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Garlands and treats for beloved dogs at the annual Kukur Puja festival in Nepal

Posted on by L. Dreeye
Garlands and treats for beloved dogs at the annual Kukur Puja festival in Nepal

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Dogs across Nepal were feted during the annual Kukur Puja festival Thursday with flower garlands, treats and bright red marks on their heads.

In Nepal, the second day of Tihar, also known as Diwali is Kukur Puja dedicated to dogs. Pet owners and others perform rituals to honor pets and stray dogs.

At the Armed Police Force dog training center in Kathmandu, handlers congratulated their service dogs.

At least eight dogs were lined up for the ritual and later demonstrated skills such as jumping through rings of fire and following commands such as rearing and carrying.

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Armed Nepalese policemen prepare with their dog for worship at their kennel during the Kukkur Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Every year, dogs are worshiped in recognition of their role in providing security on the second day of the festival. The five-day Hindu festival of Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

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Nepal Armed Police Force members worship their dogs at their kennel during the Kukkur Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Each year, dogs are worshiped in recognition of their role in ensuring safety during the second five-day day. Hindu festival Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

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A Nepal Armed Police Force dog sits adorned with a garland of flowers after being worshiped at a kennel during the Kukkur Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Every year, dogs are worshiped in recognition of their role in ensuring safety. on the second day of the five-day Hindu festival Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

“Today, we honor these dogs for their invaluable contributions as they decisively help keep us safe, from detecting explosives to rescuing the needy during natural calamities,” said K S Ram Narayan, Deputy Section Chief, Canine Branch.

In Hindu-dominated Nepal, dogs are considered messengers of Yamraj, the god of death, and their worship is said to please him.

The five-day Tihar festival begins with the worship of crows, then dogs and then cows, which are considered sacred in Nepal.

The remaining two days include a day to honor the goddess of wealth Lakshmi. On the last day, the sisters gather to pray for the well-being of their brothers.

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Members of the Nepal Armed Police Force worship a dog at their kennel during the Kukkur Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Each year, dogs are worshiped in recognition of their role in ensuring safety on the second day of the five days. long Hindu festival Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

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Armed Nepalese policemen prepare with their dog to demonstrate skills at their kennel during the Kukkur Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Every year, dogs are worshiped to recognize their role in ensuring safety on the second day. The five-day Hindu festival of Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

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A Nepal Armed Police dog demonstrates skills in his kennel during the Kukkur Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Each year, dogs are worshiped to recognize their role in providing security during the second five-day day. Hindu festival Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

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A Nepal Armed Police dog demonstrates skills in his kennel during the Kukkur Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Each year, dogs are worshiped to recognize their role in providing security during the second five-day day. Hindu festival Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

Image

Armed Nepalese policemen prepare with their dog to demonstrate skills at their kennel during the Kukkur Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Every year, dogs are worshiped to recognize their role in ensuring safety on the second day. The five-day Hindu festival of Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

Image

A Nepal Armed Police dog demonstrates skills in his kennel during the Kukkur Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Each year, dogs are worshiped to recognize their role in providing security during the second five-day day. Hindu festival Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

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A Nepal Armed Police officer worships a dog at his kennel during the Kukkur Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Each year, dogs are worshiped in recognition of their role in ensuring safety on the second day of the five days. long Hindu festival Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)