Nepal celebrates Tihar festival honoring dogs

Dogs in Nepal were honoured in a ceremony held in Kathmandu on Sunday (November 8) with personnel from the Armed Police Force putting flower petals and bright orange garlands around their necks to celebrate a Hindu festival highlighting the loyalty of dogs to humans.

The ceremony, or dog festival, also known as "Kukur Tihar," takes place on the second day of a five-day Hindu festival devoted to animals associated with Yamaraj, the god of death and justice.

“We regard dogs as messengers of Yamaraj, the god of death, as well as manifestations of God. Today, we are worshipping dogs to appreciate the remarkable work they do throughout the year. This is their special day, and we worship them to make them happy and show our love and respect for them,” said Ramesh Pokhrel, an officer from the Armed Police Force. 

Personnel from the Armed Police Force also put up a performance together with dogs as part of the ceremony, meant to highlight the special bond between humans and dogs. 

Across Nepal, people celebrate the occasion by honouring both pet and stray dogs. During the festive period, it is considered a sin to act disrespectfully to dogs and other animals that are honoured.

Production: Yubaraj Sharma; Editing and Writing: Mark Ho/Reuters