Mha puja, Govardhan puja and Nepal sambat being celebrated today

KATHMANDU, Oct 26: Govardhan puja is being observed today on October 26 along with Mha puja and goru puja as well. The tithi for Govardhan puja is Shukla Paksha Pratipada. It is a day where people worship replicas of Govardhan mountain made out of dung. It is an appreciation of not only the mountain, but every other mountain and the various aspects of nature that are displayed on such mountains.

Govardhan puja began due to a legend that God Krishna carried the Govardhan mountain on his pinky finger to save the residents of the villages near it from a flood caused by the wrath of Lord Indra. In this day, Goru or the Ox is also worshiped as it's a staple domesticated animal that tremendously helps in farming and cultivation, especially in an agricultural country like ours where people don't have easy access to tractors and machinery.

Alongside that, Mha puja is also being observed today. It is also called Nhu Dan or New year since it is the first day of the year of Nepal Sambat. Nepal Sambat began as a way of respecting Shankhadhar Sakhwa for relieving the debt of all Nepali people during the rule of King Raghadev.

During Mha puja, the newari community makes a mandala (mini rangoli) for every member of the family plus five more for the Gods. They decorate and worship the mandala along with other items such as a broom, nanglo, etc. It is a festival about worshiping oneself and the God inside every one of us.

The Deusi also continues today with children and teenagers singing songs and doing dances in their community and being given sweets, money etc. The lights and fireworks are also used to make it a very cheerful and bright occasion.