Devotees lie down as decorated cows and bullls walk over them at Gai Gohri in Alirajpur

The Gai Gohri festival was celebrated in the main market of Alirajpur town and in Sejwada on Tuesday, November 10. Devotees whose vows had been fulfilled lay down on the ground, and decorated cows and bullocks were then led over them. People from villages and residents of the town gathered in large numbers to watch.

Preparations began early in the morning. Cattle owners bathed their cows and bullocks and decorated them with colour. Ghungroos, bells and other ornaments were put around their necks. After worship, the cattle were brought into the event.

According to rural belief, people whose wishes have been granted fulfil their vow by lying down beneath the cow on the day of Gai Gohri. The cattle are made to pass over them at that time. Those who make such vows do so for prosperity in business, the birth of a child and the well-being of their families.

Manish, president of the Mali Samaj, said the tradition has continued for many years. He said the younger generation is also now joining in. During the event, some people held firecrackers in their hands and set them off. The decorated cows and bullocks remained the centre of attraction. People celebrated the festival at both the main market and Sejwada.

The Gai Gohri festival is linked to rural life, farming and livestock. In earlier times, cows and bullocks were the livelihood of village families and the mainstay of farming. The tradition of honouring and worshipping animals is tied to this. People still take part in the event today and carry their cultural heritage forward.