Kukur Tihar in Kathmandu: Foreign Tourists, Locals & Nepal Police Honour Dogs with Garlands, Tika and VIP Treatment

In Kathmandu, the second day of the five-day Tihar festival (also known as Yamapanchak or Nepal’s version of Diwali) turned into a heartwarming celebration of loyalty and companionship. Foreign tourists joined locals and the Nepal Police in worshipping dogs during Kukur Tihar, the unique “Festival of Dogs,” giving the canines true VIP treatment with flower garlands, vermillion tika, special treats, and public honour.

Observed on November 8, 2026, the day highlighted the deep cultural reverence for dogs in Nepali Hindu tradition while showcasing the practical contributions of service dogs.

Celebration at Nepal Police Canine Division

At the Nepal Police Canine Office in Maharajgunj, service dogs took centre stage. The trained canines paraded and demonstrated their skills in locating clues and evidence to solve criminal cases. Officers adorned them with marigold garlands, applied vermillion powder (tika) on their foreheads, offered flowers, and fed them special treats.

These dogs play vital roles in crime investigation, narcotics detection, and search-and-rescue operations. They notably assisted in rescuing and locating people buried during the August 2026 Bhotekoshi floods, which left over 5,000 people missing. A service dog named Leo was conferred the “Dog of the Year” title for his outstanding search-and-rescue work. Medals were also awarded to dogs excelling in specialised areas such as solving crime mysteries, gathering evidence, aiding rescue efforts, and tracking narcotics traders.

Foreign tourists actively participated and watched the events with great interest. One visitor, Gerome, shared: “This morning we came to the Police Canine division and watched the dogs being celebrated. We watched the show of their skills and the dogs are very talented. It is the first time, and it has been really incredible. We came all the way to Nepal specifically just for this day to celebrate the dogs, so we are very happy.”

Similar honour ceremonies took place at other security establishments, including units of the Nepali Army and Armed Police Force, where K9 dogs received worship, skill demonstrations, and recognition for their loyalty and service.

Rituals Across Homes and Streets

Beyond the official events, ordinary Nepalis and visitors performed the traditional rituals for both pet dogs and street dogs. Dogs were bathed where possible, marked with a red tika (often mixed with rice or yogurt) on the forehead, draped with bright marigold (sayapatri) garlands, and offered special meals of meat, eggs, milk, bread, sweets, or commercial dog food. Disrespect toward any dog on this day is traditionally considered a sin.

The inclusive nature of the festival means even stray dogs roaming the streets receive offerings and affection from passers-by.

Spiritual Significance of Kukur Tihar

In Hindu mythology, dogs hold a sacred place as messengers and guardians of Yama (Yamraj), the god of death and justice. Yama is said to have two four-eyed dogs, Shyama (or Shyam) and Sharvara (or Sabal), who guard the pathways to Yamaloka. Worshipping dogs and feeding them is believed to please these divine messengers and ensure a smooth passage for the soul after death.

The festival also draws inspiration from the Mahabharata, where Yudhishthira refuses to enter heaven without the loyal dog that accompanied him on his final journey — a dog later revealed as a form of Dharma or Yama testing his righteousness. This story underscores the values of loyalty, righteousness, and the unbreakable human-animal bond.

Kukur Tihar follows Kaag Tihar (honouring crows) and forms part of the broader Tihar sequence that also includes days dedicated to cows, the goddess Lakshmi, and the sibling bond of Bhai Tika. For the dates and rituals of all five days, see our Tihar 2026 guide for Kathmandu and Nepal, and for the wider festival, Diwali celebrations around the world.

A Message of Compassion and Gratitude

Kukur Tihar stands out globally as one of the few festivals that formally elevates dogs — often overlooked or mistreated — to the centre of ritual and celebration. It reminds participants of the loyalty, protection, and companionship dogs offer year-round, whether as household guardians, working partners in security and rescue, or simply faithful friends.

The participation of foreign tourists this year further amplified the festival’s message of inter-species respect and the universal appeal of honouring “man’s best friend.” In Kathmandu and across Nepal, the sight of dogs proudly wearing marigold garlands and red tika continues to capture hearts worldwide, blending ancient faith with living compassion.