6 Dog Festivals That You Don’t Want To Miss! Originally published at: https://dogwithblog.in/dog-festivals/
As the festive season begins so does the troubles of our furry friends, from shrill noise to smoke in the air. How good would it be to have festivals that look into the well-being of animals as well? After all, festivities should mean happiness for every creature
Here is the definitive list of 6 awesome dog festivals
where dogs are celebrated for the heroes that they are!
1. Kukur Tihar
Tihar is a Nepali Hindu festival celebrated in autumn every year. The first day called Kaag Tihar sees food arrayed on the roofs as offerings to the crows. On the second day i.e. Kukur Tihar, dogs are revered in all of their aspects: as guardians, companions, and friends.
During Kukur Tihar, the mythological (as guards to the gates of Heaven) and real relationships between humans and dogs constitute the day’s major focus.
The dogs are worshiped and revered during the annual autumn festival of Kukur Tihar. A garland of flowers is draped around the neck of the dogs and a mark, tika, made from a red dye powder — along with rice and curd is applied to the forehead of each dog, those with home, and the strays as well. 2. Blessing of Animals Each year on October 4, the dogs and donkeys, cats and canary, hamsters and horses, are led to churches for a special ceremony called the Blessing of
Animals. This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. Devotees get their pets blessed in the spirit of this patron saint of animals and ecology. The tradition of blessing animals is linked to the fact that St. Anthony the Abbot was a saint who had a special relationship with nature, and hence the animals.
Devotees getting their pets blessed with holy water at Saint Francis Church, Peru,. ~Image Enrique Castro Here are two of the Franciscan Animal Blessings: A. For All Animals Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. On the fifth and sixth days of creation,
you called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air, and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all animals his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this animal. By the power of your love, enable [him or her] to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen. B. For a Sick Animal Heavenly Father, you created all things for your glory and made us stewards of this creature. If it is your will, restore [him or her] to health and strength. Blessed are you, Lord God, and holy is your name forever and ever. Amen.
In addition to the above two festivals which have religions undertones, here are four more festivals combining dogs, fanfare and music! 3. Dog Day Festival Over seven thousand dog lovers travel to the middle of Tennessee for the Dog Day Festival. Organized by the Nashville Humane Organization, this one day event offers Live music, fashion, pampering, health and training clinics with so much more! The Dog Day Festival kicks off with the dog walk fundraiser. The event also features dog training classes, dog
adoptions, contests with wacky awards such as “Waggliest Tail” and “Best Bark”. 4. Woof-Stock This annual Toronto festival showcases dogs and their sensational tricks, pug racing etc. This free event is there for the visiting!
5. Aloha Pet Festival The island paradise of Hawaii, make no bones about stopping by the Aloha Pet Festival in Honolulu. Talented pooches can try their hand (or paws) at the pet costume and trick contests. Dogs can indulge in delicious delicacies from over 13 food trucks and vendors at Bow Wow Brunch.
6. Dogapalooza This Australian festival is a dog-friendly music spectacle held in Melbourne, Australia. Aimed at raising money for animal rights organizations, the event is held in September. It’s a charity concert event against animal cruelty and which raises money for Melbourne-based animal advocacy organizations. The inspiration is simple,” says festival director, Abby Gee. “We’re trying to save the lives of ex-puppy farm and abandoned pound dogs.”
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