Kukur Tihar : a token of appreciation for dogs

KATHMANDU, Oct 24: Kukur tihar is the second day of tihar that lies on Kartik Krishna paksha chaturdashi. This year, it is on October 24. It is a day where various dogs (pets, community or stray) are worshiped by using garlands, sweets, etc. This festival has multiple symbolic meanings. It has connections with Death and the bond between dogs and Nepali people.

It is said that when Yudhisthira died and reached heaven, his dog was forbidden entry. Yudhisthira refused to enter heaven without his dog, which was revealed to be Yama testing him. The hindu holy texts are filled with dogs being used as companions. Bhairava, a reincarnation of Vishnu uses a dog as a vahan(vehicle). Yama also has 2 guard dogs, guarding the gates of Naraka(Hell). Dogs being used as guards is also prevalent in other cultures such as Cerberus, the watchdog of the underworld in Greek mythology. This day is also celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, the day where Narakasur was killed by Krishna.

Dogs have always been partners of humans. They were one of the first animals to be domesticated as pets. In fact, in Asia dogs were first domesticated in the area that is now Nepal. There's also records of dogs being buried together with humans since ancient Egypt. Dogs are used in modern life for companionship, pulling loads, herding, tracking, police assistance, etc.

Many programs are held in Kukur tihar or Khicha puja in newari communities to worship dogs. Dogs in the military and police forces are given special respect as well, along with various feeding and adoption programs being held for stray dogs.

This day is also a day to prepare for Laxmi puja when the public holidays begin and the activities start ramping up. Firecrackers are used on this day too, yet it is a good idea to stop their use because they usually scare the dogs that we're worshiping in the first place.