KATHMANDU: Today marks the fourth day of the five-day Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus across Nepal, with Gai Puja (worship of cow) Goru Puja (ox worship) and Govardhan Puja being observed nationwide.
This year, Gai Puja and Goru Puja coincide on the same day.
As part of the Gai Puja rituals, cows are fed sweets and delicacies. According to tradition, the sacred thread tied around a person’s wrist during the Janai Purnima festival is tied to the tail of the cow during Gai Puja.
This act is believed to allow the person’s soul to cross the mythical Baitarni River to reach heaven after death.
Govardhan Puja is also celebrated today, featuring replicas of the Govardhan Mountain crafted from cow dung.
People prepare a mixture of cow dung and ochre, applying it to their courtyards and floors.
This ritual is linked to the Hindu deity Lord Krishna, who, according to legend, lifted the Govardhan Mountain to protect the inhabitants of Gokul from torrential rains caused by Indra, the God of Rain.
The story goes that Indra unleashed heavy downpours in anger.
Additionally, oxen are worshipped today due to their importance in agricultural work, reflecting Nepal’s predominantly agricultural society.
The Nepal Calendar Fixation Committee has designated today for Mha Puja.
In the hilly regions, preparations are being made to celebrate Bhaitika tomorrow (Sunday) following today’s Mha Puja.
Mha Puja, which literally means “self-worship,” involves making offerings to one’s own body and also coincides with the Newar New Year, based on the Nepal Sambat calendar.
Comment