From Kukur Tihar in Nepal to Mardi Gras Pet Parade in USA: 5 unique festivals from around the world that celebrate pets

Pets are not just our emotional support companions but also family! They help and support us, offer a unique companionship that cannot be expressed in words, and even help improve our mental and emotional health. And so, to honour and celebrate pets many fascinating festivals are observed worldwide. These festivals celebrate the unique bond between humans and their animal companions. Here we list some of them.

Part of a unique Hindu festival of Tihar, called Kukur Tihar is a day that is devoted to dogs. This year, Kukur Tihar is being celebrated on October 31, 2024. On this auspicious day, families honour and worship dogs, both strays and pets, for their unconditional love and loyalty. For the festivities, people adorn dogs with flower garlands around their necks and apply a tika (a red powder) on their forehead-- a gesture which shows respect in Hinduism. They then offer delicious food treats to dogs on this day.

In some Spanish villages and towns, the Feast of St. Anthony (also known as the Patron Saint of Animals) is celebrated every year on January 17. And this particular event is incomplete with pet blessings! On this day, pet parents bring their animals-- be it popular ones like cats and dogs, and even horses-- to their local church to receive blessings. In some places in Spain, they also host parades and traditional music on this day.

In St. Louis, Missouri, USA, the Mardi Gras Pet Parade is celebrated every year in a grand way. On this day, pet owners and their pets participate in the parade by dressing up in colourful costumes and they march through the streets. The Mardi Gras Pet Parade is also one of the largest pet parades across the world!

In South Korea, there's a unique festival called Gukjeon which specifically celebrates the Jindo dog-- a type of native breed which is known for its loyalty and immense intelligence. On the festival day, Jindo dogs are honoured with traditional Korean rituals. Some people also host competitions and shows for the Jindo dogs.

Blessing of the animals is a Christian tradition which is usually celebrated on or around October 4, i.e. the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, every year. On this day, churches hold ceremonies to specially bless pets and animals, and encourage people to care and be kind to them.