Kukur Tihar: Nepal’s Yearly Celebration Honoring and Commemorating Dogs
Dogs are divine beings; no question about that. They are devoted, loving, affectionate, and in addition to that, they are our closest companions. While they are adored globally, one can undoubtedly claim that no one values them like the citizens of Nepal. This Asian country hosts an annual celebration to pay tribute to dogs, indulging them and appreciating their noble essence.
The celebration, referred to as Kukur Tihar or “day of the dogs,” occurs on the second day of the five-day Tihar festival, a festivity analogous to India’s Diwali. There are four animals linked with Yama or Yamaraj, the God of death—crow, dog, cow, and ox—which are venerated on each day of the celebration, with the fifth and concluding day dedicated to humans. Dogs are seen as heralds and protectors of Yama, and by honoring them, devotees can guarantee their own secure journey to the afterlife or their own safeguard from suffering in hell.
On this occasion, dogs receive vibrant marigold garlands and a tilaka—a ceremonial symbol on their foreheads. They are also given a feast, which may include top-quality dog food, meat, milk, and eggs. This is the case for all dogs, whether they are household pets, service animals—like police dogs—or even stray canines. Therefore, mistreating or showing disrespect towards a dog, especially on this day, is viewed as a wrongdoing.
The spirit behind this celebration has been praised globally, being embraced beyond the Nepali community. Since 2016, numerous cities throughout Mexico have celebrated it as a way to pay homage to dogs, connecting it with the Día de los Muertos festivities, suggesting a connection between humans and their pets that transcends death. More recently, it has also gained traction in the U.S., in areas like Virginia and Colorado.
This year, Kukur Tihar was celebrated on October 20, but if you didn’t partake in the celebrations, don’t fret. You can get ready for next year’s festivities, scheduled for November 7, 2026. And if you can’t wait that long, keep in mind that you can honor your beloved dog(s) any day of the year! After all, they will be there for you around the clock, every single day.