Nepal Celebrates Kukur Tihar: Honoring Service Dogs
In Kathmandu, Nepal, the Nepal Police celebrated Kukur Tihar, a special day dedicated to dogs, as part of the Tihar festival. On this day, service dogs were honored with garlands, treats, and vermillion powder for their dedication and service. The Canine Division of the Nepal Police showcased the dogs’ skills in solving crimes, tracing drugs, and search and rescue operations.
Special Ceremony for Service Dogs
Deuti Gurung, Chief of the Nepal Police Canine Office, explained that Kukur Tihar involves garlanding dogs, offering them sweet treats, and applying vermillion on their foreheads. This ceremony acknowledges the dogs’ contributions to various police operations, including crime investigation and detecting explosives. The event also featured demonstrations of the dogs’ skills.
Recognizing Outstanding Service
The Canine Office awarded medals to dogs excelling in their fields, such as solving crimes and aiding in search and rescue missions. One dog received the title “Dog of the Year” for its exceptional role in investigations. The division, which also serves as a training school, includes dogs brought from abroad and trained locally.
Cultural Significance of Dogs
In Nepal, dogs are seen as guardians and messengers of Yama, the lord of death. They are worshipped with garlands, bread, and vermillion powder. The Rigveda, a Hindu scripture, mentions Samara, the mother of dogs, who assists Indra, the ruler of heaven. The Mahabharata epic also highlights the bond between humans and dogs, with a story of Yudhisthir refusing to enter heaven without his loyal dog.
Overall, Kukur Tihar celebrates the deep connection between humans and dogs, honoring their loyalty and service.
Doubts Revealed
Kukur Tihar -: Kukur Tihar is a special festival in Nepal where people celebrate and honor dogs. It is part of a larger festival called Tihar, which is similar to Diwali in India.
Nepal Police -: The Nepal Police is the national police force of Nepal. They help keep people safe and maintain law and order in the country.
Service Dogs -: Service dogs are specially trained dogs that help people or organizations, like the police, with important tasks. They can help in finding missing people or solving crimes.
Garlands -: Garlands are decorative chains or strings of flowers. In festivals, they are often used to show respect and honor to someone or something.
Vermillion Powder -: Vermillion powder is a bright red or orange powder used in Hindu rituals. It is often applied on the forehead as a mark of respect and blessing.
Canine Division -: The Canine Division is a special part of the police force that works with trained dogs. These dogs help in tasks like finding clues or rescuing people.
Yama -: Yama is a god in Hindu mythology, known as the lord of death. In Nepal, dogs are believed to be his messengers and guardians.