Dehradun: In the mountain villages of Uttarakhand, a beloved tradition is slowly fading. Govardhan Puja, celebrated a day after Diwali, is losing its charm as tractors replace cattle in many households.
This change is affecting how people celebrate the festival, which has long been a symbol of gratitude and devotion.
Villagers worship cows and oxen
Govardhan Puja is a special day when villagers worship cows and oxen, thanking them for their role in farming and daily life. Traditionally, families would decorate their cattle with flower garlands, apply tilak and mustard oil to their horns, and offer them sweets and grains. The animals were also stamped with rice flour paste in a ritual called “thap lagana.”
But now, with the rise of hand-operated tractors and machines, many families no longer keep cattle. As a result, the number of homes celebrating Govardhan Puja has dropped sharply.
Festival feels empty in the absence of cattle
In Bageshwar district, 65-year-old villager Keshav Dutt shared his sadness: “Earlier, every house had cows or oxen. On Govardhan, the whole village would come alive with music, colors, and devotion. Now, only a few homes celebrate it.” Another local, Meena Devi, said, “We used to prepare for days—cleaning the cows, making sweets, and decorating the courtyard. But now, with no cattle, the festival feels empty.”
Young generation doesn’t know anything about this festival
Young people in the villages are also noticing the change. Ravi Singh, a college student, said, “I’ve only seen pictures of how Govardhan Puja used to be. We don’t have cows anymore, so we just light a diya and that’s it.”
Role of cattle in daily life has reduced
The shift is not just about technology but also about changing lifestyles. With fewer people involved in traditional farming and more moving to cities for work, the role of cattle in daily life has reduced. This has directly impacted the celebration of Govardhan Puja.
Some villagers try to keep traditions alive
Some villagers are trying to keep the tradition alive. In a few homes, people still borrow cattle from neighbors or nearby farms just for the puja. But even this is becoming rare. Local elders are urging younger generations to understand the cultural value of such festivals. They believe that even if cattle are no longer part of every household, the spirit of gratitude and community can still be preserved.
As Uttarakhand’s villages modernize, the future of Govardhan Puja remains uncertain. But for many, the memories still remind them of decorated cows, joyful songs, and shared sweets. It also reminds them of a time when the bond between humans and animals was celebrated with love and devotion.