Kathmandu : 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 organized by her on the occasion of Kukur Tihar 2083 BS in Kathmandu on Sunday, Kafle, Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s spouse, highlighted the unique traditions of respecting and protecting animals, birds and nature reflected in Nepali festivals.
During the event, Kafle spoke of the need to introduce these cultural practices to the international community.
She maintained that 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,” the First Lady insisted, adding that taking Kukur Tihar to the global stage was one of her key objectives.
Kafle also underscored 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 pointed out that other Nepali traditions, including the worship of crows, cows and snakes, the Newar community’s ‘Mha Puja’ and Mithila region’s Chhath festival, also deserve international recognition.
She further 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,” the First Lady appealed.
Addressing the programme, Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Gita Chaudhary said that animal welfare should be a year-round responsibility.
She advocated for closer cooperation among the government, local authorities and other stakeholders to control rabies.
The Minister also urged expansion of vaccination and sterilization programmes and promotion of responsible animal care under the ‘One Health’ approach.
She added that 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.
