Hindu Observances Honor Cows and Mark New Year

As part of the Diwali festivities, Hindus are gathering for a ceremony to demonstrate respect and honor for the sacred cow, using flowers and organic vegetables. Officials state that the event, scheduled for Saturday, aims to express “thanks, love and respect” for the contributions of cows, which are revered in Hindu tradition. This ceremony is being hosted at Ahimsa Eco Farm in Oakham, Rutland, where cows are presented with homemade jaggery sweets and adorned with flower garlands. The farm’s milk production adheres to the principles of Ahimsa, a concept frequently translated as non-violence. Later on the same day, at the Temple on Granby Street, Leicester, the Govardhan Puja festival will showcase hundreds of platters of vegetarian food. This festival also commemorates the Hindu New Year. Pradyumna Das, Temple President of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Leicester branch, who is organizing the ceremony, remarked: “Cows are especially revered by Hindus all over the world, and on this day, we offer them thanks, love and respect for what they offer to us. “We are fortunate to be able to visit the Ahimsa Eco Farm project, which is dedicated to respecting and protecting the cows, giving people an ethical choice.” The Govardhan festival commemorates the time when Lord Krishna lifted a hill for seven days, using it as an umbrella to shield residents who were suffering from a severe storm. Organizers explain that it is celebrated as an act of sharing and kindness, and everyone is welcome at both the farm and the temple. Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.