I’ve seen some strange sights in my time, many in Nepal, but none stranger than those associated with Tihar (Diwali, in India, Festival of Light). Each day has a focus of specific worship in sequence Crows, Dogs, Cows, Self, Brothers, and today is the third day, known as Gai Puja, when cows are worshipped and revered.

We were in Nepal staying with Dr C’s youngest brother a few years back and the sound of a bell ringing outside the house gates was the sign for my wife and her sister in law to dash out with a silver tray containing various Buddhist/Hindu “offerings”. In the lane I then witnessed Bimala, my sister in law, anoint a cow, led by its owner, with water, colouring and marigold flowers before casting rice over its head. Finally the cow was fed with fruit and sweets, the photo proves I didn’t dream it or make this up!

This morning I received a few photos from my good friend Babita who went out cow hunting with her son and husband to perform the cow ceremony, Gai Pooja, …….

And here’s another one from my brother in law, Dr M, of his daughter in law Asmita also performing the Gai Pooja.

I always enjoyed being in Kathmandu during the Festival of Light, each day with a different focus, as well as temples amazingly lit up with candles and butter lamps. Lots of feasting too, mostly with Newari foods and their firewater, Ela. Tomorrow is New Years Day in the Newar (pronounced nay waah) people’s calendar too, so ….. Happy New Year to all our family and friends in Kathmandu. But it’s not the only New Year’s Day in Nepal …… more tomorrow.

Yesterday evening in Kathmandu was the time for Laxmi Pooja, a ceremony I briefly described in yesterdays post. Here’s a couple of photos from yesterday evening also sent to me by Babita who is honouring the goddess in her home:

Categories: Buddha

Tags: Buddha, Buddhism, Buddhist, Diwali, festival of light, Kathmandu, Laxmi, Nepal, Tihar