KATHMANDU: Gai Puja or cow worship, Goru Puja or ox worship and Govardan Puja are being observed throughout the country today on the fourth day of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by the majority Hindus in the country.
During Govardhan Puja, rituals involve creating replicas of Govardhan Mountain from cow dung.
People prepare a paste by mixing cow dung with ochre, which they then apply to their courtyards and floors.
These rituals honor the Hindu deity Sri Krishna, who, according to legend, lifted Govardhan Mountain to shield the people of Gokul from heavy rains unleashed by Indra, the rain god, who was angered at the time.
In addition, oxen are worshipped today due to their significance in agricultural work, which remains vital in Nepal’s primarily agrarian society.
The Newar community also observes Mha Puja on this day, coinciding with their New Year, based on the Nepal Sambat calendar.
Mha Puja, which translates to "self-worship," involves making offerings to one’s own body.
