Kathmandu: Goru Puja, or ox worship, and Govardhan Puja are being observed throughout the country today, marking the fourth day of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus.
According to National News Agency RSS, the Govardhan Puja rituals involve creating replicas of the Govardhan Mountain using cow dung. People prepare a mixture of cow dung and ochre, forming it into a paste to apply on the courtyards of their homes and floors. These rituals are linked to Hindu God Sri Krishna, who, according to legend, lifted the Govardhan Mountain to protect the people of Gokul from torrential rains caused by Indra, the God of rain. The rain God was reportedly vexed, leading to the heavy downpour.
In addition, the ox is worshipped today due to its significance in agricultural activities in Nepal, a predominantly agricultural society. Similarly, Mha Puja is celebrated on the fourth day of Tihar by the Newar Community. This celebration coincides with the Newari New Year, based on the Newar calendar, Nepal Samb
at. Mha Puja, which literally means self-worship, involves making offerings to one’s own body.