By Kate Robey | Charitable Trust Operations Manager
Dear Supporter,
The 10th November marked the annual Tihar festival here in Nepal. Tihar is a 5 day long Hindu festive. It is celebrated all over Nepal, with various cultural variations depending on what area of Nepal you are from. The festival is considered to be of high importance as it shows reverence to people, Gods as well as animals, especially cows and dogs who have a special relationship with humans.
Tihar generally signifies the festival of lights and lights are lit both inside and outside the home. People also make beautiful, colourful patterns on living room and courtyard floors. They use dyed rice, flour, sand and flower petals. It represents a sacred welcoming area for the Gods and Goddesses of Hinduism.
The second day of the festival is called Kukur Tihar, which means worship of the dogs. Dogs are believed to be messengers of Lord Yamaraj, the God of Death, so they are worshiped and celebrated on this one day each year. People offer garlands and a streak of vermilion called tika is applied to their foreheads. The tika marks each dog as sacred and empowers them to bless all those that encounter them that day. Afterwards, a feast is offered to the dogs. This is all to acknowledge the special relationships that are formed between dogs and humans.
It is wonderful to see dogs being honored so highly on this day, as they should be every day, and we are pleased to report that most dogs are treated with special care on this day!
With Gratitude,
GVI Nepal
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