Goru Tihar or Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the fourth day of Tihar festival (second biggest festival of Nepal). Along with animals like Crow, Dogs and Cow, this is a special day to worship Ox (Goru in Nepali).
In the morning of this day, people clean Oxes, put tika on the head, colored stamps on the body, oil on the horns and offer delicious foods like favorite grass, eggs, bread, etc. In the rural villages people also decorate the shed with Toran (flowers and leaves weaved on grass thread).
Since Nepal is predominantly an agricultural country, Ox is one of the most useful animals in all over the country as it’s used to plow the field, pull the carts, and it’s dung as manure and plastering (repairing) houses. Thus, as a respect Oxes are worshiped on this day.
Govardhan Puja
Along with Goru Tihar, people also celebrate Govardhan Puja by making a replica of the mountain Govardhan. This ritual is linked to Hindu God Shri Krishna. It is believed that Shri Krishna (As mentioned in Bhagavad Purana) lifted the mountain Govardhan with his hand and protected the people of a place called Gokul from heavy rain caused by an enraged Indra, God of rain.
Govardhan Puja is celebrated as Godhan Puja in the Mithila region.
Mha Puja (Self Worship)
Additionally on this day, the Newar community celebrates this day as Mha Puja in the evening.
Mha Puja means “Worship of the Self” which is an annual ritual performed by Newal people to purify and empower the soul as part of New Year celebrations.
And it is the beginning of the new Nepal Sambat Calendar Year in the Newar Community of Nepal.
Hali Tihar
Also the people who plow the agricultural land using Oxes are also recognised on this day by offering them delicacies. And in Nepali they are called Hali. Thus, the day is also known as “Hali Tihar”.
