Significance, Benefits and Observance
Govatsa Dwadashi is a Hindu
cultural and religious festival which marks the beginning of Diwali
celebrations especially in the Indian state of Maharashtra, where it is known
as Vasu Baras. In Gujarat, it is
celebrated as Vagh Baras and as
Sripada Vallabha Aradhana Utsav of Sripada Sri Vallabha, at Pithapuram Datta
Mahasamsthan in the state of Andhra Pradesh. In Hinduism cows are considered
very sacred and equivalent to mothers for providing nourishment to mankind.
In some northern states, Govatsa
Dwadashi is referred to as, Vagh, which implies repaying one's financial debts,
which therefore is a day, when businessmen clear their accounts books and do
not make further transactions in their new ledgers.
Govatsa Dwadashi is also observed
as Nandini Vrata, as both Nandini and Nandi (bull) are considered sacred in
Shaivism tradition. It is a thanksgiving festival to the cows for their help in
sustaining human life and thus both cows and calves are worshipped and fed with
wheat products. The worshipers abstain from consuming any wheat and milk
products on this day. It is believed that by these observances and worship, all
wishes of the devotees will be fulfilled. The significance of Govatsa Dwadashi
is stated in Bhavishya Purana.
The cows and calves are bathed, draped in clothes and flower garlands; and vermilion/turmeric powder applied on their foreheads. In some villages people make cows and calves of mud, dressing them and adorning them as such, symbolically. Aartis are performed. Wheat products, gram and Mung bean sprouts are then fed to the cows, symbolizing the sacred cow Nandini, on earth, who was the daughter of Kamadhenu, and lived in Sage Vasishtha's ashram. Devotees sing songs praising the love of God Sri Krishna for cows, and being their benefactor. Women observe Nandini Vrata/fast for the well being of their children and abstain from water and eatables. As cows are symbolic to motherhood and chief source of livelihood in many villages in India, they are central to Diwali worship.