KATHMANDU, Nov 8: First Lady Sabina Kafle has called for the international promotion of festivals such as Kukur Tihar (Dog Worship Day) to showcase Nepal's unique cultural heritage and its traditional relationship with animals and nature.
Speaking at a greetings exchange programme she organised in Kathmandu on Sunday on the occasion of Kukur Tihar 2083 BS, Kafle, the spouse of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, highlighted Nepal's traditions of respecting and protecting animals, birds and nature.
Kafle stressed the need to introduce such cultural practices to the international community. She said Kukur Tihar should not be viewed merely as a religious and cultural celebration, but also as an occasion to promote love, loyalty, compassion and coexistence between humans and animals.
“At a time when love for dogs is growing worldwide, Nepal can establish its unique tradition of worshipping dogs as part of its international identity,” Kafle said, adding that taking Kukur Tihar to the global stage was one of her key objectives.
Kukur Tihar, the festival of dogs, being celebrated (with photo...
She also stressed the need to carry out animal welfare activities throughout the year rather than limiting them to the annual celebration of Kukur Tihar. She urged concerned authorities and stakeholders to ensure responsible dog management, vaccination, medical care and consistent attention to animal welfare.
Beyond Kukur Tihar, she said other Nepali traditions, including the worship of crows, cows and snakes, the Newar community's Mha Puja and the Mithila region's Chhath festival, also deserve international recognition.
She also referred to the tradition of arranging frog marriages during drought, describing it as a reflection of the close relationship between humans and nature.
“Our festivals have many unique aspects that celebrate the relationship between nature and human beings. A collective effort is needed to promote these aspects across the world,” Kafle said.
Addressing the programme, Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Gita Chaudhary said animal welfare should be a year-round responsibility. She called for closer cooperation among the government, local authorities and other stakeholders to control rabies.
Chaudhary also urged the expansion of vaccination and sterilisation programmes and the promotion of responsible animal care under the One Health approach. She said such initiatives would also contribute to promoting Nepal's distinctive cultural heritage and cultural tourism.
Similarly, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel highlighted the special significance of Kukur Tihar, drawing attention to the close bond between humans and dogs.
On the occasion, First Lady Kafle worshipped a dog named Bindu, while a group of artists, including Basundhara Bhusal, Bhuwan Chand and Mithila Sharma, among others, honoured Samba, a dog trained at the Armed Police Force's canine unit.
Other participants also worshipped their own dogs as part of the Kukur Tihar celebration.
