Kukur Tihar | Dog Festival

Kukur Tihar carries a beautiful history as a unique festival where dogs are honoured with flower garlands, tika, special treats, and loyalty. Kukur Tihar (कुकुर तिहार) is the Hindu festival that honours dogs. It is observed on the second day of Tihar, which falls in October or November. The word kukur simply means dog in Nepali.

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 their 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 2026 or Kukur Tihar 2026 with us. In this blog, we are going to talk about 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.

When is Kukur Tihar in 2026?

Kukur Tihar 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November (Kartik 22, 2083 BS). Tihar runs from 7 to 11 November 2026.

Tihar follows the lunar calendar, so the date moves every year. Kukur Tihar is held on Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi. Most years it is the second day of Tihar, but when tithis overlap, the dog day can shift. In 2026, it falls on the same day as Laxmi Puja, and in 2025, the festival was observed a day later than usual, according to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee. Always check the current Nepali patro.

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 is the 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.

Kukur Tihar and Laxmi Puja on the Same Day (2026)

In 2026, Kukur Tihar and Laxmi Puja both fall on 8 November. By day, dogs are garlanded and fed. After dark, homes, shops and streets are lit with oil lamps and coloured lights to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. This makes 8 November the most atmospheric day of the festival to be in Kathmandu.

Tihar 2026: The Five Days

Note: public holidays run from 8 to 12 November 2026.

Also during Tihar

• Deusi–Bhailo. Groups go from house to house singing traditional songs in exchange for gifts or money. Bhailo is traditionally sung by girls on Lakshmi Puja night, and Deusi by boys, mainly on the following night.
• Rangoli and lamps. Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli and oil lamps to invite Lakshmi.
•  Bhai Tika. Sisters apply a seven-coloured tika to their brothers’ foreheads, offer sweets and dry fruits, and pray for long life. Brothers give gifts in return. People without siblings traditionally visit Rani Pokhari in Kathmandu, which opens to the public only on this day.

Tips for Visitors Joining Kukur Tihar

• Ask before you photograph or touch. Many dogs have owners nearby. Do not chase or crowd any animal for a photo.
• Do not feed unfamiliar dogs rich or spicy food. Chocolate, onion, grapes, and alcohol are harmful to dogs.
• Rabies precautions. Do not approach unfamiliar or anxious dogs. Talk to your doctor about pre-travel rabies vaccination, and get bites or scratches treated immediately.
• Respect the ritual. Marigold garlands and tika are offerings. Let the family or priest lead.
•  Plan ahead. Banks, offices, and many shops close, transport is crowded, and hotels fill up around 8 to 12 November. Book early.
• Dress and weather. November in Kathmandu is generally dry and mild by day and cooler at night, so bring a light jacket for evenings.

Where to See Kukur Tihar?

• Kathmandu: neighbourhoods around Thamel, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, and Durbar Square areas for lights on Lakshmi Puja night.
• Patan and Bhaktapur: good places to see Newar customs and Mha Puja.
• Local animal shelters and welfare groups: many hold events. Check their social channels for details.

Experience Kukur Tihar with Access Nepal

Want to be in Kathmandu for Kukur Tihar rather than just read about it? Our Nepal Dog Festival Tour is a 7-day, small-group trip (maximum 14 guests) timed around Tihar 2026. You don’t just watch: on the morning of Kukur Tihar, you garland dogs, apply tika, and offer treats, either with a local family or with the neighbourhood’s street dogs.

Dog Festival Tour Highlights

• Kukur Tihar in person (8 November): worship dogs early in the morning, then visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square and try your hand at pottery in Thimi.
• The whole of Tihar: Kaag Tihar, Gai Tihar, Goru Puja, the festival of lights, and Bhai Tika, with a guide to explain each ritual.
• Kathmandu Valley UNESCO sites: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares.
• Beyond the city: Chovar Gorge, Taudaha Lake and Dakshinkali Temple.
• Tihar lights: a hike up Swayambhunath to see the city glowing with lamps.

Dog Festival Tour  Summary

• Duration: 7 days, 6 nights (arrive 6 November, depart 12 November 2026)
• Grade: easy, around 1,440 m, in and around Kathmandu
• Price: from US$590 per person (listed at 14% off US$690)
• Stay: twin-sharing at Apsara Boutique, Kathmandu, with breakfast
• Included: airport transfers, private vehicle, monument fees, guide, welcome dinner and farewell dinner
• Not included: Nepal visa, travel insurance, other meals, tips
• Booking: a 10% advance reserves your place

Tihar is also peak trekking season, so spaces fill early. Book the Dog festival tour or enquire here, and we’ll help with dates, extensions, or a private version.