Govardhan Pooja/ Goru Pooja

Today is the 4^th day of Yama Panchak or Tihar (festival of light/ Dipawali), Govardhan Pooja. According to the story, Lord Krishan asked Gokul residents to pray Mount Govardhan instead of Lord Indra (the god of rain). Intra was angered by this and directed a lightning storm and a torrential downpour upon the village. Lord Krishna lifted Mt. Govardhan on his pinky finger to and had the entire village come under the hill to take shelter for seven days and nights. To remember that incident, Hindus celebrate Govardhan Pooja every year. Hindu family creates an image of Mt. Govardhan from cow dung and worship the figure.

And also ox/ bull is worshipped with tika, garland and offered delicious meals. On this day, Newari Community Perform Maha Pooja. Maha Pooja means worship of your inner-self and is done to the purity of our body. This day is also the beginning of Newari New Year, is known as Nepal Sambat. Happy New year Nepal Sambat 1140. In the evening children, teenagers and men go house to house singing “Deusi” Songs.

Picture courtesy: Upadesh Kunwor