Police dogs in the Nepalese capital on Saturday were honoured in a ceremony with treats, food offerings and affection while wearing floral necklaces as a sign of respect on the second day of Tihar festival or Diwali, dedicated to canines.
The day, known as Kukur Tihar in Nepali, is devoted exclusively to the celebration of man’s four-legged friends based on their important contributions to society, which in the police forces include maintaining security and assisting with crime scene investigations, personnel at the Central Police Dog Training School said.
From sunrise to sunset on Saturday, all dogs countrywide – including street dogs, household pets and herders –received food offerings to thank them for their friendship and loyalty.
Dogs were seen in the streets and parks of Kathmandu adorned with red face paint, made from a rice and yoghurt paste, and a flower necklace known as a malla.
Diwali, the five-day festival of lights, takes place annually in the autumn to celebrate different forms of life, light and prosperity.
The day comes in between Kak Tihar (the day for crows) and Gai Puja (the day for cows). The other days include those for oxen and for siblings, according to the Nepali culture portal We All Nepali.
Animal rights organisations, like Animal Nepal, used the day to spread awareness about the need to care for stray dogs, like the many who became homeless after a devastating earthquake hit the country last year.