KATHMANDU: The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is set to organize the ‘Kukur Tihar Reel Competition 2026’ for the first time to promote Nepal’s cultural tourism through digital platforms.
The competition is being organized under the direction of Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadga Raj Paudel as part of the board’s efforts to promote Nepal’s traditional festivals, culture and heritage to international audiences through digital media.
The board has previously organized various promotional activities in this regard. On the occasion of Bada Dashain, it coordinated with local governments and tourism-related organizations to install traditional bamboo swings (linge ping) at 100 locations across the country.
The reel competition aims to showcase the cultural significance of Kukur Tihar, the close relationship between humans and dogs, and Nepal’s unique traditions to the international community through creative digital content.
Participants are required to create original and creative video reels related to Kukur Tihar and publish them on their Instagram or Facebook accounts. The creator of the best video will receive a cash prize of Rs 100,000.
In Nepali culture, dogs are worshipped during Tihar as symbols of loyalty, security and companionship. Observed on the second day of the festival, Kukur Tihar involves offering dogs tika, flower garlands and delicious food as a mark of respect and affection.
The Nepal Tourism Board aims to present this cultural tradition to the world by combining its religious and social significance with modern digital platforms. The initiative also seeks to highlight Nepal’s values of compassion, respect and coexistence with animals.
According to the Board, all competition entries must be original and produced in English, either through English narration or subtitles. Participants must upload their videos to Instagram or Facebook using the hashtags #NepalFestival and #KukurTihar. They must also tag the Nepal Tourism Board’s official social media accounts, tagging the relevant account on each platform.
Participants are required to email their video entries along with an accessible Google Drive link that allows the board to view and download the content.
The Board has stated that it reserves the right to use submitted videos for tourism promotion, publicity and other digital communication activities across its platforms and media channels. The deadline for submitting entries has been set for November 21 (Mangsir 5).
Through the competition, the Tourism Board hopes to introduce Kukur Tihar not only as a religious and cultural celebration but also as a reflection of Nepal’s traditions of love, respect and coexistence with animals.
The initiative is expected to provide a new platform for young digital content creators while strengthening the international promotion of Nepal’s cultural tourism.
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