Gai Tihar, also known as Cow Tihar, is the Third day of the five-day Tihar festival celebrated in Nepal. It is a day to worship cows and other cattle, which are considered sacred in Hinduism. Cows are believed to be manifestations of the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Gai Tihar is a unique festival that celebrates the bond between humans and animals. It is a day when the humble cow is honored and revered, highlighting the importance of animals in our lives.
Gai Tihar 2023 Date:
This festival, which usually falls in the month of Kartik (October or November), is the second largest Nepali festival after Dashain.  In 2023, this auspicious day falls on November 13th, marking the third day of the five-day Tihar festival that spans from November 11th to 15th.
Significance of Gai Tihar
Cows are highly revered in Hinduism and are considered to be symbols of purity, fertility, and abundance. They are also an important part of the Nepalese economy, providing milk, Ghee, and manure.
On Gai Tihar, cows are decorated with garlands and tikka, and are offered food and drinks. Cowsheds are also cleaned and decorated. Farmers pray to their cows for good health and prosperity.
Events
In addition to the worship of cows, Tihar is also marked by lighting diyo inside and outside the home. Nepalis also make patterns on the floors of living rooms or courtyards using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals, called Rangoli, as a sacred welcoming for the gods and goddesses, particularly Lakshmi. Children also go from house to house, singing songs and asking for gifts in the form of money and foodstuff. Gambling in the form of cards, kauda (a game of cowrie shells), or langur burja are popular pastimes during the festival.
How to Celebrate Gai Tihar
Here are some tips on how to celebrate Gai Tihar:
- Wake up early and clean your cowshed. This is a sign of respect for your cows and shows that you are grateful for their blessings.
- Decorate your cows with garlands and tikka. You can also use other decorations, such as bells and ribbons.
- Offer your cows food and drinks. Some popular foods to offer include rice, dal, and roti. You can also offer them fruits and vegetables.
- Pray to your cows for good health and prosperity. You can also ask them to bless your family and friends.
- Visit your neighbors and friends and exchange greetings. Gai Tihar is a time to celebrate with loved ones and to share good wishes.
Conclusion
Gai Tihar is a unique festival that celebrates the bond between humans and animals. It is a day when the humble cow is honored and revered, highlighting the importance of animals in our lives.
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Also Read:
Happy Tihar Wishes in Nepali | 2023/2080
Happy Tihar Wishes 2080/2023 | E-Cards
