Kathmandu, Nov 8: Homes across Nepal are celebrating Kukur Tihar today, with people honouring dogs by adorning them with flower garlands and tika and offering them special food. The festival coincides with Narak Chaturdashi this year, following adjustments in the lunar calendar.
Kukur Tihar traditionally falls on the second day of Yamapanchak, the five-day Tihar festival. However, it is being observed on the third day this year, according to the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Bikas Samiti.
Committee Chairperson Associate Professor Dr Purushottam Bhattarai said both Kukur Tihar and Narak Chaturdashi should be observed on the day when Chaturdashi prevails at sunrise.
The tradition of worshipping dogs is rooted in Hindu beliefs. Religious scholar Professor Dr Ramchandra Gautam said dogs are honoured on the 14th day of the waning moon in Kartik because of the belief that feeding them helps secure passage for the deceased to Yamalok, the realm of Yamaraj.
According to religious texts, Shyam and Sabal, two dogs stationed at Yamaraj’s gates, allow the deceased to pass through. Another religious account describes how a dog accompanied Yudhishthira on his final journey to heaven.
Dogs are traditionally valued for their obedience, loyalty and ability to guard homes. Some people also believe that keeping dogs at home helps prevent heart disease and diabetes.
Narak Chaturdashi is marked by an early morning ritual bath, followed by offerings to deceased ancestors. Devotees visit religious sites, rivers and ponds to bathe and perform tarpan.
Gautam said people also light an oil lamp dedicated to Yamaraj, facing south, and set it afloat. Hindu belief holds that performing this ritual protects people from having to witness hell after death. The practice is known as Narke Bagaune.
Applying sesame oil before bathing is customary throughout the five days of Yamapanchak. Ayurvedic tradition holds that the practice promotes good health, making personal health and well-being part of the festival’s observances.
Login to add a comment