Gai Puja today
Summary
Gai Puja, the cow worship ritual, is observed across Nepal today, with devotees honoring cows as sacred and linking the tradition to Hindu mythology involving Sri Krishna.
Key Points
- Gai Puja or cow worship is observed throughout Nepal today.
- The cow is revered as mother by Hindus and is central to the puja rituals which involve feeding cows sweets and delicacies.
- A tradition ties the sacred thread from Janai Poornima to the cow's tail during the puja, believed to help the soul cross the mythical Baitarani River after death.
- The ritual is linked to the Hindu God Sri Krishna who protected the people of Gokul by lifting Govardhan Mountain against torrential rains by God Indra.
