Tihar is a five-day festival held every October shortly after Dashain, the largest and longest festival in Nepal. Tihar is said to be the second largest. The second day, known as Kukur (Dog) Tihar, is devoted exclusively to dogs for their relationship to man and also for their roles as guardians of the home and messengers to the god of the afterlife. At the festival, they are draped with malla, or floral necklaces, and their foreheads are marked with tika, a red dye. These are symbolic of the dog’s respect, dignity, righteous path, and sacredness, among other things. Dogs, pets and strays alike, are also given food offerings. This celebration can be traced to Nepalese Hinduism. In addition, police dogs are given a special ceremony. With the continuation of the Yulin Dog Meat Festival despite strong opposition earlier this year, Kukur Tihar allows my faith in humanity to stand a little while longer. **Scroll below to see some of our four-legged friends being celebrated at this year’s festival. Do you think other countries should adapt a similar celebration?**
