Major Festivals — Hindu Sacred Festival
Govatsa Dvadashi
Govatsa Dvadashi (Vasu Baras) falls two days before Dhanteras, on the twelfth day of the dark half of Kartik. It is dedicated to the worship of the cow and her calf — the cow being a sacred symbol of prosperity, nourishment, and motherhood in Hinduism, associated with Goddess Surabhi (the divine wish-fulfilling cow) and Lord Krishna who spent his childhood as a cowherd (Gopala). Women worship the cow and calf with flowers, sweets, and turmeric, and pray for the well-being of their children and family. It marks the start of the five-day Diwali festivities, especially in Maharashtra.
Last updated: 24 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Significance
Honors the cow as the sacred mother of prosperity and nourishment. Propitiating the divine cow Surabhi blesses the family with children, health, and abundance. In Maharashtra, this day marks the auspicious beginning of the Diwali festival period.
Rituals & Traditions
Wash and decorate the cow and calf with turmeric, flowers, and garlands. Perform aarti and apply tilak on cow's forehead. Offer jaggery, grass, and wheat bread. Circumambulate the cow. Women fast for the day and eat only once after worship. Do not consume milk or milk products on this day.
Traditional Foods
FAQ
Q.What is Govatsa Dvadashi?
Govatsa Dvadashi (Vasu Baras) falls two days before Dhanteras, on the twelfth day of the dark half of Kartik. It is dedicated to the worship of the cow and her calf — the cow being a sacred symbol of prosperity, nourishment, and motherhood in Hinduis...
Q.What is the significance of Govatsa Dvadashi?
Honors the cow as the sacred mother of prosperity and nourishment. Propitiating the divine cow Surabhi blesses the family with children, health, and abundance. In Maharashtra, this day marks the auspicious beginning of the Diwali festival period.
Q.What are the rituals of Govatsa Dvadashi?
Wash and decorate the cow and calf with turmeric, flowers, and garlands. Perform aarti and apply tilak on cow's forehead. Offer jaggery, grass, and wheat bread. Circumambulate the cow. Women fast for the day and eat only once after worship. Do not consume milk or milk products on this day.
Q.What foods are made during Govatsa Dvadashi?
Wheat bread (for cow offering), Jaggery, Baji (flattened rice), Alu vadi