- By Kashish Rai
- Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:32 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Govatsa Dwadashi 2025 is a special Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of cows, as a way of thanking them for their contribution to sustaining human life. Also known as Nandini Vrat, it is observed on the Dwadashi tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin as per the traditional Hindu calendar followed in West India, while according to the calendar followed in North India, it falls in Kartik maas. Govatsa Dwadashi falls a day before the celebration of Dhanteras. On this day, Hindu devotees worship Nandini, the divine cow. It is believed that doing so will fulfil all their wishes. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in all parts of the country. In Maharashtra, this day is celebrated as Vasu Baras and is the first day of the Diwali festival. On Govatsa Dwadashi, 'Sripada Vallabh Aradhana Utsav' is organised at Pithapuram Datta Mahasamsthan in the state of Andhra Pradesh, while in Gujarat it is celebrated as Vagh Baras. This year, Govatsa Dwadashi will be observed on 17th October 2025.
Govatsa Dwadashi 2025: Date And Time
This year, Govatsa Dwadashi will be celebrated on 17th October 2025. Dwadashi tithi begins at 11:12 AM on 17th October 2025 and ends at 12:19 PM on 18th October 2025.
Govatsa Dwadashi 2025: Shubh Muhurat
The Govatsa Dwadashi puja shubh muhurat during Pradosh Kaal falls between 05:14 PM to 07:43 PM.
Govatsa Dwadashi 2025: Significance
The significance and story of Govatsa Dwadashi are described in the Bhavishya Purana. This Purana also contains the story of Nandini, the divine cow and her calves. Cows are considered very sacred in Hinduism. They are worshipped as holy mothers, as they provide nourishment to humanity. On Govatsa Dwadashi, women fast for the long life of their children. It is believed that if a childless couple performs Govatsa Dwadashi puja and fasts with devotion, they will be blessed with children. In some parts of North India, Govatsa Dwadashi is also called Vagh, which means repaying one's financial debts. On this day, businessmen clear their accounts and do not enter into new ledgers. Those who worship cows on Govatsa Dwadashi are blessed with prosperity and a healthy life.
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Hindu women worship the sacred cow on Govatsa Dwadashi. (Image Source: Gemini AI)
Govatsa Dwadashi 2025: Rituals
One of the most significant rituals associated with Govatsa Dwadashi is the worship of cows. They are given a ritual bath and vermilion is applied to their foreheads. Cows and their calves are adorned with bright clothes and garlands of flowers. If cows are not found nearby, devotees make clay idols of cows and calves.
These clay idols are decorated with kumkum and turmeric. Aarti of Gau Mata is performed in the evening. Various offerings, such as gram and sprouted mung beans, are offered to the cows. These offerings symbolise Nandini. Devotees also pray to Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who had deep reverence for cows.
Women observe a fast for the well-being of their children. They abstain from food and drink throughout the day, consuming only one meal a day. During the Nandini fast or Govatsa Dwadashi, physical activity is avoided and vigil is observed throughout the night. Some individuals sleep on the ground and not on a bed. In some regions, people abstain from consuming cow milk, yoghurt and ghee on this day.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)