Nepal Police celebrated Kukur Tihar, the festival of dogs, with dogs on Monday.

Though Kukur Tihar falls on the second day of the Tihar festival, it is being celebrated on the third day this year due to some changes in the calendar, Member of Nepal Calendar Determination Committee Prof Dr Devmani Bhattarai said. 

Dog, which is an animal well known for being the trustworthy sentry as well as faithful companion of humans since ancient times, is worshipped once a year on this day as Yamadoot, or a messenger of Yamaraj, the God of death.

Dog, which is said to have accompanied Dharmaraj Yudhisthir on his journey to heaven in the mythological grand epic Mahabharat, has a close relationship with mankind.

The event featured demonstrations by police handlers. The winning dog was awarded with a medal and prize.