Kukur Tihar and Laxmi Puja Being Celebrated Across the Country Today

Kukur Tihar, the festival dedicated to dogs, is being celebrated across the country today, marking the third day of Yamapanchak during this year’s Tihar festival.

Although Kukur Tihar generally falls on the second day of the Tihar festival, it is being observed on the third day this year due to changes in the lunar calendar, Prof Dr Devmani Bhattarai, a member of the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, told the state-run national news agency RSS.

Also known as Narak Chaturdashi in the Vedic Hindu tradition, the day is dedicated to worshipping dogs, believed to be the messengers of Lord Yamaraj, the god of death and justice. Worshipping dogs on this day is believed to please Yamaraj. In mythology, dogs are also regarded as the gatekeepers of Yamaraj’s palace. On this day, people worship dogs and offer them delicious food as a sign of gratitude.

Dogs, regarded as mankind’s best friends, have been domesticated for thousands of years and hold a special place in human life.

According to the Hindu epic Mahabharat, a dog accompanied Dharmaraj Yudhisthir on his journey to heaven, symbolizing loyalty and companionship.

According to the lunar calendar, Laxmi Puja, the worship of the goddess of wealth, will also be celebrated this evening instead of tomorrow. Devotees worship Goddess Laxmi with great enthusiasm, believing that cleanliness and light attract her blessings. People clean their houses, light candles and oil lamps, and decorate their surroundings to welcome the goddess.

Merrymakers visit households in their neighbourhood, singing traditional songs and seeking charity on the occasion of Laxmi Puja. Legend has it that this tradition was started by Demon King Bali, an ardent devotee of Goddess Laxmi.

Beyond traditional beliefs, the festival of Tihar reflects the interdependence between humans and nature. It coincides with the harvesting season, a time of abundance and celebration.