Nepal festival celebrates 'day of the dogs'
Image copyright@PAPPU_THE_PUG_NEPALImage captionThe Nepalese festival Kukur Tihar celebrates dogs by blessing them with a red mark on their forehead
Every dog has its day, and for canines in Nepal that phrase could not be more literal.
The five-day Nepalese Hindu festival of Tihar started this week and the second day is known as Kukur Tihar or "day of the dogs".
Dogs are celebrated and blessed with a Tika - a red mark applied to their forehead.
The animals are also given flowers garlands and offered food as part of the festival.
Image copyright@RAINBOMINOImage captionScooby the Japanese Spitz enjoyed being decorated with garlands of fresh marigold flowers
Hindus believe that dog is the messenger of Yamaraj - the God of death - and by keeping the dogs in good humour they will be able to appease Yamaraj himself.
Image copyrightSUMNIMA UDASImage captionSumnima Maudas said Kukur Tihar is one of her "favourite Nepalese festivals" and added the day was all about her chihuahua Sanu
The festival, which shares some traditions with Diwali in India, also celebrates cows and crows.
Image copyrightUMID POKHARELImage captionDog owner Umid Pokharel celebrated with his labrador Frieza but said "worshipping them for a day is not enough"
It is not just beloved pets who are involved in the celebrations. Stray dogs are honoured on the day too.
Image copyrightKELSANG ONGMU TAMANGImage captionKelsang Ongmu Tamang's cat Missy joined in with the tradition as well as dogs Sweetie and Milly
Treats given to dogs during Kukur Tihar can range from meat, milk, eggs and good quality dog food.
Image copyright@PAPPU_THE_PUG_NEPALImage captionPappu the pug has been enjoying the food element of the festival
Tihar is also called Deepavali or the festival of lights.
Throughout this festival, people in Nepal clean their houses and courtyards; light up lamps and pray to Laxmi - the Goddess of Wealth - urging her to visit their houses and bless them.
Image copyright@DHARMAADVENTURESImage captionDaisy Pie certainly looked pleased to be the centre of attention
- 6 November 2018
Every dog has its day, and for canines in Nepal that phrase could not be more literal.
The five-day Nepalese Hindu festival of Tihar started this week and the second day is known as Kukur Tihar or "day of the dogs".
Dogs are celebrated and blessed with a Tika - a red mark applied to their forehead.
The animals are also given flowers garlands and offered food as part of the festival.
Image copyright@RAINBOMINOImage captionScooby the Japanese Spitz enjoyed being decorated with garlands of fresh marigold flowers
Hindus believe that dog is the messenger of Yamaraj - the God of death - and by keeping the dogs in good humour they will be able to appease Yamaraj himself.
Image copyrightSUMNIMA UDASImage captionSumnima Maudas said Kukur Tihar is one of her "favourite Nepalese festivals" and added the day was all about her chihuahua Sanu
The festival, which shares some traditions with Diwali in India, also celebrates cows and crows.
Image copyrightUMID POKHARELImage captionDog owner Umid Pokharel celebrated with his labrador Frieza but said "worshipping them for a day is not enough"
It is not just beloved pets who are involved in the celebrations. Stray dogs are honoured on the day too.
Treats given to dogs during Kukur Tihar can range from meat, milk, eggs and good quality dog food.
Tihar is also called Deepavali or the festival of lights.
Throughout this festival, people in Nepal clean their houses and courtyards; light up lamps and pray to Laxmi - the Goddess of Wealth - urging her to visit their houses and bless them.
Image copyright@DHARMAADVENTURESImage captionDaisy Pie certainly looked pleased to be the centre of attention
