Celebrating Canine Companions: Kukur Tihar Festivities Light Up Siliguri

Animal Helpline in Siliguri, West Bengal, honors street dogs with Kukur Tihar, a festival celebrated within the Diwali festivities. Dogs were adorned with garlands and tikka, receiving special meals prepared by the volunteers. The festival underscores the importance of respecting and loving animals in human-centric celebrations.

In Siliguri, West Bengal, the Animal Helpline organization has once again demonstrated its profound love for animals by celebrating Kukur Tihar, also known as Kukur Puja, at a street dog rescue center. Kukur Tihar, which means 'worship of dogs,' is a special mini-festival within the grand Diwali festivities.

The event took place on Wednesday, where the rescued dogs were honored with flower garlands and 'tikka' painted on their foreheads. Volunteers from the Animal Helpline bathed, worshipped, and prepared special meals for the dogs in line with the day's customs.

Priya Rudra, the founder of Animal Helpline, expressed the significance of the day by drawing parallels with other major festivals like Durga and Kali Puja. She pointed out the lack of festivals dedicated to animals and emphasized the need for such days to highlight the societal role of animals. She further urged people to avoid bursting crackers, which cause distress to animals during Diwali festivities.

Smita Majumder, an avid animal lover, echoed the sentiments, calling on people to show respect and kindness to street dogs, encouraging them to provide food and care within their capabilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)