Tihar and The Festival Dogs in Nepal

 

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photo by Katarina 2353

Michelle Page, the one-woman dynamo who's revitalized the dying art of Nepalese dog sign painting through her Danger Dog website, writes from Kathmandu that yesterday was the 2nd day of Tihar, the festival of lights.   That means it was the day to celebrate dogs.  All dogs, even strays, are adorned with marigold garlands and red paint.  Emphasis is put on breaking down man-made boundaries like good and bad or pretty and ugly, and viewing all of nature as one.  I think it is a beautiful concept and I found some photos that capture it.

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photo by Renata T.M.

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A holy man begins the festival early by feeding strays.  Photo by Michelle Page

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Gyanu and Romi by Laura Maker

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Marigold garlands also adorn doorways.  Photo by Globalism Pictures.

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photo by Renata T.M

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Nepalese police dogs are feted too.  Photo via the Sydney Morning Herarld

Also, Michelle Page is still taking orders for custom Danger Dog signs of your pet (cats, goats, chickens, horses, and turtles are welcome).  You can email her a photo and she will have the signs home in time to deliver by Christmas.  Put in an order.   There is no up front payment or obligation to buy.  Visit her blog for more information.

Click here to view Nepalese Danger Dog signs of my dog Darby.  I highly recommend.

Comments

4 responses to “Tihar and The Festival Dogs in Nepal”

  1. michelle page Avatar

    Moira: Great post! I remember that white puppy with the red markings from 2008! That was a cute puppy who really enjoyed the day. Thanks for spreading the word about Kukor Puja. I know that I am personally responsible for lots of dogs in the US having treats on the 4th!

  2. Elizabeth Avatar

    Wow. That’s very cool. We had a Danger Dog calendar a year or so ago that the boys loved.
    That orange just knocks you out!

  3. Evelyn Morris Hecht Avatar

    Wonderful!!!
    Thanks Moira and Michelle!
    xoxo

  4. njeri Avatar

    this is a great read

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