'Day Of The Dog': Photos From The Festival Of Kukur Tihar

Here at I Can Has Cheezburger we love to learn more about cultures across the world. Today we have the privilege of learning more about an incredible five-day-long festival called Tihar, which is also known as Diwali. In Nepal, the second day of the festival is called Kukur Tihar, and features a beautiful tradition with one of favorite four legged friends: doggos. According to India Today, 'Devout Hindus consider the dog to be the messenger of Yamaraj, the god of death, and believe that worshipping the animal makes him happy.'

During a public Kukur Tihar celebration in Kathmandu, Nepal, Nepalese police officers worshipped and laid flower garlands on the necks of dogs at the police canine training center. This is such a wholesome and pawsome tradition to learn more about! In honor of this incredible holiday, we've scoured the internet to show you some pretty pawsome photos of the festivities. Take a look:

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via @truth_is_my_religion

The Instagram user who posted this photo had a beautiful explanation for this tradition, "Kukur Tihar is an annual Hindu festival originating from Nepal which falls on the second day of the festival of Tihar also known as Diwali.

On this day, people worship dogs, decorate them with Tikas and wear flower garlands around their necks and offer them various foods including meat, milk, eggs, and dog food. Not only pet dogs streets dogs are also worshiped on this day."
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via @indiatoday

'Like every year, Nepal made our furry friends feel special on Kukur Tihar. Hindus across Nepal honoured dogs with baths, garlands and special treats on Wednesday, the second day of the five-day Kukur Tihar festival.

Devout Hindus consider the dog to be the messenger of Yamaraj, the god of death, and believe that worshipping the animal makes him happy.' (source)
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via @bitchharii
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via @__tyson__gsd
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via @jetbutterflies
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via @zazutalks
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via @thetailsofjojo
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via @jaapjaapdehaan_25
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via @maggzoi
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via @ushakya38
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via @iamdaisythehusky
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via @nepalitimes

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