Kukur Tihar: Diwali is the time to worship man's best friend in Nepal

While India celebrated the festival of lights Diwali, its neighbouring country Nepal kicked off one of its prominent festivals called Tihar. The five-day-long Hindu festival celebrated across Nepal is also observed in some parts of Assam and Darjeeling. Also a festival of lights where people illuminate their houses with candles and diyas, Tihar celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. The festival, which commenced on Saturday, also marks a three-day national holiday across Nepal.

But what's most interesting about the festival is that the second day of Tihar is dedicated to dogs who are with flowers, tikka and offered food after a ceremonial function. 

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Nepal celebrates 'Day of Dogs'

The 'Day of Dogs' also known as Kukur Tihar is widely celebrated as people in Nepal believe dogs to be the messenger of Yamraj (God of Death). Hence, the ceremony is performed in a bid to please the God. During this festival, dogs are worshipped by garlanding them and applying tikkas. After the ceremonial function, they are all treated with food. Since it is believed that dogs guard the gates of hell, the day is also observed as Naraka Chaturdashi. 

Here are some visuals of the festival: 

Tihar begins with crow worship, ends with bhai tika

The five-day-long festival kickstarts with Kaag Tihar where crows and ravens are worshipped. The third day is observed as Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja where cows are worshipped during the day and Goddess Laxmi in the evening. The fourth day marks Govardhan Puja where ox, Govardhan mountain or self is worshipped depending on the people's cultural background. The last day is observed as Bhai Tika where sisters pray for a long and healthy life of their brothers.

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