KATHMANDU: The Nepal Police and Nepali Army marked Kukur Tihar on Sunday by worshipping their trained dogs and organizing special programmes highlighting the animals’ vital role in security operations, crime investigation and rescue missions.
On the occasion of Kukur Tihar, observed on the second day of Yamapanchak during the five-day Tihar festival, special worship ceremonies were held at the Nepal Police Canine Office in Maharajgunj and the Nepali Army’s Shri Bhairav Bahan Company in Sanothimi, Bhaktapur.
Kukur Tihar is dedicated to dogs, which are revered in Hindu tradition for their loyalty, vigilance and companionship. On this day, people worship dogs by offering them flower garlands, tika and delicious food as a mark of respect and gratitude.
Nepal Police highlights dogs’ role in security and rescue
At the Police Canine Office in Maharajgunj, Deputy Inspector General Om Bahadur Rana of the Nepal Police Headquarters’ Crime Investigation Department worshipped dogs of various breeds during a special ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Rana highlighted the contribution of trained dogs to maintaining peace and security, investigating crimes and conducting search and rescue operations.
He particularly praised their role in locating missing persons and recovering bodies during disasters. Citing the Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa on August 26, he said sniffer dogs had helped locate the bodies of 24 people who went missing in the disaster.
Rana also said the Police Canine Office had made significant contributions to crime investigation since its establishment.
Dr Ramchandra Satyal, Chief Technical Police Superintendent at the Canine Office, said the office, established in 2026 BS, currently provides canine services through 14 locations across the country. A total of 107 dogs are currently deployed at canine centres nationwide, he added.
Army showcases trained dogs’ skills
Meanwhile, the Nepali Army organized a military dog skill demonstration at Shri Bhairav Bahan Company in Sanothimi, Bhaktapur, to mark Kukur Tihar.
Trained dogs demonstrated a range of specialized skills, including racing, searching for missing persons, identifying suspicious objects, tracking criminals through scent detection and performing high jumps. The programme also featured cultural performances.
All dogs stationed at the company were collectively worshipped as part of the celebration.
Addressing the programme, Nepali Army Major General Harendra Pathak described dogs as loyal and trustworthy animals that hold a special place in Hindu tradition as the vehicle of Bhairab, a Hindu deity.
He highlighted their exceptional sense of smell, noting that trained dogs are deployed in crime investigations and in detecting bombs and explosives.
Mayor of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality Surendra Shrestha, Deputy Mayor Bijay Shrestha, ward chairpersons and chiefs of various Nepali Army companies were among those who attended the programme and observed the demonstrations.
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