Gobhardan Pujan (Tihar) in Nepal

Gobhardan Pujan, also known as Govardhan Puja, is a festival celebrated on the fourth day of the five-day-long Hindu festival Tihar, which is akin to Diwali in Nepal. It generally falls in the month of Kartik (October/November) in the lunisolar Hindu calendar.

History and Traditions:

• The festival commemorates an event from the Hindu text, Bhagavata Purana, where Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to provide shelter to the villagers of Vrindavan from torrential rains caused by Lord Indra's anger.
• It signifies the importance of nature and animals, particularly cows, which are revered in Hinduism.

Celebratory Practices:

On this day, people in Nepal engage in several activities:

• Cow Worship: Cows are honored for their agricultural significance. They are bathed, garlanded with marigolds, and fed with special foods.
• Govardhan Puja: Devotees create mounds from cow dung or soil symbolizing Govardhan Hill and decorate them with flowers. These mounds are then worshiped as a gesture of gratitude to nature.
• Community Feasts: Families prepare lavish meals and share them with friends, relatives, and community members.
• Cultural Events: Traditional songs and dances may be performed to celebrate the occasion.

The Gobhardan Pujan forms an important part of Tihar festivities highlighting the cultural ethos that respects animals and environment integral to Nepalese society.