Cow worship observed on the fifth day of Tihar

The fifth day of Tihar, Kartik Shukla Pratipada, also known as Yama Panchak, is being celebrated today by worshipping cows and offering them sweet foods.

Cows have been regarded as sacred since ancient times. They are revered as Gau Mata, as their milk is considered as nourishing as a mother’s milk. Modern science has also recognized their importance, noting that the hooves of local cow breeds absorb energy from the sun and moon, providing strength to humans through milk, ghee, and dung.

According to religious belief, worshipping and feeding cows sweet dishes on this day ensures the continual blessings of purity derived from cows. While some regions and communities in Nepal observe cow worship on Kartik Krishna Aunsi, theologian Prof. Toyaraj Nepal explained that, according to classical tradition, the ritual should be performed at the end of Aunsi and the beginning of Pratipada.

In Vedic Sanatan Hinduism, the ritual of donating cows is considered essential in various religious acts. In recent times, in the absence of cows, devotees symbolically offer money while reciting vows stating, “In the absence of cows, money is being offered.” The cow is revered not only as Gau Mata but also as Nepal’s national animal. There is also a belief that if the Raksha Bandhan tied on the right wrist during Shrawan Shukla Purnima is tied to the cow’s tail today, the cow will help the devotee cross the Baitarani River after death and attain heaven.