Although there are many religious beliefs and mythological stories behind the celebration of the festival of Diwali, but very few people know that this festival of lights, Diwali, actually started with the worship and service of Mother Cow. That is why as soon as Diwali approaches, various pujas and rituals related to cow begin. According to the scriptures, mother cow has the status of a goddess. On the occasion of Diwali, worshiping cow along with Goddess Lakshmi brings happiness, prosperity and prosperity in the house. Cow worship on Diwali is considered auspicious and wish fulfilling because it is said in the scriptures that “Gomai Vasate Lakshmi” means Goddess Lakshmi resides in cow dung. Mother cow is considered to be the elder sister of Goddess Lakshmi. Even in the churning of the ocean, Mother Cow appeared before Goddess Lakshmi. That is why on the occasion of Deepotsav, there is a tradition of serving and worshiping the revered Mother Cow with complete dedication and service.

Today let us tell you what are the traditions of faith and worship of Mother Cow in different areas of the country on Diwali and 5 Divine Ways to Start the Festivities with Mother Cow.

1.     Ancient tradition of cow worship on Diwali in Karauli

There is an ancient tradition of cow worship on the occasion of Diwali in Karauli, Rajasthan, known as Small Vrindavan, steeped in Braj culture. This tradition has been going on in Karauli city for centuries, and it continues even today. On the occasion of Diwali, people of rural areas of Karauli decorate Mother Cow attractively. In this, they make attractive prints on the body of mother cow with ocher paste and colours. New bells made of iron and brass are given to Mother Cow. Just as the bride is decorated in a wedding, similarly the villagers decorate the Cow Mata with colorful bell ganda, thin rope and colorful chief. Villagers say that these cows and animals provide sustenance to our families. We do business with their milk, hence Mother Cow is worshiped on Diwali.

2.     Govatsa Dwadashi fast before Diwali

According to Bhavishya Purana, all the gods and goddesses including Goddess Lakshmi reside in the cow. That is why there is a trend of Govatsa Dwadashi fast before Diwali with the wish of happiness and prosperity. In this the cow and its calf are worshipped. According to Bhavishya Purana, cow is the form of Lakshmi. Sun and Moon reside in the eyes of the cow, Rudra in the mouth, Vishnu in the neck, all the gods and goddesses in the middle of the body and Brahma resides in the back part. Therefore, all the gods and goddesses including Goddess Lakshmi are pleased by the worship of the cow and its calf. Explaining the importance of this fast in the Puranas, it is said that the family of the house whose women worship Mother Cow on this day becomes prosperous. On this day, Goddess Lakshmi is pleased with those who please the cow by feeding her bread and green fodder.

3.     Govardhan Puja on the next day of Diwali

Govardhan Puja is performed on Pareva, which falls on the second day of Diwali. In this puja, Govardhan is made from cow dung and is worshipped. Not only this, the place which is smeared with cow dung becomes pure and any auspicious work can be done there. Govardhan Puja has been in practice since Dwaparayuga. Shri Krishna loved cows and calves very much. At that time Gokul residents used to worship Indradev. Arguing, Krishna said that Indradev is not our protector, but Govardhan Mountain. Because it is here that the cows of the cowherds get fodder, from which people make milk, ghee and butter. Shri Krishna used to serve cows a lot.

4.     Cows worshipped on Gop Ashtami

Kartik month is very special in Hindu religion and in this month people perform religious rituals, worship and rituals etc. Many important festivals like Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhaiya Dooj, Dev Deepawali come in this month. Every year on the Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month, the festival of Gopashtami is celebrated which is dedicated to the cow. On this day, Mother Cow is worshiped with rituals and blessings of 36 crore Gods and Goddesses are received. It is said that from this day Lord Shri Krishna started the cow herding leela. There is a tradition to especially worship cows on this day. On this day, the cow is fed green fodder with one's own hands and jaggery is also offered. This is considered auspicious and it frees man from Surya Dosha. If it is difficult to find a cow nearby, then come to the Shree Krishnayan Desi Gaurakshashala  and donate fodder and serve the cows.

5.     Let's celebrate Diwali with Shree Krishnayan Desi Gaurakshashala

Like every time, Diwali is celebrated with the cows in Shree Krishnayan Desi Gaurakshashala. After worshiping Mother Cow, Diwali is celebrated by lighting a lamp in the cowshed. Gaumata is specially decorated on this day. Various types of special dishes are offered to him. All the cow servants together spend the whole day happily with the cows. The cows wandering destitute on the streets are brought to the cow shed and given permanent shelter. Cows that become victims of accidents are rescued and brought back and made a part of the Diwali festival along with medical attention. Along with this, health checkup of all the cattle is also done.

Let's celebrate Diwali with Gauseva together with Shree Krishnayan Desi Gaurakshashala. In our cowshed, rituals of Bhandara, offering of Gaudan etc. Apart from this, donating as much as possible in the treatment of Gaumata can also get the blessings of Gaumata on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.