While Diwali, the festival of lights, is widely celebrated across South Asia, Nepal adds a unique twist to the celebration that every dog lover will love. Known as Kukur Tihar, this heartwarming festival honours the loyalty, companionship, and protection that dogs provide to humans. On the second day of Diwali, homes and streets alike come alive with festivities as people honour their four-legged friends across the country.
The Origins of Kukur Tihar Kukur Tihar has roots in Hindu mythology and is part of Nepal’s five-day Tihar festival, which also celebrates other animals, as well as prosperity and the goddess Laxmi. According to the ancient Hindu epic Mahabharata, dogs have a special significance—they are seen as loyal creatures and protectors. Dogs were even considered companions of Yudhishthir who had a four-legged companion accompany him on his journey to the afterlife, showcasing the deep bond between humans and dogs.
Bhairava, an avatar of Lord Shiva, is also accompanied by his loyal dog, Shvan, serving as his vahana or vehicle. This festival's roots also connect to the belief that dogs possess an innate ability to sense danger and even death, making them worthy of worship on Naraka Chaturdashi or Bhoot Chaturdashi. In Nepal, dogs, or “kukur” in Nepali, are considered sacred messengers of Yama, the god of death, symbolising loyalty and protection.
How Nepal Celebrates Kukur Tihar On Kukur Tihar, households across Nepal shower their dogs—both strays and pets a.
