Which animal is worshipped on Kukur Tihar, the second day of Nepal's Tihar? Dogs.
Kukur Tihar is Nepal's “Day of the Dogs,” when people honor both household pets and stray dogs. Dogs receive baths, red tika marks on their foreheads, marigold garlands, special food, and respectful treatment. The observance celebrates dogs' loyalty, companionship, and protective role.
The tradition also has links to Hindu ideas about Yama, the god associated with death. Yama is described as having two four-eyed dogs guarding the path to the afterlife. In the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira refuses to enter heaven without the faithful dog that accompanied him; the dog is then revealed as Yama in disguise.
Kukur Tihar is easy to confuse with other days of Tihar. Crows are honored on Kaag Tihar, cows on Gai Tihar, and oxen on Goru Tihar. Kukur Tihar usually falls in October or November because Tihar follows the Hindu lunisolar calendar.