Dogs have always been known as the human's best friend. Nepal certainly brings a new meaning to that phrase with this amazing holiday, known as Tihar, that is celebrated every year. Each day of Tihar is devoted to honoring a different entity in life. City streets and homes are decorated with sparkling lights and candles to signify the triumph of light over darkness.
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On the second day of this festival, Nepalese Hindus honor the role of dogs in human life and throughout history. This day is known as Kukur Tihar.
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Notice how each of the dogs have flower garlands draped around their necks. These flower wreaths — called “mallas” in Nepali — are a mark of dignity and respect. Wearing a malla signifies the importance of the wearer.
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Another sign of respect is the red mark that is applied onto the forehead of each dog. These red marks are called “tikka” in Nepali, and they mark the dog as an object of devotion. The tikka bestows an air of sacredness upon the dog and acts as a blessing towards those who encounter the dog on that day.
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The mallas and the tikkas are all well and good, but what is probably the dogs' favorite part of the day is the food offerings. These offerings are laid out for dogs of the home and stray dogs in the streets.
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This year, Kukur Tihar falls on November 10th. This festival is a fun and sweet tradition to share with your furry friends. It’s time to pay tribute to those who gift us with unconditional love every day.
To conclude, here is a picture of my cousin’s dog celebrating Kukur Tihar last year! Cute, right?