The bond between humans and dogs is as old as time, and the upcoming celebration of Kukur Tihar in Bengaluru is a testament to this timeless relationship. On October 17, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will be hosting this unique event, known as the “Festival of Dogs,” a celebration that recognizes the invaluable contributions of dogs to our ecosystem and communities. This heartwarming festival, traditionally celebrated in Nepal, is now making its mark in Bengaluru, with the BBMP’s Animal Husbandry Department leading the charge.
What is Kukur Tihar?
Kukur Tihar, part of Nepal’s larger Tihar festival, is a day dedicated to honoring and worshipping dogs. The festival is rooted in the belief that dogs are not only loyal companions but also protectors of homes and symbols of unconditional love. In Hindu tradition, dogs are believed to be messengers of Yama, the god of death, guiding souls to their afterlife. As a gesture of gratitude and respect, dogs are adorned with garlands of marigold flowers, their foreheads marked with a red tika, and they are treated to delicious meals.
In Bengaluru, this ancient tradition has found new meaning, with the city set to celebrate the contributions of dogs not only as pets but also as an integral part of the urban ecosystem. The BBMP’s Kukur Tihar festival aims to raise awareness about the positive roles dogs play in our society and to foster a more compassionate environment for all animals.
The Role of Dogs in Our Ecosystem
Dogs, especially street dogs, often go unnoticed or are misunderstood in urban settings. Yet, their contributions are vital in ways we may not immediately realize. They act as protectors of communities, alerting residents to potential dangers and keeping neighborhoods safer. They also play a key role in balancing the ecosystem by controlling the population of other stray animals.
In many cultures, dogs are regarded as loyal guardians and companions. This festival seeks to highlight the deeper significance of these relationships and the ways in which dogs contribute to human society, whether through their companionship, their instinct to protect, or simply by being a comforting presence in our lives.
BBMP’s Initiatives for a #BITEFREELOCALITY
The celebration of Kukur Tihar in Bengaluru isn’t just about honoring dogs for a day—it’s part of a larger initiative by BBMP’s Animal Husbandry Department. Under the #BITEFREELOCALITY campaign, the BBMP aims to address issues related to animal birth control and vaccinations, promoting safe coexistence between humans and animals.
The goal is to cultivate “coexistence champions” who can advocate for compassion toward animals and help create a more understanding and harmonious environment. By educating people about animal behavior and dispelling myths around dog bites and attacks, the initiative seeks to change the narrative and celebrate dogs for their loyalty, obedience, and companionship.
Feeding Community Dogs
In a unique initiative, the BBMP will involve pourakarmikas (sanitation workers) from four wards to feed community dogs on the day of the festival. By partnering with local restaurants, leftover food will be distributed to street dogs, ensuring that they are fed and cared for. This effort will soon expand, connecting more restaurants with caretakers, creating a sustainable and compassionate feeding program for street dogs across the city.
This act of feeding community dogs is not only a reflection of the city’s commitment to animal welfare but also a reminder that dogs, whether in homes or on the streets, deserve our care and respect.
Changing the Narrative Around Street Dogs
One of the festival’s key messages is to shift how street dogs are perceived. Too often, dogs are viewed with fear due to concerns over bites or aggressive behavior. However, Kukur Tihar shines a light on the positive traits that dogs embody—loyalty, protectiveness, and companionship. The festival encourages residents to share their own heartwarming stories of interactions with street dogs, helping to build a more positive and compassionate perception of these animals.
Suralkar Vikas Kishore, Special Commissioner for Welfare at BBMP, emphasized this point, saying, “While dogs are often viewed with fear due to concerns over bites and attacks, the festival will spotlight their loyalty, obedience, protectiveness, and companionship.” By highlighting the benefits that dogs bring to society, the festival hopes to foster better relationships between humans and animals, making our communities safer and more compassionate.
Why Kukur Tihar is Special
Kukur Tihar is special because it goes beyond the traditional role of a festival—it becomes a platform for awareness, compassion, and social change. It recognizes the unique bond between humans and dogs and offers a chance to appreciate the many ways they enrich our lives. From street dogs to pets, all dogs hold a special place in our hearts, and this festival serves as a reminder of the gratitude we owe them.
As Bengaluru gears up for this heartwarming celebration, we are reminded that dogs aren’t just animals—they are companions, protectors, and loyal friends. By honoring them through Kukur Tihar, we acknowledge their role in our lives and in the ecosystem at large.
A Celebration of Coexistence
Kukur Tihar is more than just a festival; it is a movement toward coexistence. It encourages us to live in harmony with the animals around us and to appreciate the many ways they contribute to our lives. The BBMP’s efforts to feed community dogs, vaccinate and control their population, and promote animal behavior awareness are steps in the right direction for a compassionate future.
As we celebrate Kukur Tihar this year, let’s remember the lessons of love, loyalty, and respect that dogs teach us every day. Let’s share our stories, contribute to their well-being, and work toward a future where humans and animals live in harmony.
You can explore more on well-being and harmony by checking out our blog on celebrating International Yoga Day
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