Sarva PanchangSarva Panchang
Dwadashi

Govatsa Dwadashi

Also called: Vasu Baras, Vagh Baras, Bachh Baras, Nandini Vrat

Govatsa Dwadashi falls on the twelfth day of the dark fortnight ahead of Dhanteras and Diwali. It is dedicated to the veneration of cows and calves as living symbols of maternal nourishment, gentleness, and abundance. Mothers observe Nandini Vrat, praying for the health and longevity of their children.

Key facts

Paksha
Krishna Paksha
Lunar month
Ashwin (Amanta); Kartik (Purnimanta)
Deities
Kamadhenu (Sacred Cow), Nandini (Calf), Lord Krishna

The story

The Bhavishya Purana narrates that King Uttanapada and his queen Suniti observed Govatsa Dwadashi with intense reverence, worshipping the divine cow Nandini. Blessed by their piety, they were granted a noble son, Dhruva, who became an immortal exemplar of devotion.

Practices

  • Bathing and decorating cows and calves with turmeric, vermilion, flower garlands, and ringing bells
  • Feeding cows with fresh green grass, sprouted gram (moong), and jaggery
  • Abstaining from consuming cow milk, curd, ghee, and wheat products for the day
  • Lighting evening clay lamps in cowsheds (Gaushalas)

Regional variations

  • In Maharashtra, celebrated as Vasu Baras, the opening festive day of Diwali; in Gujarat celebrated as Vagh Baras

Common questions

Why are cow milk products avoided on Govatsa Dwadashi?
Devotees abstain from cow milk and ghee as an act of reverence, ensuring that the calf receives all the mother cow's milk on this sacred day.

Types of Dwadashi