Kukur Tihar: The Festival Celebrating Dogs in Nepal
Nepal is the only country in the world to have a day dedicated to man's best friend: dogs.
Nepal is the only country in the world to have a day dedicated to man's best friend: dogs. This is Kukur Tihar, a celebration that takes place each year on the second day of the Tihar festival, one of the country's most important festivities. What does it involve? When does it take place? Where should you go to experience the dog festival during a trip to Nepal? We explain everything!
What is the Dog Festival in Nepal?
The Kukur Tihar Festival or the Dog Festival
In Nepal, there is a day dedicated to dogs: Kukur Tihar (which can be translated as "day of the dogs" or "adoration of dogs"). This special day takes place every year during the Tihar festival, one of the country's most important celebrations (see further in the article). It lasts five days: different rituals are performed each day to honor the worship of animals and venerate deities. The second day is dedicated to dogs.
For an entire day, locals pay tribute to all the dogs in the country, including military working dogs and stray dogs. Nepali people cover them with garlands of flowers (called Malla) as a sign of respect, dignity, and adoration. They also apply red powder to their foreheads (the famous tika) to mark the sacred nature of the animal and as a symbol of divine blessing. Finally, they give them treats—undoubtedly the canines' favorite moment!
Why Are Dogs Venerated in Nepal?
If the dog holds an important place in the hearts of Nepali people, it is because it is associated with several deities in Hinduism. Indeed, according to local beliefs, the dog is considered the messenger of Yama, the God of Death. The latter is known to possess two dogs responsible for guarding the entrance to hell (Naraka). During the Tihar festival, Nepali people celebrate dogs to appease Yama.
It is also a way for locals to celebrate this special bond that unites dogs with humans, to thank them for their loyalty and for their role as protectors as guardians of homes.
What Are the Different Stages of the Tihar Festival (or Festival of Lights)?
Now that you know more about the dog festival, would you like to understand how the Tihar festival unfolds in its entirety? To help you get a clearer picture, here are the different celebrations that take place over the five days of the Tihar festival.
First, it should be noted that the Tihar festival is considered the Festival of Lights in Nepal. Its name comes from the Sanskrit "dipa avali" which means "row of lamps." It aims to pay homage to Lakshmi, wife of Vishnu and goddess of prosperity, wealth, and abundance, as well as to Yama, the God of the Underworld of Death.
Day 1: Kag Tihar, the Day of Crows
The first day of the Tihar festival is called Kag Tihar, meaning the Day of Crows. According to local beliefs, crows are considered messengers of Yama, the God of Death. To appease them and ward off death, bad news, and ill omens, residents dedicate this day to these birds by offering them a true feast. Seeds, grains, and meat are placed on rooftops or in the streets from early morning.
Day 2: Kukur Tihar, the Day of Dogs
The second day of the festival is dedicated to dogs. As explained earlier, all domestic dogs and stray dogs receive garlands of flowers around their necks and are venerated by applying red powder (the tika) to their foreheads as a blessing. To finish, locals prepare food to offer a true feast to all the dogs they encounter during the day.
Day 3: Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja, the Worship of Cows and the Prayer to Lakshmi
The third day of the Tihar festival is marked in two parts: Gai Tihar (worship of cows) and Laxmi Puja, which can be translated as "the prayer to Lakshmi." As its name suggests, this day is devoted to the Goddess of Prosperity.
Residents begin by venerating the cow. Considered the most sacred animal in Hinduism, the cow is associated with prosperity. Like dogs, all cows in the country receive marigold crowns and have the tika applied to their foreheads.
After venerating the cows, Nepali people gather with their families and prepare themselves, through a series of rituals, to welcome the goddess Lakshmi in the evening. To do this, they clean and decorate their homes and prepare a great feast.
Family members draw a mandala with colored powder at the entrance to the house. This is called the mandala rangoli. A path is traced from the mandala into the house to guide and welcome the goddess.
At nightfall, Nepali people light locally-made oil lamps (called diya) and arrange them around the house to attract the attention of the goddess Lakshmi. Electric lights are sometimes installed above houses, as locals believe the goddess will only visit the brightest homes.
