Govatsa Dwadashi 2024: Celebrating the Sacred Bond Between Humans and Cows

Observed a day before Dhanteras, this Hindu festival honors cows and calves as symbols of prosperity and nurturing.

Govatsa Dwadashi, known as Vasu Baras in Maharashtra and Vagh Baras in Gujarat, will be celebrated on October 28, 2024.
The festival is marked by the worship of cows and calves, highlighting their importance in Hindu culture as symbols of fertility and abundance.
Rituals include decorating cows with vermilion marks, colorful clothes, and flower garlands, and offering sprouting moong and gram.
Devotees observe Nandini Vrat, a day-long fast, to pray for their children's health and well-being, often abstaining from certain foods.
The auspicious timings for the festival include the Pradoshkala Muhurat, from 5:47 PM to 8:21 PM on October 28.