MikeLigalig.com

Most dog owners would do just about anything for their canine companions. In Nepal, Hindu populations take that affection to another level.

Coinciding with the traditional Hindu festival of Diwali, the people of Nepal reserve the second day of the annual five-day Tihar Festival to honor man’s best friend. On this day â€" called Kukur Tihar, or “worship of the dogs” â€" participants pay tribute to the divine attachment between humans and their faithful, four-legged companions.


A patient pup receives a garland of bright orange marigolds. Source: Connect Citizen

more at http://all-that-is-interesting.com/dog-festival-nepal#more-56319

Dogs play a significant role in Hindu mythology. Sarama â€" the mother of dogs â€" assists the ruler of Heaven, with dogs guarding the gates to the afterlife. Thus during the festival, all dogs â€" even strays â€" enjoy special treats, are decorated with malla (garlands of marigold), and colorful head markings to denote their sacredness. The markings, called tika, also serve to bless all who encounter the dog.

Dogs aren’t the only animals honored during the festival, though. Worshipers also pay tribute to cows (which signify wealth and prosperity) and crows, to which people make food offerings in order to deter sadness, grief and to banish death from their homes.


This jaunty little guy joins the police dogs in putting on a show. Source: Imgur

more at http://all-that-is-interesting.com/dog-festival-nepal#more-56319

The festivals of Tihar are meant to commemorate not just the sacred bond humans hold with their creator, but also the divine in our relationships with living beings on Earth â€" something of which we should all take note from time to time.


Here, patrons dole out special treats in what is likely the dog’s favorite part of the festival by far. Source: Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters

more at http://all-that-is-interesting.com/dog-festival-nepal#more-56319

This dog practically lives the adage that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Source: Diaadia

more at http://all-that-is-interesting.com/dog-festival-nepal#more-56319

It must be uplifting to see so many appreciated dogs around the city; both strays and those with homes. Source: ofenmacher

more at http://all-that-is-interesting.com/dog-festival-nepal#more-56319

Man’s best friend deserves all the love and respect in the world, every day. Source: AP Photo/Binod Joshi

more at http://all-that-is-interesting.com/dog-festival-nepal#more-56319

Sunday best: hundreds of pet owners bring their animals to church on the day of St Anthony, Spain's patron saint of animals
Susana Vera/Reuters

more at http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2012/jan/18/san-anton-day-pet-blessings-spain

Father Juan Manuel Villar blesses a visiting dog with holy water at San Anton church in the centre of Madrid
Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

more at http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2012/jan/18/san-anton-day-pet-blessings-spain

Another dog, wrapped up warmly, receives the holy water at San Anton church
Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

more at http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2012/jan/18/san-anton-day-pet-blessings-spain

Meanwhile, a third dog rests his head on a pew before mass inside the church
Susana Vera/Reuters

more at http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2012/jan/18/san-anton-day-pet-blessings-spain

in spain, the blessing of animals is on the occasion of the feast of st anthony.  in the philippines, it's on the feast of st francis of assisi.

A Filipino woman carries her dog as they attend mass before the animal blessing rites at the Malate church in Manila, Philippines on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015. -concordmonitor.com

A Catholic priest sprinkles holy water on pet dogs during an animal blessing rites at the Malate church in Manila, Philippines on Sunday, October 5, 2014. (Photo by Aaron Favila/AP Photo)

Multi-awarded writer and director "Direk" Joey Reyes hugs Phil, an aspin he adopted from the PAWS Shelter. He named his other adopted dog, James. -pep.ph

but of course, so does every cat have a day...


Proud puspin parents wait for their native cats to be blessed. -philstar.com

note: aspin - asong pinoy; puspin - pusang pinoy; aka askal and pusakal, respectively.

Pope Francis blesses Asia, a guide dog belonging to Alessandro Forlani, at a Vatican media session. A visually impaired Italian radio journalist, Forlani was among the permanently accredited Vatican journalists invited for a personal greeting. -philstar.com

taym pa sa, diay iningles, atot ba ani... maayo gani wa mag-tibetan language si dalai lama.

Salamat, Aylandil. My Italian is rusty now. I could read the first few lines, but I got lost when I got to "aiutare". Natakdan ko sa imong pagkadalikdikon...

hahay. hands down na lang ko sa imong pagkadlikdikon. batot ay.

He he...