Preparations are in full swing for the joyous and vibrant festival of Diwali. Also known as Deepawali or the Festival of Lights, Diwali is marked with great enthusiasm across different parts of the country. Diwali signifies the homecoming of Lord Rama with wife Sita and brother Lakshman after the 14 years of exile. Vasu Baras, also known as Govatsa Dwadashi, marks the first day of Diwali. The day is dedicated to the worshipping of cows and calves. The festival is highly significant in Maharashtra. Vasu Baras is celebrated as Vagh Baras in Gujarat. On the day of Govatsa Dwadashi, the festive fervour of the Festival of Lights begins. So, when is Vasu Baras 2024? Know Vasu Baras 2024 date, Govatsa Dwadashi Puja time, auspicious muhurat, important timings and significance to celebrate the first day of Diwali.

Vasu Baras 2024 Date and Auspicious Timings

Vasu Baras or Govatsa Dwadashi 2024 falls on Monday, October 28. The Pradoshkala Govatsa Dwadashi Muhurat begins at 06:06 PM and ends at 08:37 PM on October 28. The Dwadashi tithi begins at 07:50 AM on October 28 and ends at 10:31 AM on October 29.

Vasu Baras Significance and Traditions

Vasu Baras or Govatsa Dwadashi takes place a day before the Dhanteras festival. In Hindu mythology and legends, cows are considered sacred manifestations of the divine. On this auspicious occasion, women fast for their children to live a long life. The festival, also known as Nandini Vrat, is dedicated to the worship of cows, a symbolic gesture of gratitude, love and abundance. After the puja ceremony, the wheat products are given to the cows and calves. In Maharashtra, after the Govatsa Dwadashi puja, devotees enjoy a grand feast known as ‘Faral,’ which mainly includes sweets like chakli and laddoos. Diwali 2024 Dates: Is Deepawali on October 31 or November 1? Know the Exact Dhanteras Date, Choti and Badi Diwali Auspicious Timings and Other Details of the Diwali Calendar.

During the festival of Govatsa Dwadashi, the cow is worshipped as the supreme deity who bestows innumerable blessings. The festival marks the beginning of the five-day celebration of Diwali.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 25, 2024 05:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).