Women worshiping cow and her calf at the Datta Bhikshaling mandir in Kolhapur. Whereas special puja at Mahalaxmi temple in which the idol was shown in the womb of the holy cow feeding her calf.
Women worshiping cow and her calf at the Datta Bhikshaling mandir in Kolhapur. Whereas special puja at Mahalaxmi temple in which the idol was shown in the womb of the holy cow feeding her calf. Considered the first day of the Diwali festival in Maharashtra , Vasu-Baras is marked by the worship of cows and their calves. Families perform aarti and offer them food, usually chickpeas and jaggery. Cattle sheds across the city witnessed a large turnout of citizens offering prayers.
Kolhapur : Diwali festivities began in the city on Thursday with the traditional observances of Rama Ekadashi and Vasu-Baras, also known as Govatsa Dwadashi.
Mahadev More, a farmer from Vadange village in Kolhapur district, said, “Cows are a major source of income for farming families and are also considered a form of Goddess Laxmi. ‘Din Din Diwali-Gayi Mhashi Owali’, Hindu families worship the cow and calf on this day, according to the saying. Govatsa Dwadashi is celebrated as Vasu-Baras in Maharashtra and marks the beginning of Diwali. ” “Early in the morning, we washed our cow and calf and performed aarti before offering them fresh food.
Most people avoid eating wheat and consuming milk products on this day. Other farming families also visited our house to feed the pair,” More added. Markets across the city, including Mahadwar Road, Paan Lane, Rajarampuri, Papachi Tikti, Gangawesh, Bindu Chowk, Laxmipuri and Shahupuri, witnessed heavy footfall as citizens flocked to buy lamps, rangolis, lanterns, firecrackers, flower garlands, faral and sweets. The markets remained crowded until late at night, with shoppers making last-minute festive purchases. The celebrations witnessed considerable enthusiasm, with the city gearing up for Diwali after two years of Covid-related restrictions. A special puja was performed at the famous Mahalaxmi temple, where the goddess’s idol was adorned to depict her in the womb of a cow feeding her calf.
The Sri Gayatri Sewabhavi Sanstha also organised a cow and calf worship programme in the Belbaug area on Thursday morning.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolhapur | Silver Rate in Kolhapur | Bank Holidays in Kolhapur | Public Holidays in Kolhapur Stay updated with the latest Kolhapur news. Members of the trading community also traditionally buy account books, known as ‘Rojnishi’, for the Vahi-pujan ceremony during the Dhanteras muhurat. Download the TOI App.
Meanwhile, the gold market is expected to witness brisk business on Friday on the occasion of Dhanteras , also known as Dhantrayodashi, which is considered auspicious for purchasing gold and silver.