Kukur Tihar, which falls on the same day as Choti Diwali, pets and strays are treated alike and are decked with garlands as a symbol of respect and dignity.
For the festival, pets and strays are treated alike and are decked with garlands, which is a way of showing respect. The dogs are also adorned with red tika or tilak, with kumkum or gulaal along with rice and yogurt.
After the puja, the dogs are given special treats and lot of food to eat. As far as dogs are concerned this is the best part of the festival for them — the treats include milk, eggs, meat, high-quality dog food or anything that one likes.
Wondering why dogs are worshipped this way? Well, the answer lies in Hindu mythology. Bhairava, an avatar of Lord Shiva has a dog as his vahana (vehicle) known as Shvan. Yamraj, or the God of Death also has two watchdogs, who guards the gates of Narak (hell).
Owing to this belief, the festival is observed on this day that is also known as Naraka Chaturdashi or Bhoot Chaturdashi. It is believed that dogs can sense impending danger, importantly death and are specially worshiped on this day.
