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Kukur Tihar: Origin, Significance & More; All You Need To Know This Dog-Worshipping Festival

Tooba Shaikh
Kukur Tihar

It is a truth universally acknowledged that dogs are the best companions that humans could ask for. For aeons, dogs have won the hearts of human through their undying fidelity and loyalty to their owners. It almost makes you wish that there was a festival which celebrated this honour. Well, good news because there is one! Kukur Tihar, which is usually celebrated in Nepal, was recently also celebrated by an animal shelter in Siliguri! Here is everything that you need to know about Kukur Tihar!

Animal Shelter In Siliguri Celebrates Kukur Tihar

While the entire country, and some parts of the world, is busy celebrating Diwali, the biggest festival of lights, an animal shelter in Siliguri celebrated dogs, the furry and loyal companions to all. The organisation was named Animal Helpline. The initiative was undertaken to celebrate dogs and promote their adoption into good homes.

Early in the morning, volunteers of the organisation bathed more than a hundred dogs who were rescued from the streets. These dogs were also worshipped as this is what the festival traditionally entails. What is more, the volunteers, then, also cooked a special meal for these dogs and fed them. What an amazing way to show appreciation to these gentle creatures!

According to an article recently published by Times Now, the organisation is quite well-known. Priya Rudra, who is the founder of the Animal Helpline, said that it was truly a special day for them. As per her statement cited in the article, she said that there were multiple festivals for humans but none for these creatures. Hence, they decided to celebrate Kukur Tihar.

Also Read: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing Near Siliguri Due To Heavy Rains

Origin And Significance Of Kukur Tihar

Kukur means dog and Tihar means to worship. Hence the name literally means worshipping dogs. This Hindu festival which is primarily celebrated in Nepal, is also known as Narak Chaturdashi. In Nepal, it is celebrated for five days and is the second-largest festival in the country. Typically, dogs are adorned with flower garlands and tilak.

They are also fed special food items and are bathed. In Hindu mythology, Yamraj has two dogs which accompany a soul on its final journey upon death. These dogs are named Shyama and Sharvara. Hence by worshipping dogs, death itself is viewed in a positive light since these are the creatures that become a soul’s companion in the final journey.

Interestingly, as per ABC Science, it is near Nepal or Mongolia where the domestication of dogs first began. The fact that Nepal is also the only country to celebrate dogs on such a large scale makes for a fascinating connection.

Also Read: There’s A Paw-Some Dog-Friendly Christmas Market Happening In Dubai This Dec & The Entry Is Free!

Do you have a pet dog? Would you celebrate this festival for your furry friend? Let us know in the comments section below!

Cover Image Credits: @shareyourview2/X (Formerly, Twitter)

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