(Image source from: Dogs Get Royal Treatment During Festival Of Lights})
Everyone loves Diwali, the festival of lights. You probably know many things about Diwali and love many things about this fun filled festival. But, do you know that dogs are honored in this annual festival of lights? Yes, it happens in Nepal, where the festival is known as Tihar. It is the time every year in Nepal where dogs get the royal treatment. The worship of dogs also known as Kukur Puja takes place during the second day of the festival of lights.
Kukur Puja
Firstly, a flower garland will be draped around the neck of every dog. Point to be noted here is that it is not just for loved pups at home, but also for strays. This floral necklace draped as a mark of respect is called malla. Malla also indicates that whoever is wearing this is important and is to be prayed.
Also thilaka is applied on the fore head of the dogs, away from the eye brows. It made up of mixture of natural dyes, rice, yogurt and extracts from flowers. This symbolizes dog as worthy for devotion and a devotee of righteous path.
Obviously the worship of dogs is incomplete without tasty food. And the offerings are for strays as well. Common food treats to pups this day include milk, meat, eggs, or any other high quality dog food.
Also read: Yudhishthira Reaches Heaven With His Earthly Form
Dog gains prominence in Hindu tradition
A dog followed the Pandavas and Draupadi in their journey to part with the world. In the spirit of renunciation, they transversed the country and reached the foot of Meru hill in the Himalayas. As they walked in silence everyone fell down one by one. And the only left were Yudhishthira and the dog. It was then that Indra descended amid sound and radiance, and asked the eldest of Pandavas to step into the chariot.
Then an argument aroused about the dog, which followed the Pandava faithfully till the end. It was insisted by Yudhishthira that the dog should also get into the chariot. Finally the god Dharma, who was in the disguise of the dog to test Yudhishthira, showed his original form and expressed pleasure for Yudhishthira’s practice of drama till the end.
-Sumana
