Harshvardhan Mishra
Pradoshkala Govatsa Dwadashi Muhurat: 05:49 PM to 08:20 PM
Duration: 2 Hours 31 Minutes
Dwadashi Tithi Begins: 11:12 AM on October 17, 2025
Dwadashi Tithi Ends: 12:18 PM on October 18, 2025
Day: Friday
Introduction
Govatsa Dwadashi, also known as Vasubaras, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival in several parts of India, especially in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and parts of North India. Falling on the Dwadashi Tithi (12th day) of the Krishna Paksha of Kartik month, this day is dedicated to worshipping the divine cow (Gomata) and her calf, symbolizing nurturing motherhood, purity, and sustenance.
In 2025, Govatsa Dwadashi will be celebrated on Friday, October 17, and the Pradoshkala Muhurat — considered most auspicious for performing the puja — will last from 05:49 PM to 08:20 PM.
Spiritual Significance of Govatsa Dwadashi
The cow, revered as Gomata, is a sacred symbol in Hinduism, representing divine motherhood, nourishment, and dharma. Worshipping the cow on this day is believed to cleanse sins and bless devotees with prosperity, happiness, and abundance.
In scriptures, the cow is said to embody all deities — hence known as “Kamadhenu”, the wish-fulfilling cow. Performing Govatsa Puja ensures peace and plenty in the household and protects against famine, disease, and misfortune.
This day also honors Lord Krishna, who was raised in Gokul among cows and spent his youth tending to them. For this reason, Govatsa Dwadashi is sometimes called “Nandini Vrat” or “Nanda Dwadashi”, as devotees worship Nanda Baba and Nandini the divine cow.
Govatsa Dwadashi 2025: Puja Muhurat and Tithi Details
| Event | Date & Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Govatsa Dwadashi 2025 Date | Friday, October 17, 2025 |
| Dwadashi Tithi Begins | 11:12 AM on Oct 17, 2025 |
| Dwadashi Tithi Ends | 12:18 PM on Oct 18, 2025 |
| Pradoshkala Muhurat | 05:49 PM to 08:20 PM |
| Duration | 2 Hours 31 Minutes |
According to Hindu tradition, the Pradosh Kaal (evening twilight) is the ideal period for performing the Govatsa Puja rituals.
Rituals and Observances
1. Bathing and Preparations
Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and clean their homes and courtyards. The place of worship is decorated with rangoli, flowers, and lamps (diyas).
In some regions, a cow and her calf are made of clay or mud and placed in the puja area to symbolize Gomata and Nandini.
2. Cow Worship
If a real cow and calf are available, they are bathed, adorned with garlands, and their horns are painted. Devotees apply turmeric and vermilion tilak to the cow’s forehead and perform aarti with incense and ghee lamps.
Offerings include wheat, jaggery, gram, and water. The ritual is performed by women, especially married women, praying for their family’s prosperity and their children’s longevity.
3. Fasting and Charity
Many devotees observe a Govatsa Dwadashi Vrat, abstaining from milk and milk products for the entire day as a mark of respect toward Gomata.
At the end of the day, bhog is offered, and charity is done — especially feeding cows, Brahmins, and the poor — which is believed to bring punya (spiritual merit).
4. Special Vrat Katha (Legend)
According to the Skanda Purana, once there was a drought in the kingdom of King Uttanapada. Sage Narada advised the king to worship Kamadhenu — the celestial cow — on Dwadashi Tithi. The king followed the ritual with devotion, and soon, his kingdom was blessed with rain and prosperity.
This legend reinforces the belief that worshipping the cow brings abundance, peace, and spiritual upliftment.
Regional Celebrations
Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, Govatsa Dwadashi is known as Vasubaras, marking the beginning of Diwali. Women draw images of cows and calves on the ground with natural colors, perform aarti, and sing traditional devotional songs (aartis and ovyas).
People prepare festive sweets like puran poli, kheer, and modaks to mark the occasion.
Gujarat and Rajasthan
In Gujarat, it is celebrated as Nandini Vrat, where devotees observe fasts and offer prayers to Kamadhenu. The ritual is also linked to Tulsi Vivah preparations, which occur a few days later during the Diwali period.
In Rajasthan, cattle owners worship their cows as symbols of wealth and sustenance, often decorating them with colorful ornaments.
