Today (November 2) marks the observance of Gai Puja or the worship of cows along with Goru Puja (ox worship), and Govardhan Puja across Nepal on the penultimate day of the Tihar festival, widely celebrated by the Hindu majority.
In the Gai Puja and Govardhan Puja rituals, symbolic replicas of cows and the Govardhan Mountain are crafted from cow dung.
For Hindus, the cow holds a sacred place, revered as mother. During Gai Puja, cows are fed sweets and other delicacies. Additionally, there is a custom of tying the sacred thread, previously worn on the wrist during Janai Poornima, to the cow's tail. This act is believed to aid the soul in crossing the mythical Baitarani River to reach heaven after death.
The origin of Govardhan Puja is linked to the Hindu deity Sri Krishna, who is said to have lifted the Govardhan hill with his hand to protect the residents of Gokul from torrential rains caused by an angry rain god, Indra. Similarly, the ox is also worshipped today, honoring its vital role in agriculture, a cornerstone of Nepal's predominantly agrarian society.
Nepal Sambat New Year 1145 and Mha Puja Celebrated Today
Nepal Sambat New Year 1145 is being celebrated across Nepal today with various events. The Newar community regards this day as New Year's Day, following the Nepal Sambat calendar, a traditional calendar established in Nepal.
The Nepal Sambat calendar originated in 880 AD when Shankhadhar Sakhwa, during the reign of Lichchhavi King Raghavdev, relieved the people of their debts. Recognizing Sakhwa’s contribution, the government honored him as a national luminary on November 18, 1999.
On this day, the Newar community also performs Mha Puja, a self-worship ritual observed in the evening. Mha Puja is rooted in the belief that the soul, or self, is central to a meaningful and prosperous life. It is believed that if the soul is satisfied, the gods are also pleased.
The government formally recognized the Nepal Sambat calendar on October 23, 2008, honoring Shankhadhar Sakhwa’s legacy. Today, the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and leaders from various political parties have extended their best wishes to all those celebrating Nepal Sambat New Year.
This day holds particular significance for the Newar community, especially those residing in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Bahrabise, and Dolakha, who celebrate it as a New Year's festival. -- RSS
