Govardan Pooja and Goru Pooja or ox worship are being observed on Tuesday throughout the country on the fourth day of the five-day-long Tihar festival.

The occasion is observed with the replicas of the Govardhan Mountain made out of cow dung. People prepare a mixture of cow dung and ochre formed into a paste and apply it in the courtyard of their homes and on the floors today.

These rituals are elaborately observed as Godhan Pooja in the Mithila region.

The rituals are linked to the Hindu God Sri Krishna who, according to the legend, lifted the Govardhan Mountain by his hand and protected the people of a place called Gokul from torrential rains caused by an enraged Indra, the God of rain.

It is believed that the rain God was angered and thereby caused the heavy downpour.

Similarly, the ox is also worshipped today. The ox is offered delicacies on the occasion out of respect for its significant role in ploughing the fields for cultivation and its service to humans. The ox is also taken as the vehicle of Lord Mahadev and worshipped on this day.

Likewise, the Hali, or the person who ploughs the agricultural land with the help of oxen and the tiller peasants are also recognised on this day by offering them delicacies. Therefore, the day is also known as ‘Hali Tihar’.