Today is the 3rd day of Yama Panchak or Tihar (Festival of
Light/Dapawali). Cows are decorated and worshipped in the morning, in the
evening goddess Laxmi and Kuber worshipped (Laxmi
and Kuber; Goddess & god of wealth).
Hindus consider cows as goddess Laxmi and Gau-Mata (Mother).
Cow’s dudha, dahi, ghyoo, gouta, gobar (milk, curd, butter, urine, and
dung) are used during religious activities like Poojas, Rudris, Shradaha, Weddings
and so on. Today are worshiped with incense
oil, light, tika (red color) and garland flowers. Cows are decorated with
various colors of Tika (marking) throughout their bodies. Generally Abir
(red), Kesari (yellow) and Seto (white), etc. After the pooja, cows
are offered delicious meals like best grass and favorite fruits.
It is believed if you fasten your holy wristband from
Raksha Bandhan to cow’s tail on this
day. It will ease your way to an afterlife. Doorways and windows are decorated with mala (garland) made of Sayapatri
(marigold flower) and Makhamali (chrysanthemums) flowers.
After morning pooja Nepali people starting preparing for
evening’s Laxmi and Kuber pooja. Nepali people clean houses, paint floors with rato-mato
(red mud) and gobar (cow’s dung). A small circle is
made in front of the main gate or Tulasi-Matha (holy basil) and
decorated with colorful designs. also called Rangoli. Designs of Goddess Laxmi’s
footsteps are painted from the main entrance gate to the pooja Kotha (room).
Candles and bright are lit all over the house to welcome prosperity and
well-being.
After Laxmi pooja (in the evening) children, teenagers and
women (only women) go house to house singing bhaileeni bhaileeni ”
songs.
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Pic Courtesy: HB Khatri  |
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