Nepal Worship Cow And Oxen

Click image to zoom

Nepal Worship Cow And Oxen

Nepali Hindus perform rituals of Gai Puja (cow worship), Goru Puja (ox worship), and Govardhan Puja, marking the five-day Tihar festival in Lalitpur, Nepal, on October 22, 2025. On this day, rituals for Gai Puja and Govardhan Puja involve creating replicas of the cow and Govardhan Mountain using cow dung. Devotees prepare a mixture of cow dung and ochre, forming a paste to apply on their courtyards and floors. Hindus revere the cow as a mother, considering it sacred. Modern science supports the belief that indigenous breeds of cows absorb energy from the sun and moon through their humps, which is then transmitted through milk to humans. As part of Gai Puja rituals, cows are fed sweets and delicacies. It is customary to tie the sacred thread, worn on Janai Purnima, around the cow's tail during the ceremony. This act is believed to assist the soul in crossing the mythical Baitarani River to reach heaven after death. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)


Photo Details


Usage Guidelines

Editorial Use Only. Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Contact us for licensing inquiries

Related Keywords

License This Photo

Total Price
35.00
Secure checkout

Need a custom license?

Contact Sales
2025 NurPhoto. All rights reserved. This image is the property of NurPhoto and is protected under international copyright laws.