Vasu-Baras – 21st Oct 2022

Vasu Baras or Govats Dwadashi is an important festival of Maharashtra that marks the beginning of the Diwali festival. Vasu baras is a thanksgiving festival to the cows for their aid in sustaining human life. The festival is also observed as Nandini vrat. The festival falls on the 12th day of the waning moon or Krishna Paksha of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. This day is considered very auspicious for celebrating fertility and motherhood.

There are many stories associated with Vasu Baras but one of the main stories is about the appearance of Kamdhenu cow. During the churning of the milky ocean by gods and demons, the Kamdhenu cow appeared from the ocean. Kamdhenu is worshipped as a symbol of fertility, sustainment, and motherhood.

In some regions, Nandini vrat is observed in honour of the mythological cow Nandini, the daughter of Kamdhenu cow, who lived in the ashram of sage Vashishta. Both Nandini and Nandi-the sacred bull, are equally important for village livelihoods. So both the cows and calves are worshipped on this day.

Another story about Govatsa Dwadashi says that King Uttanpada and his wife Suniti observed this fast and was blessed with a son called Dhruva. So, women observe this vrat for the well-being of their children.

On this day, the devotees honour the cows and calves baby bathing them and dressing them in new clothes and various ornaments. Devotees, especially those who observe fast, abstain from consuming milk and other dairy products. The cows and calves are fed wheat products, sprouts, and mung. Songs depicting Lord Krishna's love for cows are sung by the devotees as Lord Krishna has close association with cows.

Dwadashi Tithi Begins - 05:22 PM on Oct 21, 2022
Dwadashi Tithi Ends - 06:02 PM on Oct 22, 2022

Govatsa Dwadashi Muhurat on 21st Oct 2022 - 06:08 PM to 08:37 PM
Duration - 02 Hours 28 Mins

This article is an effort to revisit our rich cultural tradition so that readers can become aware about our roots.

Do let us know about your Vasu Baras celebrations.
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