A dog licks its garland after being worshipped in the dog training section of Nepal Police Academy in Kathmandu 20 October 2006. Kukur Tihar, the festival of dogs, is celebrated in every household to mark the second day of Tihar or Yamapanchak. (Reuters)

Tihar is a five day Nepalese festival celebrated in late autumn. One of these days incorporates the Hindu festival Deepavali Although all ethnic groups celebrate it, the Newars in particular celebrate it a certain way.

The first day of Tihar is known as Kag Puja, or Worship of Crows.

The second day is called Kukur Puja, - Khhicha Puja by the Newars - or Worship of Dogs. This is to worship the animal representative of a particular god.

On the morning of the third day is Gai Puja, where the Nepalese worship cows, an animal sacred to the Hindus as it is the animal representative of Shiva. In the evening is Laxmi Puja, to worship the goddess of wealth.

On the fourth day of Tihar, there are three different known pujas. Most perform Goru Puja, or Worship of Oxen. People who follow Krishna perform Gobardhan Puja, which is worship towards cowdung. Cowdung is seen as very useful in Nepal, as in the olden days it was used for everything from light at night (methane) to polish for the mud floors of traditional houses. The Newar community on the night of this day do Mhha Puja, or Worship of Self. Because this period is also the beginning of Nepal Sambat, or the new year of Nepalese especially commemorated by Newars, it ensures prosperity for the new year.

The fifth and last day of Tihar is Bhai Tika, a day where sisters put "tika" on brothers, to ensure long life, and thank them for the protection they give.(www.answers.com)

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