Vasubaras marks start of Diwali with worship of cow and calf

Vasubaras is regarded as the first important day of the Diwali celebrations. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is observed on the Dwadashi tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. It is therefore also called Govatsa Dwadashi.

On this day the cow and her calf are worshipped wholeheartedly. According to mythology, the wish-fulfilling cow Kamadhenu was obtained by the gods and demons during the churning of the ocean. In grateful remembrance of her, the cow and calf are worshipped on this day as a mark of respect and affection.

On Vasubaras, women rise early and take an abhyanga snan, the ritual oil bath. In the evening, at dusk, the cow and her calf are washed clean. Haldi-kumkum and gulal are then applied on their backs and foreheads. They are garlanded with flowers and fed puran poli or bajra bhakri, along with wheat and a special naivedya of grass.

The blessings of the cow are sought on this day for happiness, peace, prosperity and a healthy life in the home. In a culture rooted in farming, the main message of the festival is to look after and honour the cattle wealth that feeds Baliraja and all humankind.

Among the greetings people send each other on the occasion is this: "May your home always have happiness, prosperity and well-being by the blessings of the cow. Heartfelt Vasubaras greetings."

Another reads: "May the grace of the cow always remain on your family. May every day bring joy and every moment bring comfort. Heartfelt Vasubaras greetings."

Recalling the first Diwali lamps and the tenderness of the cow for her calf, one message says: "May you and your family receive the unbroken shelter of God. Warmest wishes on Vasubaras and Govatsa Dwadashi."

A message invoking Kamadhenu says: "By the blessings of the cow, Kamadhenu, may all your wishes be fulfilled. Warmest wishes on Vasubaras and Govatsa Dwadashi."

A message for Baliraja says: "We pray at the feet of God that Baliraja, who toils in the field day and night, finds happiness, prosperity and well-being. Heartfelt Vasubaras greetings."

Another says: "May the affection of a cow for her calf always remain in your relationships. Heartfelt Vasubaras greetings."

One more says: "May this sacred hour of dusk fill your heart with joy. Vasubaras greetings to all."