Kukur Tihar: Kukur Tihar in Nepal on November 8, 2026: The beautiful history of a unique festival where dogs are honoured with flower garlands, tika and special treats, celebrating their loyalty
In most places, a dog’s loyalty is rewarded with a pat on the head. In Nepal, it earns a day of worship. According to reports by ANI and information from the Nepal Tourism Board, Kukur Tihar, the festival of dogs, falls on the second day of Tihar, the country’s five-day festival of lights. Pets, strays and even police dogs are garlanded with marigolds, marked with a red tika and fed their favourite treats. Nepal travel guides place Kukur Tihar on Sunday, November 8, 2026, the same day as Laxmi Puja, though some calendars list November 7, so readers should check the Nepali patro. Here is a five-part look at the history and meaning of this heartwarming festival.
A day for dogs in the middle of Tihar
Tihar, also known as Diwali, begins with the worship of crows, followed by dogs and then cows, with the remaining days honouring the goddess Lakshmi and the bond between brothers and sisters. The Nepal Tourism Board describes Kukur Tihar as the second day of the festival, set aside to honour the loyalty and friendship of dogs. Both pet and stray dogs are included in the celebration.
The belief behind the ritual
Devout Hindus consider the dog a messenger of Yamaraj, the god of death, and believe that worshipping it pleases him, Reuters reported from Kathmandu. The Nepal Tourism Board adds that dogs are also thought to guard the gates of the afterlife, so honouring them is a way of showing gratitude to these faithful animals. A story from the Mahabharata is often linked to the day. As per folktales, a dog is said to have accompanied Yudhishthira on his journey to heaven, and the king refused to enter without it, a tale seen as a symbol of loyalty and righteousness.
Garlands, tika and a feast
On the morning of the festival, families bathe their dogs, tie marigold garlands around their necks and smear vermilion on their foreheads, according to Reuters. The dogs are then offered special meals that can include sweets, meat, milk and rice, and even stray dogs receive food and garlands. The Kathmandu Post has described how people worship canines with vermilion powder, garlands and delicious food.
Honouring the working dogs
Service dogs are also part of the celebration. AP reported that handlers at the Armed Police Force canine centre in Kathmandu honour their dogs, which are trained to detect explosives and help in rescue work. An official said the day recognises the animals’ contribution to keeping people safe. ANI reported that one dog at a Kathmandu training school was named “Dog of the Year” for its role in solving cases. In a country that has long valued dogs as guardians, the ritual extends gratitude from the family pet to the police dog.
What to look forward to this Tihar
With Kukur Tihar just under two weeks away, homes across Nepal are getting ready for five days of lamps, flowers and prayers. After the day for dogs come Gai Tihar, the worship of cows, and the days that honour Lakshmi and the bond between brothers and sisters, as AP has described. Families will be getting marigold garlands, vermilion and special food ready for their dogs. If you want to join in as a visitor or an animal lover, a few simple courtesies go a long way: treat dogs gently and let them come to you in their own time, offer only dog-safe food, keep garlands light and loose, and keep lit lamps and firecrackers away from pets.
