PHOTOS: Hindus in Nepal Celebrate Dogs During Kukur Tihar Holiday

In Nepal, Hindus dedicate one day during the five-day festival of Tihar to dogs, known as Kukur Tihar. Other days are devoted to other animals, such as cows or crows.

On Monday, the population honored man’s best friend at the Central Police Dog Training School in Kathmandu, Nepal.

RT @USAmbNepal: Celebrating our first #KukurTihar in #Nepal with our Tibetan terrier puppy Annapurna. pic.twitter.com/OeFWcLIfNs

— U.S. Embassy Nepal (@USEmbassyNepal) November 10, 2015

20 Dogs Who Helpd In #NepalQuake Recve Grand Salute & Worship by @NepalPoliceHQ On #KukurTihar Day, Festival of Dogs pic.twitter.com/gdWtkN5KfK

— Gundruk Post (@GundrukPost) November 10, 2015

#KukurTihar at our base in #Lamjung pic.twitter.com/2UkESSIdGb

— SAR DOGS NEPAL (NFP) (@sardogsnepal) November 10, 2015

Hindus believe dogs are “guards of Yamaraj, the god of death.”

IN NEPAL THEY HAVE A FESTIVAL TO HONOR DOGS AND THANK THEM FOR BEING OUR LOYAL FURRY FRIENDS!!!! pic.twitter.com/yuQD0oQrjL

— erica☠️ (@ralndrops) November 12, 2015

Dogs worshipped as religious figure in Tihar festival in Nepal (photos: Xinhua) https://t.co/7Q82teHhlG pic.twitter.com/mOuKk3iTXq

— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) November 11, 2015

https://twitter.com/ImageOfNepal/status/663976083893657600

WISHING OUR BEST FRIEND – A VERY HAPPY KUKUR TIHAR https://t.co/KLbtMnucqv#Nepali Culture #Gorkhaland #Darjeeling pic.twitter.com/JEn5vz2VTD

— Darjeeling Chronicle (@TheDarjChron) November 10, 2015

The dogs receive red powder “on their foreheads as a sign of sacredness.”

https://twitter.com/gunsforlwt/status/663913508149460992

https://twitter.com/ImageOfNepal/status/663911540005949440

Celebrated #KukurTihar (Dog Diwali ) yesterday. It was Dog's day in Gorkha culture and traditions. #HappyDiwali pic.twitter.com/xcypnQukI3

— Rewati Chetri (@Rewati_Chetri) November 11, 2015

#KukurTihar pics have arrived in our office! #woof #dogsoftwitter
Its first time for the 2 puppies Chetan & Chitra pic.twitter.com/sNE4zWcl80

— SAR DOGS NEPAL (NFP) (@sardogsnepal) November 10, 2015

Policemen decorate a police dog with vermillion powder during Kukur Tihar on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/Jxe8FVmpco

— Nepali Times (@nepalitimes) November 10, 2015

'Nepal Loves Their Dogs so Much, There’s an Entire Day of Celebration for Them!' Love this: https://t.co/VL1tWyJVLL pic.twitter.com/r6s9CRVED6

— Marc Abraham (@marcthevet) November 11, 2015

Happy Kukur Tihar Nova! Every year, nepalis celebrate and thank their dogs for their unconditional love + loyalty ❤ pic.twitter.com/5mxDF1cqSK

— shreeti (@sigdelicious) November 11, 2015

Today is Kukur Tihar (Dog festive), 2nd day of Deepawali. Managed 2 worship my adopted dog Fuchhi & fed her fav dish pic.twitter.com/mTePf96NqX

— NNSharma (@NaraNarayanS) November 10, 2015