Tihar’s animal days sit between Dhanteras shopping and Bhai Tika. After Kaag Tihar on Saturday 7 November, Kukur Tihar falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026 (Kartik 22, 2083) is the day many Hindu households honour the dog (kukur). The same evening is widely marked as Laxmi Puja.
This companion is a calm culture note for readers at home and in the Gulf, UK, US, Australia and beyond. It is not a ritual rulebook and not religious advice.
The Tihar week, one calm checklist
- Kaag Tihar - Saturday 7 November
- Kukur Tihar and Laxmi Puja - Sunday 8 November
- Gai Tihar -Monday 9 November
- Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja - Tuesday 10 November
- Bhai Tika -Wednesday 11 November
Why dogs?
In Nepali Hindu tradition, dogs are remembered as companions and messengers of Yama, the god of death and justice. On Kukur Tihar, families thank that loyalty: a red tika on the brow, a marigold garland, and a plate of food that suits the animal. Pet dogs, working dogs and street dogs are all part of the day’s kindness ,mistreating a dog on this day is traditionally treated as wrong.
Regional habits differ. Some homes also mark related rites the same Sunday evening with lamps for Laxmi. There is no single “correct” plate , family custom leads, and food should be safe for the dog you are feeding.
Soft diaspora angle
Plenty of Nepalis in Doha, Dubai, Riyadh, London or a US city will not have a Kathmandu courtyard full of street dogs. The day still travels: a treat for the family pet, a kind word to a neighbourhood dog, a video call with parents on Sunday, or explaining the calendar to children. Connection matters more than a perfect setup.
If you want company this Tihar week , stories, greetings, or a calm room to ask what your family does, Chautari is where Inner Circle Nepal hosts that conversation. No pressure; the festival comes first.
What Kukur Tihar is not
It is not a scare day. It is not a substitute for Laxmi Puja or Bhai Tika. And it is not something you fail if you live far from dogs or cannot find a garland. The offering is a wish: loyalty, steady households, and respect for the living beings that keep watch with a family.
Light the week gently. Sunday belongs to the dog and to the quiet second morning of Tihar.
