Nanpur community holds Gai Gohri festival, cows led over devotees whose vows were fulfilled

The Sagar Vanshiya Mali Samaj celebrated its traditional Gai Gohri festival in Nanpur, in Alirajpur district, on Tuesday. The event was marked by devotion and enthusiasm, and by distinctive scenes of faith and tradition.

Cattle owners had prepared for the festival in advance. Cows and bullocks were bathed and colours were applied to their bodies. They were adorned with ghungroos, bells and other decorations. Prayers were then offered following traditional rituals, and the decorated animals were brought out.

The main attraction was the tradition of walking cows over devotees who had made vows. When a wish of a member of the community is fulfilled, they lie down on the ground and the cow, revered as mother, is led over them. According to belief, devotees express their faith in the cow in this way. This time too, many devotees whose vows had been fulfilled lay on the ground and decorated cows passed over them.

Fireworks were also an attraction. Some people held firecrackers in their hands and set them off. Members of the community and villagers from nearby areas came in large numbers to watch the festival amid the sound of the crackers.

The Gai Gohri festival is linked to rural culture and the importance of livestock. Cows and bullocks have long played an important role in farming, which is why animals are decorated and worshipped on this festival. Even in these modern times, the Sagar Vanshiya Mali Samaj of Nanpur has continued its old tradition.