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 Vrat, as both Nandini and Nandi are considered sacred in Shaivism tradition. It is a thanksgiving festival to the cows for their help in sustaininghuman life and thus both cows and calves are worshiped 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.
Rituals
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 Vrat/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.
