Today i.e. November 4 is Govatsa Dwadashi, a unique Hindu festival dedicated to the worshipping of cows as a mark of reverence for their contribution in sustaining the human life. Govatsa Dwadashi is celebrated one day before Dhanteras and on the 12th day (Dwadashi) of the Krishna Paksha in the Ashwin month of the traditional Hindu calendar. On this day Hindu devotees worship ‘Nandini’, the divine cow. In Maharashtra, this day is marked as ‘Vasu Baras’ and the first day of the Diwali festivities. While in Gujarat it is celebrated as ‘Vagh Baras’. Celebrate the day by knowing the auspicious puja time, rituals to follow and significance of worshipping cows on this auspicious day. Govatsa Dwadashi Images & Vasu Baras Rangoli, Photos of Gau Mata Puja: Celebrate This Festival of Cows Before Dhanteras and Diwali 2018 Begins.

Significance of Govatsa Dwadashi

Hindu devotees worship the divine cow, Nandini. It is believed that by doing so, all their sins will we be washed away, just like bathing in the holy rive Ganges. It is also believed that all the Gods and Goddesses reside a cow. Lord Krishna was also fond of cows. Hindus consider the cow as one of the most sacred animals. Cows are worshipped as holy mothers because they offer nourishment to human beings in the form of milk. It is also believed that if a couple who are unable to conceive children should observe fast on this day and will be blessed with children. ‘Vagh’ also means money in certain parts of India and therefore, businessmen close their account books on this day and do not make any more transactions until they open a new account book on the day of Diwali.

Govatsa Dwadashi Puja Time

Puja Time: 06 pm to 08:32 pm

Rituals to Follow on Govatsa Dwadashi

On this day, cows are given ritualistic bath, vermillion is applied on the forehead and adorned with garland of flowers. If you cannot find a cow one can also make mud idols. In the evening, an aarti is performed. Offering like gram and spouted moong are made to the cow. Women observe fasting or vrat on this day for the well-being of their children. Women who pledge to fast should refrain from intercourse and stay awake all night. The fasting is called Nandini Vrat.

Devotees also offer prayers to Lord Krishna who had profound gratitude and love for cows. People also abstain from drinking cow’s milk and other dairy products like curd and ghee on the day of Govatsa Dwadashi. In Andhra Pradesh, the festival is called the ‘Sriprada Vallabha Aradhana Utsav’.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 04, 2018 10:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).