KATHMANDU: The fourth day of Tihar is being observed today with cow worship and offerings of sweet treats.
In Hinduism, the cow is revered as a sacred animal and honored as Gau Mata, or Mother Cow, because its milk is considered as nourishing as a mother’s milk.
Cows also hold deep religious and cultural significance for providing milk, dung, and urine. According to religious tradition, worshipping a cow with devotion and offering it sweets brings merit. In some parts of Nepal and among certain communities, cow worship is performed on Kartik Krishna Aunsi.
However, scriptural tradition places the ritual at the end of Aunsi and the beginning of Pratipada. Followers of Vedic Sanatan Hinduism also traditionally donate cows as part of various religious ceremonies.
With cows becoming scarce, more people have recently begun making vows and setting aside money instead, said religious guru Prof. Dr. Ramchandra Gautam.
The cow is also honored as Nepal’s national animal. After today’s worship, people tie to the cow’s tail the Rakshabandhan thread worn on the right hand during Shrawan Shukla Purnima.
