Tihar day 4: Govardhan Puja honors cows, while Newars celebrate Mha Puja and New Year

The fourth day of Tihar is celebrated as Govardhan Puja, along with the Newari community’s Mha Puja and New Year. On this day, families honor cows, revered in Hindu culture as symbols of abundance and prosperity. This day underscores the essential role of cattle in agriculture and everyday life, with people decorating their cows with marigold garlands to express gratitude for their contributions.

In addition to Govardhan Puja, Newar communities celebrate Mha Puja, a ritual dedicated to purifying and empowering the self. This day also marks New Year’s Day in the Nepal Sambat calendar. Mha Puja is a unique cultural tradition in which individuals perform rituals to bless their own souls, ensuring health, prosperity, and positivity for the coming year. The day is celebrated with family gatherings, feasts, and ceremonial offerings, as well as the lighting of lamps, which symbolizes inner light and self-awareness.