Kukur Tihar celebrated in Nepal as Army holds special dog exhibition

Hindus across Nepal celebrated Kukur Tihar on the second day of Yamapanchak by worshipping dogs, while the Nepal Army conducted a specialized skill show at the Bhairav Bahaan Gulma in Madhyapur Thimi.

The Nepal Army's event on Sunday included ceremonial worship and demonstrations of canine skills in tracking, security, and the detection of explosives and suspicious individuals. Major General Harendra Pathak, head of the Directorate General of Management and Transport Department, described the dogs as "force multipliers" that enhance the effectiveness of security operations and boost the morale of soldiers in the field.

During the exhibition, the Army highlighted how trained dogs can perform tasks that would otherwise require a large number of personnel, such as patrolling and search operations. According to OnlineKhabar English News, the event was attended by the mayor of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality, military officials, and veterinarians to honor the friendship and loyalty between humans and dogs.

Traditional celebrations throughout the country focused on the religious role of dogs as messengers of Yamaraj, the god of death, and as the vehicle of Lord Bhairav. Online Khabar reported that dogs are worshipped for their alertness and loyalty, with many people providing them with special food and garlands to recognize their ancient role in protecting homes from thieves.

While the festival honors canines, the Nepali Times reported on the challenges some dogs face, such as Jeri, a Japanese Spitz cross who was displaced by an arson attack last year. His adoptive family noted that he remains distressed by the noise of firecrackers during the Tihar period, a trauma that causes him to seek shelter indoors to escape the sounds.

Background

Kukur Tihar is the second day of the Yamapanchak festival, rooted in the belief that dogs have guarded humans since the beginning of civilization. In Hindu scripture, they are regarded as protectors of the gates of salvation and symbols of faithfulness.