KATHMANDU: As part of the Yama Panchak (the five days of Tihar), Nepal is celebrating the Kukur Tihar (Dog Worship Day) festival today.

According to religious scholar Professor Toyaraj Nepal, the festival is observed on the fourteenth day of the waning moon in the Nepali month of Kartik, which falls between mid-October and mid-November.

It is believed that offering delicious food to dogs on this day pleases Shyam and Sabal, the divine hounds guarding the gates of Yamaraj, the god of death.

In return, they are said to grant safe passage to souls on their journey to the afterlife.

Hindu scriptures also describe a faithful dog accompanying Dharma King Yudhishthir on his final journey to heaven.

Dogs are regarded as loyal, obedient, and reliable companions, both in faith and in daily life.

On this occasion, the Armed Police Force Nepal’s Animal Health and Dog Handler Section in Balambu held a special worship ceremony for its service dogs, where the canines also showcased their skills and discipline before the rituals began.