Govatsa Dwadashi, also known as Nandini Vrata, is observed on the 12th day of the Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month in North India, Gujarat, Maharashtra , Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Govatsa Dwadashi 2024 date is October 28. The day is mainly dedicated to the worship of Cows – Divine cow Nandhini is worshipped on the day.
According to Bhavishya Purana, Govatsa Dwadashi is associated with the story of divine cow Nandhini and her calves. Hence this day is also referred to as Nandhini Vrata. The idols of cows and calves made of mud are worshipped on this day. Nandini is believed to fulfill the wishes of her devotees.
On Govatsa Dwadashi day, images of Cow and Calf are made and are adorned with turmeric and kumkuma.
Offerings such as sprouted moong and gram are made to cows who are representatives of Nandhini on earth.
In some regions, it is strictly prohibited to drink cow milk, ghee and curd on this day.
This day is also known as “Guru Dwadashi”.
It is termed as “Vagh” in North India , where, “Vagh” refers to repaying one’s financial debts. Therefore, people clear their account books on this and they will not enter further transactions using new ledgers on this day.
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Vagh Baras
Guru Dwadashi
Vasubaras
In Maharashtra , the day is popularly known as Vasubaras. It is also known as Govamsa Puja in some regions of North India .
The main ritual on the day is offering puja to cow and calf as it symbolizes auspicious and prosperity.
In some regions, Govatsa Dwadashi marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations.
Govatsa Dwadashi Mantra
क्षीरोदार्णवसम्भूते
सुरासुरनमस्कृते।
सर्वदेवमये
मातर्गृहाणार्घ्य नमो नम:॥
or
सुरभि त्वं जगन्मातर्देवी
विष्णुपदे स्थिता।
सर्वदेवमये
ग्रासं मया दत्तमिमं
ग्रस॥
तत: सर्वमये देवि सर्वदेवैरलड्कृते।
तत: सर्वमये देवि सर्वदेवैरलड्कृते।
मातर्ममाभिलाषितं
सफलं कुरु नन्दिनी॥
Vagh Baras
Guru Dwadashi
Vasubaras