Overview

• Nepal's Kukur Tihar festival marks a special day for dogs, celebrated with garlands, treats, and vermillion marks.
• The festival is part of the larger Tihar celebration, which spans five days and includes honoring crows and cows.
• Handlers at the Nepal police canine center showcased the skills of service dogs, emphasizing their role in safety and rescue missions.
• Animal welfare advocates hope the spirit of Kukur Tihar will lead to better treatment of street dogs throughout the year.
• Dogs are revered in Hindu-majority Nepal as messengers of Yamaraj, the god of death, and are believed to bring good fortune.