Govatsa Dwadashi or Bach Baras, is a significant festival among the Hindus, dedicated to the worship of cows and calves. This festival marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities and is primarily observed in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Maharashtra celebrate the event as Vasu Baras, commemorating the beginning of Diwali, while Gujaratis celebrate the festival as Vagh Baras or Bach Baras. The day holds immense cultural and religious significance, especially among the rural communities where cows are regarded as the symbols of prosperity and nurturing. Bach Baras 2024 falls on August 20, 2024. In this article, we provide you with Bach Baras 2024 date and shubh timing, significance, rituals and celebrations.

Bach Baras 2024 Date and Time

Bach Baras 2024 falls on August 30, 2024. The shubh tithi starts on August 29 at 01:37 AM and concludes on August 30 at 02:25 AM.

Bach Baras Significance, Rituals and Celebration

The festival holds profound significance in agrarian societies, where cows are considered the backbone of the rural economy and agriculture. Cows are considered a symbol of motherhood and fertility, providing sustenance in the form of milk and dairy products. Devotees worship cows on this day to seek her blessings for the well-being of their family, particularly children. The festival acknowledges the role of cows in sustaining human life.

Nandini Vrat, named after the sacred cow Nandini, who is believed to be the daughter of Kamadhenu, the divine cow that grants all wishes, is observed by devotees, particularly women. They observe this fast and perform rituals like cleaning and decorating the cows and calves with flowers, turmeric and vermilion, offering food to them and doing aarti to honour them.

Devotees celebrate the festival by decorating their cows and calves. They distribute sweets and fruits as prasad to the community people. Devotees wear new clothes and feast on special foods on this day. Besides, they spend the day listening to Bach Baras vrat katha.

Bach Baras Vrat Katha

Apart from being a festival, Bach Baras or Govatsa Dwadashi is a symbolic celebration of the relationship between humans and cows. By honouring cows on this day, devotees express their gratitude and seek blessings for their families. As we approach Bach Baras, the festival sets the tone for the celebration that follows.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 30, 2024 10:14 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).