Devout Hindus consider the dog to be the messenger of Yamaraj, the god of death, and believe that worshipping the animal makes him happy.

“Kukur Tihar is special among the different festivals,” said housewife Parbati Devkota after a worship ceremony for her pet, using the Nepali word “kukur” for dog.

“I worship my dog every year on this day,” Parbati, 40, who carried a tray of sweets, flowers and vermilion powder, added.

Families bathed the pets, tied marigold garlands round their necks, smeared their foreheads with auspicious vermilion, and offered them special meals of sweets, meat, milk and rice.

Even stray dogs received offerings of food and garlands.

In the capital Kathmandu, 47 dogs participated in a show for the occasion at a police canine training centre.

The festivities included competitions and obedience displays, such as navigating obstacles, high jumps and runs, said police official Ram Chandra Satyal.

“We also demonstrated how dogs are used in searching for narcotic drugs, criminals, hidden explosives, and rescue operations during disasters,” he added.

Tihar, which is similar to Deepavali, is celebrated every year by Hindus in Nepal and some parts of India. The five days include celebration and worship of the four creatures associated with Yama, with the final day reserved for people themselves.

On the first day, Kaag Tihar, crows and ravens – believed to be the messengers of Yama – are worshipped with offerings of grains, seeds and sweets placed on roofs or out on the streets.

On Gai Tihar, the third day, devotees show their gratitude to the sacred cow by feeding them treats and worshipping them with tikas and garlands.

The fourth day of Tihar is Calleja, where the ox is worshipped and celebrated.

Finally, the fifth and final day, called Bhai Tika or Kija Puja, is celebrated with much fanfare, with brothers and sisters marking their special bond by worshipping each other.

Hindus make up about 80% of Nepal’s population of 30 million.