Vasubaras 2024: Date, shubh muhurat, significance, rituals and all about Govatsa Dwadashi

Updated on: Oct 28, 2024, 11:22:38 IST

By Akanksha Agnihotri, New Delhi

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Govatsa Dwadashi honours the sacred bond between humans and cows. (Pinterest)

Vasubaras 2024: Vasubaras, also known as Govatsa Dwadashi, is celebrated before Dhanteras. The festival honours cows and calves. Know its date, timings and more

Govatsa Dwadashi is a significant Hindu festival celebrated a day before Dhanteras. Known as Vasu Baras in Maharashtra and Vagh Baras in Gujarat, it is referred to as Sripada Vallabha Aradhana Utsav in Andhra Pradesh. This auspicious day honours cows and their calves, symbolising prosperity and nurturing, highlighting their significance in Hindu culture. From date to history, scroll down to know more about this day. (Also read: Rama Ekadashi 2024: Know how to break fast, story, history, vrat rituals, why is the sacred day observed )

Govatsa Dwadashi 2024 Date and Time

Govatsa Dwadashi is observed on the 12th day of the waning moon phase (Krishna Paksha) in the Ashwin month. According to Drik Panchang, this year, it falls on Monday, October 28. The auspicious timings for observing the occasion are as follows:

Pradoshkala Govatsa Dwadashi muhurat - 17:39 PM to 20:13 PM

Duration - 02 hours 34 minutes

Dwadashi tithi begins - 07:50 AM on Oct 28, 2024

Dwadashi tithi ends - 10:31 AM on Oct 29, 2024

Govatsa Dwadashi 2024 Significance

Govatsa Dwadashi honours the sacred bond between humans and cows, revered in Hinduism as symbols of fertility, abundance, and nourishment. Inspired by the legend of Samudra Manthan, where the divine cow Kamadhenu emerged, the festival emphasises compassion and harmony with nature. Lord Krishna, often associated with cows, symbolises this deep connection. Through rituals honouring cows and calves, devotees seek prosperity, spiritual growth, and gratitude for nature's gifts, embodying Hinduism's respect for all life.

Govatsa Dwadashi 2024 Rituals

Worship of cows: Hindus honour cows as symbols of nourishment and sustenance, expressing gratitude through rituals and offerings.

Decoration of cows and calves: Cows and their calves are bathed, adorned with vermilion marks on their foreheads, colourful clothes, and flower garlands. If a real cow is unavailable, devotees use clay idols, decorating them with kumkum and turmeric.

Evening aarti: An evening worship ritual (aarti) is performed, honoring the sacredness of cows and their divine significance.

Offerings to cows: Sprouting moong and gram are offered to cows, symbolising nourishment. Cows are regarded as representations of Nandini, the divine cow.

Worship of Lord Krishna: Shri Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, is revered for his affection and connection to cows.

Fasting by women: Women observe a day-long fast, eating only once, to pray for their children's health and well-being. The fast includes abstaining from food and liquids, reducing physical activity, and sleeping on the floor.

Night vigil or floor sleeping: The Nandini Vrat observer may either stay awake throughout the night or sleep on the floor if necessary.

Dietary restrictions: Some devotees avoid ghee, curd, and cow's milk as an act of reverence on this day.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akanksha Agnihotri
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

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