Dog Tihar: security agencies' dog show, special event at Narayanchaur, role of Himalayan sheepdogs

On the occasion of Dog Tihar (Kukur Tihar) on Sunday, the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police held separate programs worshipping their trained dogs.

At the Bhairav Vahan Gulm in Madhyapur Thimi, dogs demonstrated skills in search, tracking, security and identifying suspicious objects at a dog show organized by the Army. Deputy Director General Harendra Pathak, chief of the Army's remount department, said training dogs with limited resources is challenging.

He described dogs as a supporting force that enhances personnel capacity in patrolling, search operations and explosive detection. The Armed Police Force held a program at the Animal Health and Dog Handler Sub-branch in Balambu, honoring the loyalty and contribution of dogs.

Meanwhile, Sabina Kafle, wife of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, organized a special event at Narayanchaur in Naxal aimed at introducing Dog Tihar at the international level. Ministers, foreign diplomats and artists took part in the event, where dogs were given tika and garlands.

Kafle said the festival should not be limited to a single day, and that attention should be paid to animal welfare, vaccination and conservation throughout the year. She said that despite differing views, it is everyone's shared goal to showcase patriotism and Nepal's identity to the world.

Agriculture, Forest and Environment Minister Gita Chaudhary emphasized rabies control, vaccination, sterilization and responsible pet ownership.

In Myagdi's Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality, herders continue to keep Himalayan sheepdogs (bhote kukur) to protect sheep and goats from attacks by wild animals. According to Himbahadur Chhantyal of Malkabang, five such sheepdogs guard around 600 sheep and goats on his farm. For farmers who move their herds across Myagdi, Mustang and Dhorpatan, these dogs have become indispensable companions.