When paws are worshipped: Punjab discovers the beauty of Kukur Tihar

Beyond marigold garlands and vermilion tilaks, a festival dedicated to dogs reminds us that loyalty, love and unconditional companionship deserve to be celebrated.

Chandigarh: In a world where festivals are often defined by glittering lights, elaborate rituals and grand celebrations, there is something beautifully unusual about a day that belongs entirely to our four-legged companions. No luxurious mandaps, no extravagant feasts or plush decorations — just a wagging tail, a garland of marigolds and a little red tika resting gently on a forehead. This is the magic of Kukur Tihar, Nepal’s beautiful festival dedicated to dogs, whose message of kindness and gratitude resonates far beyond geographical boundaries, including in Punjab.

For a state that wears its love for animals in its own flamboyant way, the spirit of Kukur Tihar offers a heartwarming reminder of a relationship that often goes beyond words. From the loyal farm dogs guarding homes in Punjab’s villages to the hi-fi furry companions curled up in city apartments and the countless strays navigating busy streets, dogs have long been silent yet steadfast companions in human lives.

As the winter chill begins to set in, it is heartening to see cosy little beds and makeshift kennels springing up in neighbourhood corners, thoughtfully placed by animal-loving samaritans. These compassionate souls are going the extra mile to ensure that homeless strays have a warm, comfortable and sheltered space to retreat to as temperatures dip.

Over time, these seemingly homeless faces become an inseparable part of our everyday lives. They are no longer just the familiar strays on our streets but little companions who quietly weave themselves into our daily routines. They wait patiently for us to return home after a long day at work, and the moment they catch sight of us, their tails begin to wag and they rush forward with unbridled excitement, as though welcoming a loved one home.

It is this unspoken bond, built on familiarity, affection and unconditional trust, that makes these neighbourhood companions so special. And perhaps, the little beds and kennels appearing across our streets are more than just winter shelters; they are gentle reminders that compassion often finds its most beautiful expression in the smallest acts of kindness. After all, no soul should have to brave the winter chill without a little warmth and care.

Celebrated as the second day of Nepal’s five-day Tihar festival, Kukur Tihar honours dogs for their loyalty, protection and companionship. On this day, dogs — whether pampered pets or street animals — are adorned with vibrant marigold garlands, their foreheads marked with a red tika, and served special meals. Rooted in Hindu mythology, dogs are associated with Yama, the god of death, and are believed to be his messengers and guardians.

But beyond mythology, the festival celebrates something wonderfully universal: gratitude.

Perhaps that is what makes Kukur Tihar so relevant to conversations around animal love and welfare in Punjab. Here, where community bonds and compassion are deeply valued, the festival’s philosophy can find expression in simple everyday gestures — leaving food and water for a hungry dog, offering shelter to an animal on a cold night, supporting an animal rescue organisation or choosing adoption over abandonment.

In the colourful cultural landscape of Punjab, the festival could be more than an unfamiliar tradition borrowed from across the border. It can become an invitation to look at animal welfare through the lens of empathy. While a day of celebration may bring garlands and treats, true compassion must extend to the other 364 days of the year.

After all, a marigold garland may last a day, a tika may fade by evening, but kindness should never be seasonal.

This Kukur Tihar, perhaps the most meaningful celebration would be to pause for the stray waiting outside a neighbourhood shop, the dog sleeping under a parked vehicle or the loyal companion waiting patiently at home.

Because sometimes, the purest form of devotion does not come with folded hands. It arrives on four paws, looks into your eyes and reminds you what unconditional love truly means.