Bol Choth 2024 Date and Significance: From Godhuli Puja Timings to Rituals and Customs, Here’s All You Need To Know About Bahula Chaturthi
Bahula Chaturthi, or Bol Choth, is a festival that celebrates the sacred bond between humans and cows. Through a series of rituals and customs, devotees express their gratitude and seek divine blessings for prosperity and wellbeing.
Bol Choth, also known as Bahula Chaturthi, is a significant cultural festival celebrated by the agricultural community in India, particularly in Gujarat. This festival, observed during the month of Shravana in the Hindu calendar, focuses on the veneration of cows and their calves. It is a time for farmers and their families to show gratitude and seek blessings for prosperity. On Bol Choth 2024, here, we bring you Bahula Chaturthi date, significance, Godhuli Puja timings to rituals and customs, here's all you need to know.
Bahula Chaturthi 2024 Date and Timing
Bahula Chaturthi 2024 is observed on August 22, which will continue until August 23. The puja timings are as follows:
- Start Time: August 22, 2024, at 01:46 PM
- End Time: August 23, 2024, at 10:38 AM
- Godhuli Puja Timing: August 22, 2024, from 06:40 PM to 07:06 PM
Bahula Chaturthi Significance
Bahula Chaturthi has roots in ancient Hindu folklore. One legend recounts the story of Bahula, a devoted cow who faced a lion while on her way to feed her calf. She promised to return after feeding her calf, knowing the lion's intentions. The lion, moved by her dedication and motherly love, allowed her to go back to her calf. It is believed that the lion was none other than Lord Krishna testing Bahula’s devotion. Impressed by her loyalty, Krishna blessed Bahula and decreed that she would be honored on this day.
Bahula Chaturthi: Rituals and Customs
- Preparation: On the morning of Bahula Chaturthi, devotees rise early and begin their preparations. They bathe at Brahma Muhurat, the auspicious time before dawn, to start the day on a spiritually significant note. The day is dedicated to Lord Krishna, and preparations are made with reverence and purity.
- Cleaning: A major ritual involves thoroughly cleaning both the cattle and their sheds. This act of cleaning symbolizes respect and gratitude for the animals that play a crucial role in agriculture. The barns where the cows are kept are also cleaned to show appreciation for these animals' contributions.
- Prayers: Devotees offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. Homes are adorned with images of these deities, and offerings of kumkum, Chandan, fruits, and flowers are made. Many people visit temples dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna to seek their blessings.
- Aarti: The ritual of Aarti is an integral part of Bahula Chaturthi. Hymns and mantras, such as "Om Namoh Bhagwatey Vasudevaye," are chanted to invoke divine blessings and create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. The Aarti helps in fostering a deeper connection with the deities and adds a sense of positivity to the celebrations.
- Godhuli Puja: Godhuli Puja, or Gau pooja, is a special ritual performed on Bahula Chaturthi. Cows and calves are decorated with flowers and garlands, and a tilak of kumkum is applied to them. This puja is intended to bring peace and ensure a fruitful farming season.
- Bahula Choth Vrat: Fasting is a central aspect of Bahula Chaturthi. Devotees observe a full-day fast, starting in the morning. The fast is broken after the evening Godhuli Puja, and a ritual offering, or Arghya, is given to the moon. This practice reflects the festival's dedication to spiritual discipline and reverence.
- Special Food Items: On Bahula Chaturthi, devotees abstain from milk and dairy products, as a mark of respect for the calves that consume cow's milk. Instead, they prepare dishes using millets and other non-dairy ingredients. Traditional rice-based foods are also made and offered to the cattle as a part of the festivities.
Bahula Chaturthi, or Bol Choth, is a festival that celebrates the sacred bond between humans and cows. Through a series of rituals and customs, devotees express their gratitude and seek divine blessings for prosperity and wellbeing. Observing this festival with devotion and respect not only honors ancient traditions but also reinforces the cultural and spiritual values associated with agriculture and livestock in India.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 20, 2024 09:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).