North India
In parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, the festival is celebrated as Vasubaras, and devotees feed cows with grass, sweets, and grains. The day is also seen as a spiritual prelude to Dhanteras and Diwali.
Scientific and Cultural Aspects
Beyond its religious value, Govatsa Dwadashi emphasizes the ecological and economic importance of cows. In agrarian societies, cows are central to rural livelihoods, providing milk, dung for fuel, and organic manure for crops.
The day reminds society of the symbiotic bond between humans, animals, and nature, promoting compassion, sustainability, and gratitude.
Foods and Offerings (Naivedya)
Traditional offerings on Govatsa Dwadashi include:
- Gram (chana)
- Wheat and jaggery mixture
- Rice and milk (for symbolic offering only)
- Fruits and sweets like puran poli, kheer, and modak
Those observing the fast refrain from consuming milk or milk-based items as a gesture of respect to the sacred cow.
Govatsa Dwadashi and Diwali Connection
Govatsa Dwadashi serves as the first day of the Diwali festival in western India, followed by Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.
It sets the spiritual tone for Diwali — symbolizing gratitude, renewal, and the nurturing aspect of nature before the festival of lights begins.
Do’s and Don’ts on Govatsa Dwadashi
✅ Do’s:
- Worship cows or their clay idols with devotion.
- Perform puja during Pradoshkala Muhurat.
- Feed and protect cows.
- Practice charity and kindness.
🚫 Don’ts:
- Avoid milk and milk products.
- Do not harm or disturb animals.
- Avoid negative speech and anger — maintain purity of mind and heart.
Govatsa Dwadashi 2025 Wishes
- May the divine blessings of Gomata bring health, peace, and prosperity to your home. Happy Govatsa Dwadashi 2025!
- On this sacred day, let us honor the giver of life and nourishment — the holy cow.
- Wishing you a pious and peaceful Govatsa Dwadashi, filled with purity and devotion.
- May Kamadhenu Devi bless you with abundance, wisdom, and happiness.
- Let’s celebrate the spirit of compassion and gratitude this Govatsa Dwadashi!
- May this day bring prosperity and protect you from all negativity.
- Worship the symbol of motherhood, purity, and faith — Happy Vasubaras!
- May the holy cow bless your family with eternal happiness and peace.
- Govatsa Dwadashi reminds us to live in harmony with nature and all living beings.
- May the sacred bond of Gomata’s blessings fill your home with joy and positivity.
Short Captions for Social Media
- Divine blessings begin with Gomata’s grace. 🌼
- Gratitude to the nurturer of life — Gomata. 🕉️
- Beginning Diwali with blessings of purity and peace! ✨
- Worship. Gratitude. Prosperity. — Govatsa Dwadashi 2025 🌿
- Honoring the eternal symbol of motherhood — Happy Vasubaras! 🐄
- The first light of Diwali shines with Gomata’s blessings. 🪔
- Peace begins when we respect every being. 🌾
- Blessed are those who serve and protect Gomata. 🙏
- May your life glow with love and light this Govatsa Dwadashi! ✨
- Vasubaras vibes — gratitude, devotion, and purity. 🌸
Devotional & Spiritual Messages
- The cow symbolizes dharma, devotion, and divine motherhood — honor her on Govatsa Dwadashi.
- May Nandini Devi shower you with eternal bliss and abundance.
- Celebrate the nurturing essence of nature this Govatsa Dwadashi 2025.
- Begin your Diwali with gratitude and faith in Gomata’s blessings.
- Worship the giver of nourishment and protector of the universe — the sacred cow.
- On Govatsa Dwadashi, let compassion and purity be your guiding light.
- May the blessings of Kamadhenu fill your home with prosperity and joy.
- The first day of Diwali begins with prayers to Gomata — may her blessings light your path.
- May this divine occasion bring health, peace, and endless happiness.
- Let’s protect and revere the sacred bond that sustains all life — Happy Govatsa Dwadashi!
Conclusion
Govatsa Dwadashi 2025 on Friday, October 17 is a spiritually enriching occasion that celebrates the nurturing essence of Gomata and reminds us of our duty toward nature and all living beings.
By observing this festival with sincerity, devotees invoke health, prosperity, and divine blessings for their families — setting the stage for a joyous and prosperous Diwali season.
