Dogs take part in demonstration during Kukur Tihar in Kathmandu

Dogs of Nepal's Armed Police Force receive tika marks made with vermilion powder at their kennel division during Kukkur Tihar, a Hindu festival honouring dogs, in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sunday, Nov 8, 2026. - Photo: AP

KATHMANDU: Several dogs took part in a demonstration during Kukur Tihar, the day dedicated to worshipping dogs as part of the Tihar festival, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Sunday (Nov 8). 

A dog of Nepal's Armed Police Force receives a tika mark made with vermilion powder at their kennel division during Kukkur Tihar, a Hindu festival honoring dogs, in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sunday, Nov 8, 2026. - Photo: AP

Tihar, one of the major Hindu festivals in Nepal, is observed over five days beginning Nov 7 this year.

Members of Nepal's Armed Police Force worship dogs at their kennel division during the Kukkur Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sunday, Nov 8, 2026. - Photo: AP

During the festival, dogs are honoured with prayers, flower garlands and special offerings in recognition of their loyalty and companionship. - Xinhua

Nepal Armed Police working dogs pose with their handlers after they were honoured with vermilion and flower garlands during an event marking the Hindu Kukur Tihar festival dedicated to dogs, which coincides with Diwali, at the Armed Police Dog Training School in Kathmandu on Nov 8, 2026. - Photo: AFP