Govardhan Puja, observed on the fourth day of Tihar, commemorates the episode from the Bhagavata Purana in which Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill on his little finger to shelter villagers from Indra's floods, leading people to worship the hill — and by extension, the natural abundance it symbolises — in gratitude. In Nepal, the day is often combined with the worship of oxen (Govardhan or Goru Puja), honouring them for their indispensable role in farming and sustenance, and families present them with garlands, food and tika. Customs and the exact forms of worship vary considerably between Hindu and Newar communities and between households, so local practices should be observed as the primary guide.
Govardhan Puja, also known as Goru Tihar, is observed on the fourth day of the festival and is primarily dedicated to the worship of oxen. In an agrarian society like Nepal, the ox is an indispensable partner in farming, providing the grueling labor required to plow the fields. This day is a heartfelt expression of gratitude for their tireless contribution to the community's survival and prosperity.
Rituals of Gratitude
Similar to the worship of cows and dogs, the oxen are treated with immense respect on this day. They are given a well-deserved rest from their agricultural duties, bathed, and decorated with red Tika and floral garlands. Farmers offer them special feeds containing nutritious grains, vegetables, and treats, acknowledging their hard work and essential role in the agricultural cycle.
The Myth of Govardhan Hill
The day also commemorates a famous episode from Hindu mythology involving Lord Krishna. According to the legend, Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from the torrential rains sent by the angry rain god, Indra. Devotees often create a small mound of cow dung to represent the Govardhan Hill and worship it, symbolizing a deep respect for nature and its protective powers.
Planning for Govardhan Puja
This 2083 date is part of the Tihar schedule. Check the calendar’s holiday scope separately from the observance itself. Family and community practices can vary; the festival date alone does not specify an exact ceremony time.