niroula (@NiroulaShweta) November 13, 2020
#KukurTihar pic.twitter.com/Es35PTNgCs
— ruchee (@RucheeAdukia) November 13, 2020
Kukur tihar- a celebration of the furry kind. #Diwali #tradition #kukurtihar pic.twitter.com/TUvLdOfexa
— Dibya Pokhrel (@anonymuncle_) November 13, 2020
Happy Kukur Tihar
Tihar is a five-day-long Hindu festival celebrated by Naplese all around the world which comes soon after Dashain. It is similar to Deepawali celebrated in India, but with a regional variation. The five-day festival of Lights is considered to be of great importance as it shows reverence to not just the humans and the Gods, but also to the animals like crows, cows and dogs who maintain an intense relationship with humans. The 1st Day of Tihar starts with Kaag (Crow) Tihar and the 2nd day is called Kukur (Dog) Tihar or Khichā Pujā (worship of the dogs), dogs are believed to be the messengers of Lord Yamaraj, the God of Death, this day is worshiped once each year on this day. People offer garlands, tika and delicious food to dogs and acknowledge the cherished relationship between humans and dogs.
#Ramri #keti #pixi #goldenretriever #kukurtihar #pawsPosted by Aalmist on Thursday, November 12, 2020
It was the first time I saw #Kukurtihar 🖤
#nepalifestivalPosted by ভৱানী দেৱী on Thursday, November 12, 2020
Our most senior shelter dog Norie who’s 19 year old now and blind is honoured for cheering us all her life and giving us so much joy and being a good dog.
#kukurtihar2020 #dogsareforlife #kukurtiharPosted by Kalimpong & Darjeeling Goodwill Animal Shelter on Friday, November 13, 2020
#kukurtihar It’s one of the best Festival of Gorkha Society kukur tihar,👌👌👌👌❤️❤️❤️
Posted by Sereng ChongBang Limbu on Thursday, November 12, 2020
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These doggos sure are receiving the royal treatment. Truth be told, they deserve every bit of it!