The month of October in Nepal is enormously special since in that month there are five days that honor animals. It is what is known as Kukur Tihar in which, among other animals, such as cows, dogs are honored .
How does all this come about? According to legend , Prince Yudhisthira died and ascended to heaven with his dog . Indra , God of heaven, according to their culture, awaited them at the heavenly gates, and he asked the prince to abandon his faithful friend before entering. The prince flatly refused and even clarified that he was willing to stay out of paradise if his friend did not enter with him. He said that if the dog had not abandoned him in his worst moments, it would be treason to abandon him now. This reasoning surprised and convinced Indra, who allowed both of them to pass and even made the dog God.
From this belief comes the creation of the festival since, according to her, dogs are guardians of the heavens and communicators of the other world. The festival, therefore, rewards the loyalty of animals and makes it understood that they represent the path to justice and are the protectors of the doors to eternal life. It is a festival in which the union of dogs and humans and the well-being of living beings is the most important. Life is rewarded and celebrated, a life that, according to the festival, is much better with the presence of animals. You are influencing the idea of mutual respect and a clear animal conscience. We must protect and help animals since they always help us. Denounce animal abuse, little respect for other beings and injustices that may have been experienced. It is a hymn to life and to their relationship to make the world a better place.
At the festival, dogs are rewarded by awarding them necklaces and flower crowns and even painting the tíkata or tíka (the characteristic red mark on the forehead that symbolizes knowledge and wisdom through the third eye) with non-harmful vegetable dyes. In addition, treats and pampering are given to the dogs.
The new generations are educated in a greater conscience and animal respect
The little ones understand the respect that must be had for animals and the older ones enjoy a very special day with the dogs.
The streets are filled with flowers and lights, music plays continuously, everyone brings their pets out to be honored. The streets are dyed with powders of a thousand colors . Likewise, activities are carried out to mobilize adoptions and shelters of stray dogs, giving rise to understanding how positive and good animals are.
In addition, at the festival, there are canine shows of police dogs, support dogs for people with disabilities and the legend of Yudhisthira is represented.
It is a festival that gives us a lesson in humanity by creating an event that honors animals, rewarding their daily loyalty and making us understand how important they are to our world and our society. Wouldn’t you like to witness something like this?
