The reason behind worshiping dogs during Tihar has some historical reasons and significance too. According to another hindu mythology dogs are considered as the messenger of Lord Yamraj, the God of Death. The role of dogs in human life and throughout history is celebrated. In the Rigveda, one of Hinduism's most ancient texts, Samara — the mother of dogs — assists Indra, the ruler of heaven, in retrieving stolen cattle. A dog is also said to guard the gates of the afterlife.

The second day of Tihar Festival is called as Kukur Tihar. On this day, Nepalis will honor dogs for they believe that the dog can guarantee the souls of the dead to get to heaven. People usually wear dogs with Tihar Tika and calendula garlands, and then treat them with a fancy dinner. In Nepal, the dog plays an important role as "the gatekeeper of death", which is said to lead the deceased across the river of death in the underworld. On Kukur Tihar, Nepalese policemen will present beautiful garlands to the patrol dogs and paint their foreheads in red cinnabar to thank for their contributions in social security.

Nepal’s tradition of honouring dogs at Kukur Tihar has been taken to the other side of the world by a collective of Mexican animal rights groups that has started celebrating the festival too.

Last year, after Nepal worshipped its dogs, Mexicans brought out their pets in the Mexico City’s Revolution Square and in Puerto Vallarta, garlanding and smearing vermilion on them just like in Nepal.

It is important to raise awareness among the population about the respect we owe dogs,” organiser of the annual festival Martha Dau told the El Universal newspaper, “we are convinced that a human being who does not hurt an animal will hardly hurt a human being."

Puting unnecessary colors on dogs is simply another one of those bad pet trends. It leaves physical, chemical and psychological effects on your canine companion.