While all of the unimaginable cruelty is going on right now at the annual Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China, I am choosing to focus my attention on another country in Asia. In Nepal, instead of torturing and eating dogs, the citizens honor and worship canines during the Kukur Tihar celebration which occurs every year.
On this special day, dogs are swathed in garlands, which is a big sign of respect in the Hindu community. The dogs are also decorated with a red tika on their heads, and are they are treated to feast of eggs, meat, milk, high-quality dog food, or whatever else he or she wants. And this treatment not only extends to pets, but strays on the street as well.
And why are dogs worshipped this way in Nepal? It all goes back to Hindu mythology in which it is believed that dogs can sense danger, and even death. Dogs also appear and have great significance in a variety of other parts of Hindu mythology.
How can there be such a drastic difference in treatment of these animals? We should respect and honor all living things. Do you agree?
