Gott puja is a traditional ritual celebrated by the southern ethnic community called Lhotshampas that is passed down from the old age tradition. The word ‘Gott’ (Figure 33) closely resembles the Dzongkha word ‘Nor Jangsa’ which refers to the place where domesticated animals are housed or allowed to graze. Puja is also spelled as ‘pooja’ or ‘poojah’ meaning the ceremonial worship made by the family or community ranging from the brief rites at home to detailed temple rites before an image of the deity (Gaur, 1998) or the natural surroundings. Gott puja in general means the worship of the deity performed by a recognized regional priest or guru, in the animal sheds or open-air pastures where animals are mostly grazed. This particular puja is also called ‘zoolatry’ in English, denoting any religious or ritual practice involving animals. It is performed by the individual family owning livestock, especially cattle. It is done to seek the protection and well-being of the animals. It is also believed by the people that this puja‘s performance would help enhance livestock production. Most people rearing livestock have this practice of migrating animals to a warmer place during winter and a colder place during summer to protect animals from extreme cold and hot weather conditions. This ritual is also practiced in different migrating places of the animals during winter and summer seasons to seek blessings and protection from the local deity of the place.
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