Govatsa Dwadashi 2024, celebrated on October 28, 2024, marks the start of the Diwali festivities in some parts of India, particularly in Maharashtra, where it’s called “Vasu Baras.” This special day is dedicated to honoring cows and their calves, who are cherished as symbols of prosperity and care.
Observed just a day before Dhanteras, Govatsa Dwadashi carries strong cultural importance, highlighting gratitude for the nurturing role of cows in human life.
Govatsa Dwadashi 2024
Nandini Vrat, also known as Govatsa Dwadashi, is a Hindu festival that honors the cow’s essential role in supporting human life. Celebrated on the 12th day of the waning moon (Krishna Paksha) in the Ashwin month, this festival emphasizes the cow’s significance in Hindu culture. On this day, devotees worship cows as an expression of gratitude for the nourishment and support they provide.
The festival highlights the sacred connection between humans and animals, encouraging compassion and respect for nature. By paying homage to cows, Hindus celebrate the natural order and the interconnectedness of all life, seeking blessings and prosperity. In 2024, Govatsa Dwadashi will be celebrated on October 28.
Govatsa Dwadashi 2024 Date
Govatsa Dwadashi is celebrated on the 12th day of the Krishna Paksha, or waning moon phase, in the Hindu month of Ashwin. As per Drik Panchang, this year it will be observed on Monday, October 28, 2024.
Govatsa Dwadashi 2024 Shubh Muhurat
The auspicious timings for Govatsa Dwadashi observance are as follows:
| Govatsa Dwadashi 2024 Shubh Muhurat | ||
|---|---|---|
| Occasion | Date | Timing |
| Pradoshkala Govatsa Dwadashi Muhurat | October 28, 2024 | 5:39 PM to 8:13 PM |
| Duration | October 28, 2024 | 2 hours 34 minutes |
| Dwadashi Tithi Begins | October 28, 2024 | 7:50 AM |
| Dwadashi Tithi Ends | October 29, 2024 | 10:31 AM |
Govatsa Dwadashi 2024 Significance
Govatsa Dwadashi, also known as Nandini Vrat or Vasu Baras, is a Hindu festival dedicated to honoring cows and calves. Primarily celebrated in Maharashtra, this occasion emphasizes the sacred place cows hold in Hindu culture.
Inspired by the mythological event of Samudra Manthan, where gods and demons churned the ocean in search of nectar, the festival celebrates the appearance of Kamadhenu, a divine cow symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and nourishment.
Lord Krishna, regarded as an avatar of Vishnu, shares a deep connection with cows, seeing them as cherished companions. Kamadhenu represents abundance and motherhood, embodying blessings for a fulfilling life.
Govatsa Dwadashi highlights the spiritual bond between humans, animals, and nature. Through honoring cows, devotees express gratitude, seek prosperity, and strive for harmony with the natural world, reinforcing Hinduism’s respect for all living beings.
Govatsa Dwadashi 2024 Rituals
Govatsa Dwadashi is marked by unique traditions that express gratitude and respect toward cows. Here are some traditional observances for this sacred day:
Worship of Cows: Devotees honor cows as symbols of sustenance and abundance, expressing gratitude through rituals and offerings.
Decoration of Cows and Calves: Cows and calves are bathed, adorned with vermilion on their foreheads, colorful clothes, and flower garlands. If a live cow is unavailable, devotees use clay idols decorated with kumkum and turmeric.
Evening Aarti: An evening worship ritual, or aarti, is performed, highlighting the divine significance of cows.
Offerings to Cows: Cows are offered sprouting moong and gram, representing nourishment, as they are seen as representations of the divine cow, Nandini.
Worship of Lord Krishna: Shri Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, is revered on this day for his deep bond with cows.
Fasting by Women: Women observe a fast, eating only once, and pray for the health and well-being of their children. This fast often includes abstaining from liquids, reducing physical activity, and sleeping on the floor.
Night Vigil or Floor Sleeping: Observers of Nandini Vrat may stay awake all night or sleep on the floor if needed.
Dietary Restrictions: Some devotees refrain from consuming ghee, curd, and cow’s milk as a mark of respect.
These rituals emphasize compassion, gratitude, and a connection with nature, aligning with the festival’s values.
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| Govardhan Puja 2024 | Bhai Dooj 2024 |
| Ahoi Ashtami 2024 | Dhanteras 2024 |
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| Rama Ekadashi 2024 | |
Govatsa Dwadashi 2024 FAQs
Q.1. What is the date of Govatsa Dwadashi 2024?
Ans. Govatsa Dwadashi will be celebrated on October 28, 2024, which is the 12th day of the Krishna Paksha in Ashwin month.
Q.2. Why is Govatsa Dwadashi celebrated?
Ans. Govatsa Dwadashi is celebrated to honor cows, which are revered for their nurturing role in Hindu culture as symbols of prosperity, care, and sustenance.
Q.3. What rituals are performed on Govatsa Dwadashi?
Ans. Devotees perform cow worship, decorate cows, offer sprouted grains, perform evening aarti, and observe fasting, especially by women who pray for their children’s health and well-being.
Q.4. What is the significance of Kamadhenu on Govatsa Dwadashi?
Ans. Kamadhenu, the divine cow, emerged during Samudra Manthan and represents fertility, abundance, and motherhood. Her worship symbolizes prosperity and blessings for a fulfilling life.
Q.5. Are there any dietary restrictions on Govatsa Dwadashi?
Ans. Yes, some devotees avoid ghee, curd, and cow’s milk to honor the sacredness of cows and show respect on this day.
