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What is Dog Festival in Nepal?
 

What is Dog Festival in Nepal?

  • Festivals
  • By accessnepaltour

Dog Festival in Nepal—yes, you heard it right. It’s the festival of dogs. The dog festival in Nepal, mainly called Kukur Tihar, is one of the festivals celebrated by Hindus. It’s a special day to honor dogs. The dog festival in Nepal takes place during Tihar, a five-day Hindu festival that also celebrates crows, cows, and other animals.

Kukur Tihar takes place on the second day of Tihar. On that day, people show their love and respect for dogs by putting marigolds and Makhamali flower garlands around their necks. On the foreheads, they also put a red tika. Dogs are also given tasty treats like meat, eggs, and milk.

In Nepal, dogs are seen as the messengers of Yama, the god of death. Worshiping them is believed to bring blessings and protection. Kukur Tihar is not only about religious belief but also a way to show appreciation for the important role dogs play in guarding homes and being loyal friends. This festival highlights the close bond between humans and animals in Nepalese culture.

This time of the month is the perfect time to visit Nepal and celebrate this festival or you can also book your next trip with Access Nepal for Nepal tours and celebrate the

Nepal Dog Festival 2025 or Kukur Tihar 2025 with us. In this blog, we are going to talk everything about the dog festival in Nepal.

Kukur Tihar: The Dog Festival in Nepal

Kukur Tihar is a special day during the Tihar festival in Nepal, where people honor dogs. It’s a way to show love and thank dogs for being loyal and good companions. In Nepal, dogs are believed to protect homes and are seen as messengers of Yama, the god of death, according to Hindu belief.

On this day, people put marigold flower garlands around the dogs’ necks and place a red tika on their foreheads as a sign of respect. They also give the dogs tasty food as a blessing. This celebration includes both pet and street dogs. On this day everyone shows extra care and kindness to these animals. Kukur Tihar helps remind people how important it is to take care of and love animals.

Dog festival in Nepal

Dog festival in Nepal is one of the major festivals of Nepalese people. Source: Pinterest

When is the Dog Festival in Nepal Celebrated?

Tihar is usually celebrated in the Nepali month of Kartik. On the English calendar, it usually falls between October and November. It begins on the day called Trayodashi during the dark phase of the moon. This phase is known as Kartik Krishna Paksha and ends on Dwitiya, which is the second day of the bright phase of the moon, called Kartik Sukla Paksha.

The dog festival in Nepal also Kukur Tihar lasts for five days. It is one of the most important celebrations in Nepal. Tihar (the lights festival) is one of the major festivals in Nepal celebrated by Hindu followers.

Tihar takes place during the middle of the autumn season. During this time, the weather becomes cool and pleasant, which makes it perfect for outdoor celebrations. The surroundings are also beautiful, with different kinds of flowers blooming everywhere. At this time, every Nepali house will be filled with Marigold and Makhamali flowers. Marigold flowers are used to beautifully decorate homes, and they are also an important part of the worship rituals during the festival. The blooming marigolds are also used to worship animals celebrated during Tihar.

The pleasant smell of flowers, Selroti, and Gobar (cow dung) adds to the charm of this festival Tihar. This combination of lovely weather and colorful flowers makes Tihar a joyful time for families and communities.

Why is Kukur Tihar Celebrated?

Celebrating the Tihar holds a great religious significance and story. Therefore, this Light festival is celebrated with deep cultural and religious significance. Like many festivals, it has stories and beliefs behind it. One of the most well-known stories related to Tihar is the tale of Yama, the god of death, and his sister, Yamuna.

The story is believed to be from Satya Yug and has been passed down through generations in Hindu culture. It tells the story of Yama staying away from his sister for a long time. After not being able to meet her brother, Yamuna wants to see him. In that case, to inform or invite her brother Yama, she sends animals like a crow, a dog, and a cow to request her brother’s visit.

Unfortunately, the crow, dog, and cow didn’t succeed. Likewise, Yamuna decides to go herself. Yamuna welcomes Yama with a warm ritual, putting a seven-colored tika on his forehead and worshiping him with flowers.

Yamuna then made a protective circle using mustard oil, Dubo grass (Cynodon Dactylon), and a garland of Makhmali (Globe Amaranth) flowers. She asked Yama to stay until the oil, grass, and flowers dried up, which never happened. This ritual is believed to ensure her brother’s safety and long life.

Based on this story, Tihar is celebrated to honor the love between siblings, with sisters performing rituals to protect their brothers. The festival also shows respect for animals, plants, and the bonds of family. This festival is a meaningful and joyful celebration in Nepal. Nepal has more than this, if you are also a nature lover trekking in the Himalayas are great option. You can book our popular trip to Himalayas like Everest Base CampTrek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

How Dog Festival in Nepal Celebrated?

Kukur Tihar, also known as the Dog Festival in Nepal, is celebrated on the second day of Tihar in Nepal. This festival falls during the month between October and November. On this day, families wake up early to honor their dogs. Dogs are considered loyal friends and protectors. People decorate their dogs with marigolds and Makhamali flower garlands and put red colored tika on their foreheads showing their love and respect for the dog.

