Garlands and treats for beloved dogs during Nepal's annual Kukur Puja festival

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Dogs across Nepal were honored Thursday during the annual festival of “Kukur Puja,” with flower garlands, treats and vermilion spots on their heads.

In Nepal, the second day of Tihar, also known as Diwali – is Kukur Puja, dedicated to canines. Pet owners and others perform rituals to honor both pets and stray dogs.

At the Nepal Police Dog Center in Kathmandu, handlers celebrated their service dogs.

At least eight dogs lined up for the ritual, and later they demonstrated skills such as jumping through fire rings and following commands such as standing on their hind legs and retrieving.

Nepal Armed Police prepare with their dog to worship in their kennel section during the Kukkur Tihar Festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Every year, dogs are worshiped to recognize their role in providing security during the second day of the war. five days of Hindu festival Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

Nepal Armed Police personnel worship their dogs in their kennel section during the Kukkur Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Every year, dogs are worshiped to recognize their role in providing security during the second day of five days of Hindu festival Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

A Nepal Armed Police dog sits decorated with a floral wreath after being worshiped in their kennel section during the Kukkur Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Every year, dogs are worshiped to recognize their role in providing security during the second day of the five-day Hindu festival Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

“Today we honor these dogs for their invaluable contributions as they resolutely help keep us safe, from detecting explosives to rescuing those in need during disasters,” said Ram Narayan KC, Deputy Chief of the Canine Division.

In Hindu-majority Nepal, dogs are believed to be messengers of Yamraj, the god of death, and worshiping them is said to please him.

The five-day Tihar festival begins with the worship of crows, followed by dogs and then cows, which are considered sacred in Nepal.

The remaining two days include one in honor of the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, and on the last day the sisters come together to pray for the well-being of their brothers.

Nepal Armed Police personnel worship the dog in their kennel section during the Kukkur Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Every year, dogs are worshiped to recognize their role in providing security during the second day of five days long Hindu festival Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

Nepal Armed Police prepare with their dog to demonstrate skills in their kennel section during the Kukkur Tihar Festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Every year, dogs are worshiped for their role in providing security during the second day to recognize the five-day Hindu festival of Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

A Nepal Armed Police Force dog displays skills in their kennel department during the Kukkur Tihar festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Every year, dogs are worshiped to recognize their role in providing security during the second day of five days of Hindu festival Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

Nepal Armed Police prepare with their dog to demonstrate skills in their kennel department during the Kukkur Tihar Festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Every year, dogs are worshiped to recognize their role in providing security during the second day of five-day long Hindu festival Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

A member of the Nepal Armed Police worships a dog in their kennel section during the Kukkur Tihar Festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, October 31, 2024. Every year, dogs are worshiped to recognize their role in providing security during the second day of five days long Hindu festival Tihar. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)