The worshipping of dogs is a part of the five days of celebrations known collectively as "Yama Panchak" - the five days of Yama, and more popularly as "Tihar" in Nepali.
Dog owners put red tika, made from rice, on the dogs’ foreheads and garlands around their necks; owners also feed them before they have their own food.
Families without dogs have to settle with canines belonging to their relatives, neighbours or even local stray dogs.
Some tourists like Nadia Sinovich have started to flock the Himalayan nation just to see it for themselves.
Source: Getty Image
In an Instagram post, she wrote: "The reason we traveled to Nepal was to witness Tihar festival. More specifically, we came for the 2nd day, Kukur Tihar, meaning Dog festival!"
But why do Nepalis worship the dogs on this day? Well, according to the Hindu mythology of Mahabharat, King Yudhishthira - the eldest of the five brothers known as Pandavas - after the epic battle of 'Mahabharata' were looking to wash out their sins from the war and were climbing the Himalayas.
One by one, the four brothers and their queen, whom they shared, died on the way. Yudhishthira, who's considered never to have spoken a lie but one throughout his life, was spared and reached the gates of heaven.
A dog had been following the six people through their journey and when Yudhishthira was invited into heaven by Yamaraja - the god of death, he declined the invitation to enter without his faithful companion.
The legend has it, the dog was Yama himself, who transformed into the hound to test Yudhishthira, the king of righteous, for one final time.
A police officer sprinkles vermilion powder onto a police dog at Nepal's Central Police Dog Training School as part of the Kukkur Tihar. Source: AAP
Besides, the dog is also considered as guardian, saviour and one who guides humans to "Moksha". 
An elderly Nepali man offers raw meat to the crows during the Tihar festival in Kathmandu. Source: EPA
Crows
The festival kicks off by offering prayers to crows on the first day.
Crows are also mythologically tied to Yama in that they are considered the messengers of Yama. Crows are also believed to take notes of one's deeds on earth and take it to the Yama upon death.
Also, many Nepalis say when a crow makes sound early in the morning sitting atop of one's roof, it is a sign of someone visiting the home later in the day or and important message is on its way. Some even consider the crows to be the wandering souls of the departed.
Nepali devotees worship a cow as part of the Tihar festival in Kathmandu. Source: EPA
Cows
One the third day, people worship cows - considered to be an incarnation of Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, in the morning and decorate their homes with wreaths, garlands and light Diyo - a traditional oil lamp, throughout their houses to signify the victory of light over darkness.
"Deepawali" is also another name given for the festivities which translates into "The festival of lights".
The five-day festival ends with the celebration the relationship between sisters and brothers in "Bhai Tika", where sisters offer blessings for their brothers and where brothers bestow gifts to their sisters.
A 'diyo' illuminating during the Tihar festival Source: yutamic/Instagram
According to mythology, Yama was too busy with his worldly duties and his sister Yamuna was desperate to meet him. After a long effort, she managed to get her brother off his duties for five days - hence the "Yama Panchak" or Yama's five days.
When Yamaraj came to meet her, she worshipped him and put seven coloured tika on his forehead, the tradition which is still being carried to this day.
The last day of Tihar also earmarks the arrival of a new year for the indigenous Newari people in Nepal where they also observe "Mha Puja" or self-purification of one's soul.
Bhaitika, the last day of Tihar is dedicated to relationship between brothers and sisters. Both brothers and sisters put "Saptatika" or seven different tika Source: Instagram
