Goru Tihar, also known as Ox Tihar, is a unique festival celebrated in Nepal as part of the five-day Tihar festival. This day is dedicated to the Ox, an animal of great importance in Nepalese society.
Goru/Govardhan Puja 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 14th, marking the 4th day of the five-day Tihar festival that spans from November 11th to 15th.
The Legend of Goru Tihar
The festival of Goru Tihar is rooted in a fascinating tale. It is said that once, the village of Vrindavan was suffering from a severe drought. The villagers, who usually worshipped Lord Indra for rain, were convinced by Lord Krishna to instead worship Govardhan Hill. This act angered Lord Indra, who caused a great storm. To protect the villagers, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill. Since then, people have created a small mound of cow dung, symbolizing Govardhan hill, and worshiped it.
The Role of the Ox
Oxen holds sacred status in Hinduism, often associated with Lord Shiva and his divine vehicle, Nandi. Beyond their spiritual significance, these animals play a crucial role in agriculture, serving as essential partners in plowing fields and transporting goods, thereby sustaining the livelihoods of many Nepalis. There is also a belief that those who tie a thread from Janai Purnima (Doro) to an Ox’s tail will be guided to heaven by the Ox across a mythical river.
How Goru Tihar is Celebrated
On Goru Tihar, oxen are accorded special treatment. Preparations for Goru Tihar begin days in advance, with people cleaning and decorating their homes. On the festival day, families rise early to bathe and adorn their oxen with garlands, flowers, and a symbolic red tika on their foreheads. Prayers of gratitude are offered, accompanied by the sharing of special treats like rice pudding, fruits, and vegetables. In some regions, a symbolic representation of Mount Govardhan, a revered Hindu mountain, is created using cow dung, offering a unique perspective on the festival’s customs.
Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over Lord Indra. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from torrential rains caused by an enraged Indra.
Indra was the god of rain, and he was used to being worshipped by the people. However, Krishna advised the people to worship Govardhan Hill instead, as it provided them with food, shelter, and other necessities. Indra became angry and sent a heavy downpour to punish the people of Vrindavan. However, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to protect the people from the rain.
Indra eventually realized his mistake and begged Krishna for forgiveness. Krishna forgave Indra, but he also taught him a valuable lesson about the importance of humility and respect for nature.
Govardhan Puja is celebrated to commemorate this event and to express gratitude to Lord Krishna for his protection. It is also a reminder of the importance of nature and the need to live in harmony with it.
On the day of Govardhan Puja, people built a Govardhan Mountain out of cow dung outside their homes. They offer flowers, garlands, and sweets to this mountain. They worship Lord Krishna and pray for his blessings.
Conclusion
In essence, Goru Tihar is a distinctive and meaningful festival in Nepal. It serves as a time-honored tribute to oxen, recognizing their vital contributions, fostering the human-animal bond, and promoting a deep respect for nature and all living beings. Goru Tihar is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder to live in harmony with the natural world.
