Nepal Festival of Dogs

I freely admit I don’t know how the majority of the world views Nepal; in fact, I suggest most people are unaware of its existence, as it is sandwiched between India and China. Well, if we are being technically correct, Nepal is sandwiched between India and Tibet, but as China claims Tibet as a semi-autonomous region, it’s all down to geopolitics.

In the UK, this tiny country is known for two things. The first are the Sherpas, the guides and porters for mountaineers who climb Everest. The most famous one is Sherpa Tensing, the Sherpa who accompanied Sir Edmond Hillary to the summit of Everest.

The second is that it is the homeland of the Gurkhas. Described as the politest of men but the most fearsome of soldiers, the Gurkha has been fighting for Britain since 1814, when a treaty was signed. Armed with a bladed weapon called a Kukri that only has one purpose, the decapitation of the enemy, their reputation is terrifying. In the Falklands war in 1982, when faced with these legendary warriors, the enemy, who was more than willing to fight the Guards Regiments, the Parachute Regiment and the Royal Marines, took one look at the prospect of facing the advancing Gurkhas and chose to abandon their well-dug-in position and retreat without a shot being fired.

“If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or he is a Gurkha.” Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw.

Kukur Tihar

Kukur Tihar is a unique Nepalese festival that is dedicated to dogs, during which they are feted by the human population for their loyalty and commitment to humans. They have flower garlands draped around their necks, and their faces are marked with a red tika. This mark is applied for a number of reasons, but in this instance, it is applied to honour the dog. They are offered a variety of meals, and these include the normal dog foods but also eggs, meat, milk and traditional Nepali delicacies. What this does to the canine’s digestive system, heaven only knows!

Police dogs and Military dogs are particularly feted at this festival, and they parade their skills for the benefit of the crowds. Some strays are included in this ritual, and it is considered to be a sin if someone behaves disrespectfully to a dog.

All sorts of demonstrations take place as the canines show off their unique skills, including the famous Ring of Fire, as the dogs jump through a blazing hoop to indicate that nothing will stop them from chasing and capturing a criminal. The people are educated as to how dangerous the work of police and military dogs is, and the sacrifice that they make for the citizens.

In 2018, Kushal, a German Shepherd Police Dog, was named the Best Dog of the Year by the Nepali Police during the festival after helping to identify the killer of a ten-year-old child.

This festival is now being adopted in other countries and in 2016 spread to Mexico, in 2024 the first Kukar Tihar USA took place at James Long Park, Haymarket, Virginia, with both Australia and England having celebrated the occasion.

Two stray heroes

Finally, an inspiring story of the compassion of two stray dogs.

Ake Srisuwan was walking alongside the riverbank when he witnessed a truly unforgettable experience. There, lying on the ground in the mud, cold and wet, was a lady who had appeared to have fallen. Lying next to her is a stray dog offering comfort, and nearby is another dog seemingly watching over the scene as if on guard. This unexpected tableau had a profound effect on Ake as he witnessed this extraordinary event. The concern that the two dogs showed to the stricken lady was for him a chastening experience as he realised that without any prompting and without any expectation of a reward, the two stray dogs did what was for them what came naturally; they showed compassion and protection.

The authorities were alerted, and the lady and the two stray dogs were taken to the nearest hospital, where it was discovered that the lady was blind. Unfortunately, there is little information regarding what occurred next or what happened to the lady’s saviour, but yet again our canine companions lead by example, showing us that whilst humanity appears to be sorely lacking in this uncertain world, at least dogs know how to behave in a civilised manner.