Exhibition of Police Dog Squad ‘K9’ (Photo Feature)

Kathmandu: Today is the second day of Tihar. This day is celebrated as  Kukur Tihar (Dog Tihar).

Dogs are the best friends of humans. In the Hindu religion, dogs have a special cultural significance. People celebrate this day by worshiping dogs. They offer Tika and garland to dogs. People even give delicious food for dogs to eat.

According to Hindu mythology, the gatekeepers of Yamraj gate (Deity of Death), dogs Shyam and Sabal, would clear the way to Yamalok if one feeds the dogs on this day. Similarly, according to the Hindu epic Mahabharata, a dog followed Pandavas and their wife Draupadi to heaven.

At the gate, Dharmaraj Yudhistira is set a condition for entering heaven. Yudhistara would be only allowed to enter heaven if he entered alone, keeping the dog outside. Replying to the condition Yudhistira said, ‘This dog has come along with me. It would be against the religion to leave this dog and enter heaven. I will enter heaven only if the dog comes to me. Otherwise, I will return from here.’

That was the final stage of the examination of Yudhistira. He passes the test and stands by the principle of the religion. And the dog was none other than the King of heaven, God Indra.

Similarly, people worship dogs even as the Vahan (vehicle) of Bhairava (a manifestation of Lord Shiva). People even believe that Bhairav uses dogs as a weapon to protect the world from demons and its devotees from greed, lust, and negative energies.

Likewise, Nepal Police has also honored and worshipped the police dog squad canine (K9). The dogs even exhibited their qualities. Nepal Police even honored the dogs for playing a vital role in solving the complex case. The trained dogs play a vital role in the investigation of the case.

(Glimpses from Police Dog Squad ‘K9’ )

(Photo Courtesy: Saroj Basnet)