the holy cow!

the holy cow!, originally uploaded by craigeubank.

The next day, we were in Chitwan with some of Shannon’s co-workers, cows were honored this day. They received similar treatment as the dogs with garlands and tikas. Some were painted all fancy like. It was quite a sight seeing a white cow with big red handprints plastered on its’ sides. We saw one cow actually receiving its’ tika and blessing. It was a full on family affair, including the dog that was still showing its’ signs of being blessed the previous day. After the cow, bullocks are honored. I don’t even know what a bullock is all I know is I saw a lot more cows with tikas that day.
The third day, Deepawali, is the most important day of the festival. Lakshmi (Vishnu’s consort and the goddess of wealth) comes to every home that has been suitably lit for her presence. This day also falls on the new moon day, so the effects of all the candles is intensified.