Today marks the fifth day of Tihar festival this year and is celebrated by worshipping the oxen. Generally, this day falls on the fourth day but a change in lunar calendar pushed this ritual to the fifth day this year, according to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.
The oxen is historically used by the locals in the rural areas for helping with crop plantation. They are worshipped by offering prayers, delicacies and by decorating them with garlands.
This day is also called Govardhan Puja, named after a hill mentioned in the Hindu mythology. The Govardhan Hill, mentioned in the Hindu epic Mahabhatat is worshipped by the people by making a large stack of cow dung.
The rituals are linked to the Hindu God Krishna who, according to the legend, lifted the Govardhan hill with his hand and protected the people of a place called Gokul from torrential rains caused by an enraged Indra, the God of rain.
Lord Krishna is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu or the protector of the world.
A section of the Newar community also observes the Mha Puja today to welcomes the Newari New Year.
On this occasion, Newars prepare sweet dishes at homes and mandalas (sacred diagram as symbol of their soul) are drawn on the floor and worshipped. According to the state-owned RSS, family members sit in front of the mandalas and the eldest lady of the house presents each of them with a burning wick, sacred thread and fruits symbolising long life and good fortune.
Today, the Newari Community welcomed the Newari New Year--Nepal Sambat 1146.
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