KATHMANDU, Nov 9: The fourth day of Tihar is being observed across the country today with the worship of cows and offerings of sweets.
In Hinduism, the cow is revered as a sacred animal and worshipped as Gau Mata, or Mother Cow, as its milk is considered as nourishing as a mother's milk.
Gai Tihar being observed
Cows also hold religious and cultural significance for providing milk, dung and urine. According to religious beliefs, worshipping cows with devotion and offering them sweets brings religious merit. In some parts of Nepal and among certain communities, cow worship is performed on Kartik Krishna Aunsi.
However, scriptural traditions place 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 increasingly scarce, more people have recently started making vows and setting aside money instead of offering actual cows, said religious guru Prof. Dr. Ramchandra Gautam.
The cow is also Nepal's national animal. Following the worship, people tie to the cow's tail the Rakshabandhan thread worn on their right hand during Shrawan Shukla Purnima.