A prayer is offered in honor of the goddess, then residents engage in traditional songs and dances to seduce and attract the goddess. Between the lights shining brilliantly and the perfectly orchestrated rituals, the entire country transforms into an atmosphere of mysticism and enchantment...
Day 4: Guru Puja, the Prayer of the Ox
The fourth day of the Tihar festival is celebrated differently depending on communities and families. A large portion of the population practices Guru Puja, the prayer of the ox. The animal receives, as well, garlands of flowers and the mark of the tikka, to thank it for its hard work.
For devout Hindu followers of Lord Krishna, this day is marked by Gobhardan Puja, or the prayer of Gobhardan. Piles of cow dung covered with grass are created to symbolize the act of Lord Krishna who saved thousands of people and cows by raising the hill of Gobhadan.
For the Newar community, the fourth day of the Tihar festival coincides with the Newar New Year. Called Mha Puja, which can be literally translated as "prayer for oneself," this day is an opportunity to celebrate life by venerating the self and the inner soul.
Day 5: Bhai Tikka, the Celebration of Brotherhood
The final day of the Tihar festival ends with family, as it celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
Sisters begin by creating a circle around their brothers using oil and water. Being non-drying, the oil symbolizes a permanent circle of protection to keep them away from demons and death. They then apply a tikka, called sapta rangi tika, made up of 7 colors, each representing a symbolism and together meant to render the person immortal:
Purple for longevity,
Blue for glory,
Green for prevention of obstacles,
Yellow for protection against illness,
Orange for simplicity,
Red for good luck,
Pink for prosperity.
Subsequently, a flower garland is placed around the necks of brothers. These are makhamali flowers (Gomphrena purple) which also symbolize immortality, as they have the distinctive quality of drying without wilting. Then, sisters offer them a tray of offerings, called shagun, composed of fruits and sweets.
It is then the brothers' turn to offer blessings to their sisters by drawing a tikka on their foreheads and offering them various gifts (clothing, jewelry, money...). This special day strengthens family bonds between siblings.
When Does the Dog Festival Take Place in Nepal?
The dog festival takes place each year on the second day of the Tihar festival. The latter begins on the night of the new moon in the 8th month of the Hindu calendar, considered the darkest night of the year.
In 2025, the Tihar festival will run from October 18 to October 23. Kukur Tihar will therefore take place on October 20, 2025.
Where Does the Dog Festival Take Place in Nepal?
The Tihar festival and the dog festival take place throughout Nepal. But like many celebrations, it is in the major cities where festivities are most numerous. So, if you have planned a trip during the Tihar festival in Nepal, we advise you to choose one of these destinations:
Need help organizing your trip to Nepal during the Tihar festival? Don't hesitate to contact us to help you plan your stay. We can even organize a homestay to allow you to experience true immersion in Nepalese culture!
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Frequently asked questions
In 2025, Kukur Tihar will take place on October 20. It is the second day of the Tihar festival, which will be held from October 18 to October 23, 2025 in Nepal.
In Hinduism, the dog is considered the messenger of Yama, the God of Death. By venerating dogs during Kukur Tihar, Nepali people seek to appease this deity, but also to celebrate the loyalty and protective role of dogs with humans.
Kukur Tihar is celebrated throughout Nepal, but festivities are most spectacular in major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bhaktapur, and Bandipur. The Kathmandu Valley is generally recommended for complete immersion in the Tihar festival.
Yes, during Kukur Tihar, all dogs are venerated, whether domestic or stray. Residents offer them flower garlands, apply red tika to their foreheads, and prepare food feasts for them, without exception.
The Tihar festival lasts a total of 5 days. Each day is devoted to a different animal or deity: crows (day 1), dogs (day 2), cows and the goddess Lakshmi (day 3), oxen (day 4), and brotherhood between brothers and sisters during Bhai Tikka (day 5).
Tourists can witness the celebrations in the streets and participate by offering food to dogs with respect. It is advisable to research the most festive neighborhoods in Kathmandu, observe rituals discreetly, ask permission before photographing, and dress respectfully in accordance with local customs.
