The Indian subcontinent is bathed in lights, as Diwali is just a few hours away. A festive time with candles, diyas (traditional earthen lamps), fairy lights and rangolis (traditional art to decorate floors) adorning homes. It's a time to celebrate with family and friends, sharing the joy, giving and receiving gifts, gorging on sumptuous delicacies specially prepared to add to the festivities.
While the region gears up to celebrate the festival of lights, today was a special day in Nepal, known as Kukur Puja. Translated, this means festival of dogs. On this day, dogs are worshipped with flower garlands or mala, and a streak of vermilion called tika is applied on the foreheads of the dogs. Then, they are served a royal feast, according to Gypsy Ninja.
The tika makes each dog sacred, thereby empowering them to bless all those who encounter them during Kukur Tihar, reports Outside the Box.
The festivities are not for pets only. Nepalis shower love on all the dogs in the locality, including the strays on the second day of the five day celebration, Kukur Tihar, reports the Kathmandu Post. We first read about Kukur Puja, or Kukur Tihar here at HNGN.
It is heartening to note that the U.S. Embassy in Nepal celebrated their first Kukur Tihar with their Tibetan Terrier pup, Annapurna.
RT @USAmbNepal: Celebrating our first #KukurTihar in #Nepal with our Tibetan terrier puppy Annapurna. pic.twitter.com/OeFWcLIfNs
— U.S. Embassy Nepal (@USEmbassyNepal) November 10, 2015
Truly a celebration worth following. How would you celebrate your bond with your best friend?
