Kukur Tihar is a heartwarming tradition in Nepal that honors the deep bond between humans and dogs. Celebrated on the second day of the five-day Tihar festival, it’s a day when both pet and stray dogs are worshipped with flower garlands (called mala), red marks (tika) on their foreheads, and offerings of delicious food like meat, milk, and eggs.
The cultural significance runs deeper than affection—dogs are believed to be the messengers of Yama, the god of death, and their role as spiritual guides is central to the ritual. By celebrating dogs in this way, Nepalese people are not only showing gratitude but also acknowledging their sacred place in the cycle of life and death.