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Specific to Nepal, there is a day dedicated solely to thanking dogs for their loyalty and friendship called Kukur Tihar or Kukur Puja (worship of the dogs). Tihar is a five day Hindu festival, but the second day is reserved for our 4-legged loyal companions.

A proud dog wearing tika and garland, a sign of respect and honour

The festival, also called Deepavali or the festival of lights shares some traditions with Deepavali in India where they celebrates cows and crows too. Nepalese believe that dog is the messenger of Yamaraj – the God of death – and by keeping the dogs in good humour they will be able to appease Yamaraj himself. It is not just beloved pets who are involved in the celebrations. Stray dogs are honoured on the day too.

Throughout this festival, people in Nepal clean their houses and courtyards; light up lamps and pray to Laxmi – the Goddess of Wealth – urging her to visit their houses and bless them.

People offer garlands as sign of respect for the animals, tika (a mark worn on the foreheadas a sign of sacredness), and delicious food to dogs, and acknowledge the cherished relationship between humans and dogs.

The thought of this beautiful festival is lightening the heavy hearts of dog lovers everywhere. Just pure love and wonderful atmosphere.

Via Joseph D.Brown / The Mind Unleashed, Image Courtesy of imgur.com, REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar, PRAKASH MATHEMA/AFP/Getty Images)