Tihar is over, and with it comes to an end another long round of holidays. No crackers (thankfully), relatively few deusi and bhailo groups – a sign of the times I suppose. The past month has been quite calm and peaceful in comparison to the months prior to it: the Maoist ceasefire, the seven-party alliance on a dasain-induced languor and the administration in its usual state of non-committal defiance. The political scenario foments ahead of a bigger outburst, while I am here recounting the past few days.
Kag tihar, kukur tihar, gai tihar – a long list of rituals and festivities, and me a mute spectator to this cultural extravaganza. I enjoyed most the sight of garlanded dogs enjoying one-day of elevation to godhood. My next-door neighbour who chased any stray dogs that ventured near his front-gate with abuses, water, bricks and stones, sent his son on a mission to get any dog that came his way for the ritual on kukur tihar.
Every dog has his day – perhaps ours is the only place where almost every dog gets to be a God at least one day in a year. The abuses continue thereon, but there is at least a day of respite in a year. And the dog is not alone in enjoying that privilege. The cow is at least 364 times more fortunate, and so is the elephant – they are gods right through.
The marigold garland around the dog and the cow’s neck signifies our gratitude to the animal for lifelong servitude. And yet, it also exposes how selfish we are, and our double standards. Cows are sacred, and bulls often have their way in the busiest of Kathmandu streets, but how many of these living deities actually get their daily dose of fodder. To set a calf free is a pious act, what about it’s life thereafter. The busy streets and lanes of this city is hell for humans, just how does a helpless calf survive in this polluted concrete jungle?
Let dogs be dogs and so, cows, cows. Don’t deify, just give them their share of respect, love and compassion – not one day a year, but 365!
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