Gopashtami

Gopashtami (IAST: Gopāṣṭamī) is a Hindu festival occurring on Ashtami (eighth day) of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Kartik month,^[1] in which cows and bulls are rendered worship.^[2][3] It is the coming-of-age celebration when Krishna's father, Nanda, gave Krishna the responsibility for taking care of the cows of Vrindavan.^[4]

Gopashtami
Gopashtami celebration
Observed by	Hindus Major celebrations by: Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Radha Vallabha Sampradaya
Type	Religious, Cultural
Frequency	Annual
Related to	Vaishnavism

Celebrations

Go-puja is done on this day. Devotees visit the gosala, bathe and clean the cows and the gosala. Cows are decorated with cloth and jewellery before offering special ritual by the devotees. Special fodders are fed for good health and special drive is organized for its preservation. On this day, Krishna puja and cow Puja is performed along with pradakshina to acquire blessing for a good and happier life. Devotees also pay special respect to cows for its utilities in daily life. Cows provide milk that helps in fulfilling the nutritional requirement of the people like a mother. This is why cows are held sacred and worshipped in Hindu religion as a mother. The glories of the cow and her protection are discussed by senior devotees. All of them feed the cows and take part in a feast near the gosala.^[5]

See also

• Krishna
• Balarama
• Diwali