Gosht Ashtami is dedicated to the worship of cow (Go). It is observed on the eighth day during the waxing phase of moon in Margashirsh month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Goshtashtami 2026 date is December 17.
On the day cows are bathed and they are given fresh grass and other food items including sweets. Pujas on the day are performed in the cowshed.
A similar ritual that is famous in North India is the Gopashtami performed on the Kartik Ashtami day.