Govari and Yadav communities observe 'cow playing' ritual on Govardhan Puja in Balaghat

The Govari and Yadav communities in Balaghat performed their traditional "gaay khelna" (playing the cow) ritual on Govardhan Puja, after Diwali. In the urban area, the ritual was held at the Khiliya Muthiya shrine near the bus stand, while in rural areas the tradition was observed at the Aakhar ground.

At the Khiliya Muthiya shrine, a symbol of Govardhan mountain was first made from cow dung and worshipped. Members of the community first worshipped the idol placed at the shrine. A calf was then brought there and the ritual of playing the cow was completed.

According to the community's belief, a newborn child was also placed there during the tradition. People believe that doing so protects the child from outside evils.

As part of the tradition, people applied a tilak made from the cow-dung Govardhan to one another and exchanged greetings for the festival. The ritual was also observed in the neighbouring village of Kosmi and in other rural areas of the district.

The Govari community is said to have followed this tradition for decades. In villages, members of the Ahir community also take part, and the whole village observes the tradition together. A large number of community members and villagers attended the programme.