From traditional tika and marigold garlands in Nepal to heartwarming celebrations by the Nepali community in the UK, Kukur Tihar carries a powerful message: this Earth is not just for humans, but for every living creature.
As Nepal celebrates Kukur Tihar, a beautiful festival dedicated to honouring dogs, four-legged companions are receiving special attention, colourful flower garlands, red tika and delicious treats. But beyond the joyful photographs and festive celebrations lies a much deeper message — one that the world needs to hear: animals deserve love, respect and the right to live with dignity.
Observed as part of Nepal’s five-day Tihar festival, Kukur Tihar is a special occasion when dogs are honoured for their loyalty, protection and unconditional companionship. Families place beautiful marigold garlands around their necks, apply a traditional red tika to their foreheads and offer them special food as a gesture of gratitude and affection.
The tradition has deep cultural and religious significance in Nepal. In Hindu mythology, dogs are associated with Yama, the god of death and justice, and are regarded as faithful companions and guardians. The festival celebrates their special place in human life, recognising not only household pets but also street dogs and working dogs.
The spirit of Kukur Tihar has also travelled far beyond Nepal’s borders, reaching Nepali communities living overseas. In the United Kingdom, members of the Nepali community gathered in Aldershot on November 7 for a special celebration organised by GRNC Charity. The event brought together dog lovers and their furry companions for a heartwarming day filled with flowers, treats, activities and blessings.
Dogs were honoured with traditional tika and garlands, while visitors enjoyed photography opportunities, creative activities and moments celebrating the special bond between humans and animals. The event also highlighted the importance of supporting street animals in Nepal, extending the festival’s message of compassion beyond household pets.
For Nepali families living thousands of miles away from their homeland, such celebrations offer an opportunity to preserve their cultural traditions and introduce younger generations to the values behind them. They also allow people from different backgrounds to come together through a shared love and respect for animals.
However, the message of Kukur Tihar goes far beyond one country, one culture or one religious tradition.
Animals are our silent companions. Dogs welcome us with excitement, stand beside us through difficult moments and offer affection without expecting anything in return. Cats bring comfort, birds fill our mornings with beautiful sounds, and countless other creatures play essential roles in maintaining the natural balance of our planet.
Yet, despite everything animals contribute to our world, millions continue to face abandonment, hunger, cruelty and neglect. Street dogs struggle to find food and shelter, wildlife loses its natural habitat, and countless animals suffer because of human activities.
Celebrations such as Kukur Tihar should remind us that kindness towards animals must not be limited to festivals or special occasions. It should become part of our everyday lives. Offering food and clean water, adopting abandoned animals, supporting shelters, preventing cruelty and protecting wildlife are small but meaningful ways to make the world more compassionate.
As the celebrations of Kukur Tihar remind us, love and compassion should never be limited to a single day or a particular species. Every animal, whether a beloved pet, a stray dog wandering the streets, a bird flying across the sky or a wild creature living deep in the forest, deserves to exist with dignity, safety and freedom.
Human beings may have built cities, roads and homes, but we are not the only owners of this planet. Animals were here long before many of our modern comforts existed, and they have just as much right to share this beautiful Earth.
We must remember that animals are not objects, toys or possessions. They are living beings capable of feeling pain, fear, affection and trust. They need our kindness, not our cruelty; our protection, not our neglect.
This Earth is not ours alone. It belongs to every living creature that breathes, walks, flies, swims and calls it home. We do not have the right to make this planet a comfortable place for humans while turning it into a place of suffering for animals. If we truly call ourselves civilised, our humanity must be reflected in how we treat the voiceless. Let us share this world, protect every life and remember that kindness towards animals is not a favour it is our responsibility.
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