Govardan Puja 24th October 2014

On the fourth day of Tihar, there are three different known pujas, depending on the people's specific cultural background. Most perform Goru Tihar or Goru Puja (worship of the oxen). People also perform Govardhan Puja, which is worship towards goverdhan mountain. Cowdung is taken as representative of the mountain and is worshiped . The Newar community on the night of this day do Mha Puja (worship of self).

Govardhan Puja, also called Annakut (meaning a heap of grain) is celebrated as the day Krishna defeated Indra. It is the fourth day of Tihar the Hindu festival of lights.

The day is celebrated on the first lunar day of Shukla Paksha (Bright fortnight) in the Hindu calendar month of Kartika.

According to legends, Lord Krishna taught people to worship the Supreme Controller of nature, God, specifically Govardhan, as Govardhan is a manifestation of Krishna, and to stop worshiping the God of Rains, Lord Indra. For Annakut a mountain of food is decorated symbolizing Govardhan mountain said to be lifted by Lord Krishna to save the people from the wrath of Lord Indra, the demigod in charge of rain. People move in a circle all round the cow dung hillocks and offer prayers to Lord Govardhan. This worship has carried on from 5000 years ago to the 21st Century.