Nepal, the country that worships dogs and treats them like gods for a day

That he is man’s best friend is clear. But in some parts of the world the tributes paid to him in life are on another level. For example, in the Hinduism, a religion widely practiced in Southeast Asia, address the dog like a God for an entire day as part of an annual celebration.

Occasionally in Nepal, although it can also occur in some states of India, dogs are known for their loyalty, his dignity and especially for the admiration provoking. The faithful bathe them and decorate them with garlands and the traditional Has been (a mixture of red powder and rice which is placed on their forehead to bless them) and throughout the day they are worshiped with flowers and food.

Animals do not have to have families, there is also a place for those who live on the streets. People in urban areas often seek out dogs who are homeless or who live in shelters and shelters, and are hosted for a day. This animal is a center of devotion regardless of the details. But to what is this curious celebration due?

The triumph of light

This day has great significance in Nepal, because according to their traditions, dogs are believed to be the messengers of Yamraj, the god of Justice and the death. Therefore, this ceremony is an attempt to please this deity, given that it is a blessing that each person meets one of them.

It is important to understand that the Tihar It is a Hindu festival that lasts for five days and is celebrated in Nepal as well as Diwali in India. The two are similar, since the central idea is the triumph of light over darkness, but with small differences. On the Gregorian calendar, the start date of the festival is between October and November.

While, according to the Hindu calendar, it begins before the arrival of the new moon in the months of asvina Yes kartika. The streets are filled with classics garlands calendula, lamps of oils and lots of color. The abundance of candy, family reunions and clay lamps, symbolizing the interior light and the protection in homes, it is common during the five feast days. Of course, during the pandemic, that decreased.

Dog day

For the Nepalese, this is a great opportunity to pay tribute to the sacred animals. In this case, the second day, called Kukur Tihar, is the great opportunity to worship dogs. They are bathed, decorated and fed with meat, milk, eggs or balanced meals. And if one acts disrespectfully, it is considered a sin. The Kukur Tihar is also celebrated in Mexico and Australia.

In the “Festival of Lights“The offerings remain. In addition to the food, garlands of flowers are placed around their necks, a way of recognizing them. I respect Yes dignity, and one Has been (a red mark on the forehead which symbolizes the sacred). Thus, each person who passes by them will be blessed.

This is how those who guard the gate of life during the celebration are treated. after death. But the dogs They are not the only ones. the divine attachment between humans and animals it is bigger. During the celebration, all the animals that people live with on a daily basis are honored and they all have a day.

Other cases

On the first day of the festival, the raven is worshiped: this bird is considered by Hindus as delivery courier of I am a, the god of death and guardian of the underworld. On the second day it is the dogs’ turn, while on the third day the blessings fall on the cow, considered a symbol of the prosperity and the wealth. On the fourth day, the beef and Govardhan mountain are worshiped. And finally, on the fifth day, the union of brothers.

In addition to taking place in Nepal, the Tihar It is celebrated in parts of India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Fiji. Although with the exception of this particular day, throughout the year more than 22 thousand dogs who live in the streets of the Nepalese capital live in deplorable conditions and they are not treated well.

But in another part of the world, dogs are revered as well. In the village of Jiaobang and Guizhou, China, there is a regular annual parade known as the “dog dayIn which they are carried on wooden thrones and dressed in human clothing as they are displayed throughout the city. The festival is celebrated to thank the dogs, as they are the ones who made it possible for the communities to locate the water sources. A tradition that continues in our time.