Dog festival in Nepal
[ 2006-10-20 17:07 ]
A dog licks its garland after being worshipped in the dog training section of
Nepal Police Academy in Kathmandu 20 October 2006. Kukur Tihar, the festival of
dogs, is celebrated in every household to mark the second day of Tihar or
Yamapanchak. (Reuters)
Tihar is a five day Nepalese festival celebrated in late autumn. One of these
days incorporates the Hindu festival Deepavali Although all ethnic groups
celebrate it, the Newars in particular celebrate it a certain way.
The first day of Tihar is known as Kag Puja, or Worship of Crows.
The second day is called Kukur Puja, - Khhicha Puja by the Newars - or
Worship of Dogs. This is to worship the animal representative of a particular
god.
On the morning of the third day is Gai Puja, where the Nepalese worship cows,
an animal sacred to the Hindus as it is the animal representative of Shiva. In
the evening is Laxmi Puja, to worship the goddess of wealth.
On the fourth day of Tihar, there are three different known pujas. Most
perform Goru Puja, or Worship of Oxen. People who follow Krishna perform
Gobardhan Puja, which is worship towards cowdung. Cowdung is seen as very useful
in Nepal, as in the olden days it was used for everything from light at night
(methane) to polish for the mud floors of traditional houses. The Newar
community on the night of this day do Mhha Puja, or Worship of Self. Because
this period is also the beginning of Nepal Sambat, or the new year of Nepalese
especially commemorated by Newars, it ensures prosperity for the new year.
The fifth and last day of Tihar is Bhai Tika, a day where sisters put "tika"
on brothers, to ensure long life, and thank them for the protection they
give.(www.answers.com)
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