Traditions

Traditions

The day of the dead has recently passed, one of the most important traditions here in Mexico celebrated on November 2nd . Thinking about this particular tradition, I think it stills being so important because of the impact that generates not only on us as Mexicans but in foreign people as well; since what the tradition is about is remembering the people who were valuable for us in our lives. We take the time to remember the things they liked and used to do in life and represent it in an altar, settling their favorite food and drinks, some of their possessions, some candy skulls, but the most important is to dedicate time to them, awaiting for their loved to come in this day and try once more what they used to love.

Another tradition that I think needs a boost it's the Kukur Tihar from Nepal.

Kukur Tihar: Nepal's Day For Dogs

During day two of Tihar, Kukur Tihar, 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. Hindu tradition holds that a dog is the guardian and messenger of Yama, the lord and judge of the dead. A dog is also said to guard the gates of the afterlife. In this day people offer garlands, tika and delicious food to dogs and acknowledge the cherished relationship between humans and dogs.

All dog are part of this, from those with owner to stray dogs, so even though I think dogs or animals in general should receive love always,  I find this practice really beautiful and that we should adopt.





Even if we don't share the same Hindu beliefs, I think we should take a day to appreciate the value of dogs in our lives.

Now, if I had to say a tradition that I want it to die... I'd definitely say the Gadhimai festival.  It is hard to believe but this festival takes place in Nepal as well, but what is done here is something completely opposite to the Kukur Tihar. I'll abstain from showing pictures of these because I consider them really hard to see.

The event involves the large scale sacrificial slaughter of animals including water buffaloes, pigs, goats, chickens, and pigeons.  All this horrific acts only with the goal of pleasing Gadhimai, the goddess of power. It is estimated that 500,000 animals were sacrificed during the Gadhimai festival of 2009.

Thanks to organizations who worried about animal rights, after  a lot of fight and arrangements,  there was an agreement and they got that the amount of animals killed were reduced to a 70% from the last festival in 2009. Fortunately, now it has been established that this festival won't take place anymore, at least not the same way; they will only dedicate to have a peaceful celebration. In a victory for activists, Nepalese temple authorities have announced they will end a centuries-old Hindu tradition of mass animal slaughter that attracted hundreds of thousands of worshippers.

For more information about Kukur Tihar: Nepal’s Day For Dogs celebration visit: http://getpetbox.com/blog/posts/kukur-tihar-nepals-worship-of-dogs/