Kathmandu: Gai or Cow Puja is being observed nationwide today, marking the third day of the five-day-long Tihar festival celebrated by Hindus in Nepal. This day, locally known as Gai Tihar, involves the worship of cows, symbolizing the revered status of the cow as a mother and a source of nutritious milk.
Cows are garlanded, adorned, and offered various delicacies during the worship. The tradition of worshipping cows has ancient roots in Vedic times, with cows considered sacred and revered as cow mothers.
Modern science has affirmed the importance of cows, particularly the local breed, as their milk is rich in nutrients and energy derived from the sun and moon. In some communities, there's a tradition of worshipping cows on Kartik Krishna Aunsi, while others believe it should be performed at the transition from Aunsi to Pratipada.
