Kukur Tihar or Dog worshiping festival in Nepal is celebrated on the second day of Tihar festival (second biggest festival of Nepal).
On this day, dogs (both pet and stray) are cleaned/bathed and then worshiped by putting Tika (Red color) on the forehead, flower garlands on the neck, and delicious foods (meat, milk, eggs, dog food, etc.) are offered.
Kukur Tihar (Dog worshiping festival) is getting famous around the world (mostly in western countries) as it shows the respect and bond between humans and dogs.
Kukur Tihar is also known as Khicha Puja in Newar Community (Local people of Kathmandu valley).
Myths of Kukur Tihar
Nepali Hindus believe that dogs are the messenger of Yama (god of death) and worshiping the dogs make Yama happy.
Also in Hindu mythology, Yama has two dogs Shyama and Sharvara, who guard the door of hell. So, Nepali hindu believe that by worshiping the dog they hope that the dogs will guard them against the torture in hell. So ultimately, worshiping dogs helps people to perceive death in a positive way as they’ll be protected by the dogs.
And it is considered a sin to misbehave dogs on this day.
When is Kukur Tihar in 2024 (2081 B.S.)?
Every year, Kukur Tihar (Dog worshiping festival) is celebrated around October or November (Kartik in Nepali Calendar).
In 2024 (2081 B.S.), Kukur Tihar (Dog Worshiping Festival) falls on Thursday, October 31, 2024 (Kartik 15, 2081).
By Coincidence, Laxmi Puja also falls on the same day this year. Usually Laxmi Puja falls on the next day of Kukur Tihar.
Photos from Kukur Tihar, Dog Worshipping Festival in Nepal
