Govatsa Dwadashi 2025: Significance, Date, and Rituals

Govatsa Dwadashi is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to worshipping cows and calves. It is celebrated one day before Dhanteras and marks the beginning of Diwali festivities in many parts of India. In 2025, Govatsa Dwadashi will be observed on Friday, 17th October.

Why is Govatsa Dwadashi Celebrated?

Cows are revered as Kamadhenu the divine wish-fulfilling mother in Hinduism. This festival honors their nurturing role, providing milk and sustaining generations. It symbolizes purity and auspicious beginnings. The day also marks the appearance of Lord Dattatreya, an incarnation embodying the combined powers of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Spiritual Importance

Go-mata (the cow) is seen as a symbol of selfless service and divine motherhood. Feeding and worshipping cows on this day is believed to remove negative karma, bring harmony to households, and bless children with health and long life. The festival reinforces gratitude for nature and the animals supporting human life.

Date and Muhurat for 2025

• Date: October 17, 2025 (Friday)

• Dwadashi Tithi Begins: 6:34 AM, October 17

• Dwadashi Tithi Ends: 4:41 AM, October 18

• Puja Muhurat: Between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM (Sandhya time)

How to Celebrate Govatsa Dwadashi?

• Early morning bath and wear clean clothes.

• Clean and decorate the cow and calf with turmeric, vermilion, and flowers. If cows are not present, worship images or idols of cows.

• Offerings include green fodder, wheat, sprouted grains, fruits, and jaggery.

• Light a lamp and incense, recite prayers, and sing devotional songs dedicated to Lord Krishna and the sacred cow.

• Women often observe a fast and pray for the well-being of their children and family prosperity.

• Narrate or listen to the Govatsa Dwadashi story and its spiritual significance.

Govatsa Dwadashi is more than a ritual; it is a day to honor nature’s gifts, especially the cow, which sustains human life. This festival teaches respect, gratitude, and care towards all living beings. Celebrating Govatsa Dwadashi fosters compassion, spiritual growth, and harmonious living.