Founded in Virginia · 2024

Kukur Tihar USA

America's Celebration of Gratitude for Dogs

Inspired by the ancient Nepali tradition of Kukur Tihar, we celebrate the extraordinary kinship between humans and dogs through gratitude, compassion and community.

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An ancient tradition · a growing American celebration

More Than a Festival

Kukur Tihar is a 3000+ years old Nepali tradition in which dogs are honored with flowers, tika, food and affection. Kukur Tihar USA brings that spirit into American communities—celebrating dogs and the human–dog bond while encouraging compassion for animals everywhere.

GRATITUDEWe pause to recognize the loyalty, companionship, love and service dogs bring to our lives.
KINSHIPWe celebrate dogs not simply as pets, but as companions and family with whom we share our lives.
COMPASSIONWe extend that spirit to shelter dogs and animals waiting for care, protection and forever homes.
Our invitation

One Dog.
One Mala.
One Moment of Gratitude.

You don't need to travel to celebrate Kukur Tihar. Put a flower or mala on your dog, give them something special, take a moment together, and share your story with #KukurTiharUSA.

Our journey

From Virginia to America

What began as a community celebration in Northern Virginia is growing into a broader tradition.

2024

The Beginning

The inaugural Kukur Tihar USA — Day of the Dog Celebration was held October 27 at James Long Park in Haymarket, Virginia.

2025

The Tradition Continues

The second annual celebration returned to James S. Long Regional Park on October 26, with blessing ceremonies, garlands, tika, treats, music and community activities.

2026

Gratitude & Kinship

A community edition and a nationwide invitation to keep the tradition alive—at the festival, at shelters and at home.

2027

We Gather Again

A larger celebration and broader community network are being envisioned for the next chapter.

Our memories

From Our Celebrations

Twelve photo spaces for each year let you build the story of Kukur Tihar USA as the archive grows. Replace the sample files with your favorite festival photos.

2025 · The Tradition Continues

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2024 · The Beginning

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The heart of Kukur Tihar USA

Honoring the Extraordinary Kinship Between Humans and Dogs

Dogs have lived beside us, worked beside us, protected us, comforted us and shared our homes for generations. Kukur Tihar gives us a day to say thank you.

HUMAN–DOG KINSHIPCelebrating the bond that makes dogs part of our families.
COMMUNITY KINSHIPBringing families, dog lovers and cultures together.
COMPASSIONATE KINSHIPRemembering dogs who are still waiting for a home.
The next chapter

Every Dog Deserves to Be Celebrated

Kukur Tihar USA is exploring partnerships with animal shelters and community organizations to bring gratitude, cultural connection and compassion to dogs waiting for their forever homes.

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Join the movement

Bring Kukur Tihar to Your Community

Celebrate with your dog. Invite your family. Partner with a shelter. Organize a community gathering. Help us grow a tradition of gratitude and kinship across America.

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Co-Founders

Jewan & Himali Tiwari

Founders of Kukur Tihar USA, Jewan and Himali Tiwari launched the first U.S. Kukur Tihar celebration in Virginia in 2024 with a vision of making gratitude for dogs a community tradition that can reach across America.