Families prepare special food for their dogs, including rice and meat, to treat them like family members. This day is important because dogs are believed to guard the gates of Naraka, the Hindu concept of Hell. Further, the dog is connected to Yama, the god of death, they are celebrated. By celebrating Kukur Tihar, people express their gratitude for the loyalty and companionship of their dogs.

In many communities, people come together to celebrate the festival. It’s common to see dogs being worshipped in streets and parks. Around this season of festival, the atmosphere will be joyful. Many families share stories about their pets and gather around. As the day goes on, people may sing and dance, adding to the festive spirit.

How Tihar is Celebrated?

Learning about a new culture is a good thing. It helps you to connect with people and understand them moreover, it’s about celebrating a festival why not. The Festival is meant to share love. If you are curious about Tihar, then we will help you explain it in a detailed format.

As we already know Tihar is a beautiful and important festival in Nepal, celebrated over five days but how it is celebrated? Each day has special meanings and rituals dedicated to different living beings. This festival is also known as Yamapanchak, which honors the bond between siblings and shows respect for animals.

First Day: Kag Tihar (Crow Puja)

The first day of Tihar is Kag Tihar, you can also call it the crow festival or day. This day is the beginning of the Tihar festival. People believe that if someone dies during Yamapanchak, they will go directly to Heaven. On this day, families worship crows, which are seen as the messengers of death.

People prepare special food, such as rice and sweets, and place it outside for the crows. They also offer water to the crows. It is believed that by feeding crows, they bring good luck and positive messages to the home. Many people wake up early to make sure the crows are fed before starting their day.

Second Day: Kukur Tihar (Dog Puja)

The second day is Kukur Tihar, a day dedicated to honoring dogs. Dogs hold a special place in Hindu mythology. Worldwide dogs are hugely respected for their loyalty and Nepalese people have a day to thank dogs for their loyalty. On this day, people decorate their dogs with flower garlands and put a red tika on their foreheads. They also give delicious food or their pet dog’s favorite food, including meat, treats, and rice.

Dogs are believed to be protectors of homes, and there is a popular belief that Yama, the god of death, has two dogs that guard the gates of Naraka (Hell). Families express their love for dogs by treating them with kindness and respect.

Women worshiping Cow in Gai Tihar (Cow Tihar).

Women worshiping Cow in Gai Tihar (Cow Tihar). Source: Pinterest

Third-Day: Gaitihar (Cow Puja)

The third day of Tihar is Gaitihar, where cows are worshiped. Moreover, cows are also Nepal’s national animal. Cows are considered sacred in Hindu culture, and many people view them as the avatar of goddess Lakshmi. As well as it is also hugely respected because it provides milk.

In the morning, families perform rituals by offering food like sel roti, rice, and wheat flour to cows. They also use sesame oil, flower garlands, and colorful powders to show their respect.

In the afternoon, families clean their homes thoroughly and decorate the floors with red mud and cow dung. They create beautiful patterns called rangoli. Similarly, many people make designs that resemble the footsteps of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. In the evening, families light candles and colorful lights to brighten their homes, in the meaning of welcoming prosperity and happiness.

Bhailo and Deushure Tradition

One of the most and favorites of most Nepalese people is Bhailo and Deushure. It is a joyful tradition during Tihar, where people go from house to house singing traditional Bhailo and Deushure songs. They ask for money and treats in return for their songs. Bhailo is mainly for girls and Deushure is mainly for boys. The songs often tell stories about the festival and bring joy to the neighbors. It’s a lively time, filled with laughter and music, as families celebrate together.

People also enjoy playing cards and having fun, as it is believed that Goddess Laxmi will visit homes that are clean and bright. Families light up their houses with lamps and decorations, making the atmosphere festive and welcoming.

Fourth Day: Goru Tihar (Oxen Puja)

The fourth day is known as Goru Tihar. On this day, people honor oxen, which are vital for farming in Nepal. Families worship oxen by giving them food and performing rituals. Cow dung is used to create a small hill for Govardhan Puja, symbolizing gratitude for nature’s gifts. Cow dung has significant importance in Hindu culture, as it is used for fuel and cleaning.

The Newar community has a special ritual called Maha Puja, where they make a small mandap (shelter) with marigold flowers and fruits. In this ritual, each family member receives offerings of food, including eggs, sweets, and homemade alcohol. This day also marks the beginning of the Newari New Year, known as Nepal Sambat.

In the evening, children and young men gather to sing Deusi songs, similar to Bhailo but traditionally sung by boys. They visit homes in groups, spreading joy and sharing blessings for the new year.

Fifth Day: Bhai Tika (Bhai Puja)

The last day of Tihar is Bhai Tika. It is a day for celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters put a special seven-colored tika (sapta rangi tika) on their brothers’ foreheads. This colorful tika represents their prayers for their brothers’ long life and happiness.

In return, brothers give their sisters gifts and money as a way of showing love and appreciation. Sisters also prepare special treats, like dry fruits and sweets, to share with their brothers. This exchange of gifts strengthens the bond between siblings and shows their commitment to caring for each other.

A special tradition for those without siblings is the visit to the Rani Pokhari Temple in Kathmandu, which is open to the public only on this day. Many people go there to pray and celebrate the festival together.

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