# Unique Govardhan Puja Ritual in Kota Village Sees Cattle Chase Leather-Wrapped Calf Hide > Cattle herders in Dharmpura village of Kota celebrated the traditional 'Khekhra' ritual during Govardhan Puja, where cows and buffaloes chased a stuffed hide. **Type:** article · **Category:** Rajasthan · **Published:** 2026-11-10 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/rajasthan/kota-ke-dharmapura-men-anokhi-govardhana-puja-mrita-pare-ke-chamare-ke-pichhe-daurai-gain-gaya-bhainsen-58511 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Kota News, Govardhan Puja, Khekhra Tradition, Hadoti Culture, Cattle Rearing On the auspicious occasion of Govardhan Puja, cattle herders in Dharmpura village of Kota kept a long-standing tradition known as 'Khekhra' alive. To witness this unique cultural practice of the Hadoti region, a large number of villagers gathered from early morning, filling the entire settlement with a festive atmosphere. The day began with herders bathing and adorning their cows and buffaloes, tying peacock feather headpieces to their heads, and performing traditional rituals. ## Ritualistic Adornment and Worship Since the Gurjar community is primarily engaged in cattle rearing and the dairy business, these animals hold a revered status akin to the goddess Lakshmi for them. Following the formal worship, the main event of 'Khekhra' commenced, marking the most anticipated part of the celebration. The entire ritual involves distinct steps that test the agility of the animals and the skill of the herders. ## How the Khekhra Tradition Works In this peculiar practice, the hide of a deceased buffalo calf is stuffed with fodder and securely tied with a rope. This stuffed hide is first allowed to be sniffed by the cattle, after which it is pulled forward while the animals chase excitedly behind it. Herders holding the rope run in front, showcasing the remarkable agility and enthusiasm of the livestock. Throughout this thrilling sequence, village elders also sing traditional folk songs known as Got gayan to elevate the festive spirit. ## Underlying Meaning of Animal Protection According to village elders, the core sentiment behind this tradition is the protection and conditioning of the livestock. When cattle graze in forests, they are accompanied by their young ones. By sniffing the hide, the animals associate it with their offspring, which triggers a protective instinct within them and makes them self-reliant. It is strongly believed that this practice keeps the animals healthy and thriving. Although the sport is thrilling, it carries inherent risks as young herders can occasionally get injured or trampled by the charging animals. Despite these hazards, the enthusiasm of the locals never wanes, and the tradition is performed with the same vigor every single year. ## Widespread Observance Across Hadoti Region Ravi गुर्जर, former president of the Government College student union, explained that this tradition is practiced across every village in Kota, Bundi, Baran, and Jhalawar. A notable aspect of the festival is that individuals who have migrated to cities like Kota return to their native villages on Padwa to participate in the ritual. Everyone who owns livestock takes part in the festivities. People residing in urban areas travel back to their villages specifically for this day to keep a tradition alive that has endured for generations and will continue to do so. Educating the younger generation about these ancestral customs remains essential. ## What this means for you This traditional rural event holds strong cultural significance for livestock owners in the region, though participants must remain cautious of physical safety risks. - **In Kota and Hadoti:** Cattle herders across rural areas of Kota, Bundi, Baran, and Jhalawar observe this day as a major community gathering. Local travel and large village congregations can experience temporary crowding during the celebrations. - **Safety Considerations:** Because the ritual involves charging livestock and running with stuffed hides, young participants face minor injury risks that require careful handling. - **Cultural Preservation:** Urban migrants return to their native villages for the festival, successfully bridging the cultural gap with the younger generation. - **Livestock Well-being:** The beliefs surrounding the ritual reinforce traditional attention given to cattle vigor and outdoor readiness in rural households. ## Why this happened This unique ritual stems from centuries-old agrarian beliefs and the deep bond between pastoral communities and their livestock in the Hadoti region. - **Ancestral Beliefs:** Elders hold that the scent of the stuffed calf hide triggers protective instincts in cows and buffaloes toward their young. - **Livestock Conditioning:** The rigorous running activity helps keep farm animals active, alert, and resilient during grazing routines. - **Community Bonding:** The festival serves as a major unifying event for the Gurjar community and local farming families to celebrate together. - **Intergenerational Ties:** Migrated urban workers return to their roots on this specific day to ensure ancestral customs are handed down to the youth. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. On which occasion is the Khekhra tradition performed? This tradition is observed on the auspicious day of Govardhan Puja. ### 2. In which region is this ritual primarily practiced? It is prominently practiced across the districts of Kota, Bundi, Baran, and Jhalawar in the Hadoti region. ### 3. What object is used during the Khekhra ritual? The hide of a deceased buffalo calf is stuffed with fodder and secured with a rope. ### 4. What is the primary purpose behind this tradition? It is believed to awaken protective instincts in cattle toward their offspring and keep them physically vigorous. ### 5. Who specifically participates in this event? Local herders and individuals who have migrated to cities return to their native villages on Padwa to take part. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._