Govatsa Dwadashi is celebrated the day before Dhanteras. 12th day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Hindu month of Magha. It is also known as Govardhan Puja or Gokulashtami.
On this day, cows and calves are honored. After the worship, wheat products are given to the cows and calves. People who follow Govatsa Dwadashi do not eat any wheat or milk products during the day. People observe Nandini Vrat on Govatsa Dwadashi, paying tribute to Nandini, a revered cow in Hinduism.
- Maharashtrians call Govatsa Dwadashi Vasu Baras and consider it the first day of Deepavali.
- Andhra Pradesh celebrates Govatsa Dwadashi as Sripada Vallabha Aradhana Utsav.
Date and Time for Govatsa Dwadashi Puja
Govatsa Dwadashi on Monday, October 28, 2024
Subh Muhurta
- Pradoshkala Govatsa Dwadashi Muhurat – 05:39 PM to 08:13 PM
- Duration – 02 Hours 34 Mins
- Dwadashi Tithi Begins – 07:50 AM on Oct 28, 2024
- Dwadashi Tithi Ends – 10:31 AM on Oct 29, 2024
Significance of Govatsa Dwadashi
Govatsa Dwadashi is an important religious and cultural event in Hinduism. Here are some main reasons why it matters:
| Significance | Details |
| Celebration of Krishna’s Childhood | Celebrates Krishna’s playful deed of lifting Mount Govardhan to shield cattle from severe rain. |
| Honoring Cows | Cows are seen as holy and are respected as “Gau Mata” (Mother Cow). |
| Protection from Natural Disasters | Praying to cows and doing special ceremonies are thought to keep them safe from natural Disasters |
| Mental and Spiritual Development | It’s a lucky day for spiritual cleansing and gaining wisdom. |
| Importance in Culture | It’s celebrated with joy all over India, showing the country’s many cultures. |
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Rituals of Govatsa Dwadashi
- People bathe the cows and calves, draping them in colorful clothes and garlands.
- The vermilion or turmeric powder is applied on their forehead. – Arti of cows and calves are performed.
- Wheat products, gram, and sprouted moong daal are fed to them with affection and love.
- Some villagers make cows and calves with mud, dress them, and adorn them.
- Women observe fast. They abstain from eating any wheat and milk products during the day.
Foods Associated with Govatsa Dwadashi
| Food | Details |
| Kheer | A creamy rice dessert made with milk, sugar, and cardamom. It’s sometimes given to cows and gods. |
| Puri-Sabzi | A well-known North Indian meal with fried bread (puri) and vegetable stew. It’s usually eaten on special days. |
| Halwa | A sweet treat made from ingredients like semolina, wheat, or milk. It’s often enjoyed on important occasions. |
| Milk and Milk Products | In Hinduism, cows are respected, so milk and milk products are commonly eaten on this day. |
| Fruits | Fruits are given to cows and gods during prayers. People might also eat fruits while fasting. |
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Govatsa Dwadashi 2024 Puja Vidhi
Preparation:
- Cleanliness: Clean your home and puja area thoroughly.
- Materials: Gather the necessary materials, including:
- Cow dung
- Flowers
- Leaves
- Incense
- Lamp
- Fruits
- Milk
- Water
- Puja items (ghee, kumkum, etc.)
Puja Procedure:
Ganesha Puja: Start the puja by calling upon Lord Ganesha, who helps remove difficulties.
Cow Worship:
- Make a small mountain from cow dung on the ground.
- Decorate it with flowers and leaves.
- Give water, milk, and fruits to the cow.
- Light a lamp and some incense.
- Chant mantras and prayers related to cows and Lord Krishna.
Govardhan Puja
Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara Puja
Aarti: Perform aarti (waving a lamp) around the gods and the miniature Mount Govardhan.
Prasad Distribution: Distribute prasad (blessed food) among the devotees.
Govatsa Dwadashi 2024 Mantra
“Om Govardhanam Namah” (Salutations to Govardhan)
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Govatsa Dwadashi 2024 Katha
The king started eating food and the whole kingdom started raining blood. Before the king could understand anything, there was a divine voice that informed him about Queen Sita’s misdeed. The king with a sad heart asked the divine voice for a solution to this problem.
A voice came from the sky that tomorrow is the Dwadashi of the Krishna Paksha of Kartik month. By observing a fast on this day and worshipping the cow and calf, the dead calf will come alive and you will be free from this sin.
The king did the same, due to which the calf came alive. After this, the king announced to observe the fast and worship of Govatsa Dwadashi every year in the entire kingdom. People have been performing this worship and fasting since then, according to their beliefs.
Govatsa Dwadashi 2024 Myth
According to mythology, King Uttanapada and his wife Suniti observed this fast. The fast blessed them with a child named Dhruva. Dhruva and the ten nakshatras are still visible in the sky. According to the scriptures, seeing the Dhruva star liberates one from all sins. Those who wish for child happiness must observe the fast of Govatsa Dwadashi….!
One of the stories linked to this festival goes back to the time of Shri Krishna. When Shri Krishna first left his home with his friends and the cows to go to the fields, Yashoda prayed to the cows and asked God to protect her son. She also prepared a big meal for all the kids. All the women in the village, not just Yashoda, were deeply concerned about Krishna’s safety. They didn’t eat anything until he came back home in the evening. Since then, people have been fasting on Govatsa Dwadashi. So, women pray to the cows and ask for their blessings. Mothers also pray for their children’s well-being.
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