Fourth day of the Tihar Festival

What Is the Fourth day of the Tihar Festival?

The Fourth day of the Tihar Festival, known as Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja, is a significant observance within the five-day Tihar festival in Nepal. This day features distinct traditional practices that vary between communities. It is a day dedicated to the veneration of Govardhan Hill and, for the Newar community, an introspective ritual of self-worship.

This particular day highlights the cultural diversity of Nepal, encompassing both pan-Hindu traditions and specific ethnic customs. It follows Laxmi Puja, the primary day for worshipping the goddess of wealth, marking a continued period of reflection, celebration, and gratitude. The observances on this day underscore themes of protection, prosperity, and personal well-being.

History and Origins of the Fourth day of the Tihar Festival

The Tihar Festival itself has ancient roots, aligning with the broader Hindu festival of lights, Deepavali or Diwali, celebrated across South Asia. Its origins are steeped in various Puranic narratives and agrarian traditions, revering animals and natural elements essential for sustenance and prosperity. Each day of Tihar carries a unique historical and cultural significance.

Govardhan Puja, a central observance of the Fourth day, commemorates the legend of Lord Krishna. According to Hindu scriptures, Krishna, as a young boy, lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra, the god of rain. This act established the supremacy of nature and the importance of community, leading to the tradition of worshipping the Govardhan mountain, often represented symbolically.

Mha Puja, exclusively observed by the Newar community in Nepal, is a unique ritual of self-worship. Its origins are deeply embedded in Newar cultural and spiritual traditions, focusing on purifying the self and wishing for personal well-being, longevity, and prosperity. This distinct practice reflects the rich tapestry of ethnic traditions present within Nepal’s broader Hindu framework.

How the Fourth day of the Tihar Festival Is Celebrated

The Fourth day of the Tihar Festival is celebrated with distinct traditions, primarily categorised into Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja. These rituals embody different aspects of cultural and traditional reverence, observed by various communities across Nepal.

Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja involves the worship of Govardhan Hill, often symbolised by a mound of cow dung. This mound is elaborately decorated with flowers, leaves, and various food offerings, representing the protective mountain. People offer prayers and food items, known as ‘Bali’, to this symbolic hill, seeking protection and blessings. Cows are also specifically revered on this day, with people offering them special food and decorating them with garlands. The cow, being a symbol of wealth and prosperity in Hindu tradition, receives significant homage. Families gather to perform these rituals, often singing devotional songs and preparing special meals, particularly vegetarian dishes.

Mha Puja

Mha Puja, meaning ‘worship of the self’ in Nepal Bhasa, is a deeply personal and culturally specific observance of the Newar community. This ritual is performed in the evening, usually within the home, where each family member worships their own soul. A detailed mandala (sacred geometric design) is drawn on the floor for each participant, made from rice flour and other colourful powders. Offerings of fruits, sweets, eggs, fish, and various traditional Newar dishes are placed on the mandala. Participants sit before their respective mandalas, receiving blessings from elders, particularly their mothers. A symbolic ‘janku’ (long life thread) is also presented, signifying longevity and good health. The culmination is a grand feast shared among family members, reinforcing familial bonds and personal well-being.

When Is the Fourth day of the Tihar Festival?

The Fourth day of the Tihar Festival is determined by the Vikram Samvat lunar calendar, which is the official calendar in Nepal. As such, its Gregorian calendar date varies each year, typically falling in late October or early November. It always occurs on the fourth day of the five-day Tihar festival period.

This day specifically aligns with the new moon day (Amavasya) or the day after, depending on the specific lunar calculations for Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja within the wider Tihar schedule. The exact date is subject to the Nepali astronomical almanac (Panchang), which dictates the timing of all Hindu festivals.

Fourth day of the Tihar Festival Key Facts