KATHMANDU: Today marks the fourth day of the five-day Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus across Nepal, with Gai Puja (worship of the cow), Goru Puja (worship of the ox), and Govardhan Puja being observed nationwide.
This year, Gai Puja and Goru Puja fall on the same day. During Gai Puja, cows are worshipped and offered sweets and delicacies. As part of the tradition, the sacred thread tied around a person’s wrist during the Janai Purnima festival is ceremonially tied to the tail of a cow. This ritual is believed to help the soul cross the mythical Baitarni River and attain heaven after death.
Govardhan Puja is also celebrated today, during which replicas of Govardhan Mountain are made from cow dung. People prepare a mixture of cow dung and ochre and apply it to their courtyards and floors. The ritual is linked to Lord Krishna, who, according to Hindu mythology, lifted the Govardhan Mountain to protect the people of Gokul from torrential rains sent by Indra, the God of Rain, in a fit of anger.
Oxen are also worshipped today in recognition of their vital role in agriculture, reflecting the importance of farming in Nepal’s predominantly agrarian society.
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