Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Because they are loyal, beautiful, loving, bathe us with kisses, make us laugh and accompany us on our journey through life, Puerto Vallarta will once again host the Kukur Tihar, an event that honors and celebrates the unconditional love of pets, on November 11, 2023 at Parota Park.
The Kukur Tihar is part of the Tihar, or Festival of Lights, that Hindus celebrate for five days every fall. The second day of this festival is dedicated to expressing appreciation for the loyalty of dogs, and acknowledging the strong bond between humans and pups. In India, dogs are considered the messengers of Lord Yamaraja, the God of Death, and on this day, dogs are offered garlands, a colored chalk-mark on the forehead called a tika and delicious food, all in an effort to demonstrate the important link between humans and dogs.
Here in Puerto Vallarta, the celebration will be held on Saturday from 3-8 pm at Parota Park, next to Hotel Puerto de Luna a very well-known and popular pet-friendly property. “The purpose of this event is to raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare in our country and around the world. We firmly believe that all living beings deserve respect, especially those that share our lives daily,” explained the event’s organizer, Martha Dau.
In conjunction with local businesses and animal welfare groups, a full program of activities has been planned so that families can come out and enjoy a fun-filled evening with their dogs.
The program consists of a Kukur Tihar exhibition, a catalog of adoptable pups, brief educational talks, the garland-laying and Tika ceremonies and the offerings of delicacies, as well as two fun contests: “the dog most like its owner” and “the dog with the most skills.”
There will also be live music, a puppet show and a 360° photo booth. After dark, there will be a candlelight memorial. Attendees are encouraged to bring a candle to be lit in memory of all the pets we have lost and in honor of stray and street dogs everywhere.
Since admission is free and open to the public, and the only requirement for entry is that the dogs are leashed and wearing identification tags. Leashes and dog tags will be on offer at the gate for those who come unprepared. Pet owners are encouraged to bring the necessary items for the ceremony and a candle to be lit in memory of all the pets we have lost and in honor of stray and street dogs everywhere.
More than 300 people and their four-legged friends are expected to attend this family-friendly event, come join the fun! Parque Parota is located at Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Norte. (Google map)
Visit the Kukur Tihar Puerto Vallarta 2023 Facebook page for more information.
