Govatsa Dwadashi

Cows and calves are bathed, draped in clothes and flower garlands, and vermilion/turmeric powder is applied on their foreheads. In some villages, people make cows and calves out of mud, dressing them and adorning them as such, symbolically. Aartis are performed. Wheat products, gram and mung bean sprouts are then fed to the cows, symbolising the sacred cow Nandini, who was the daughter of Kamadhenu on earth, and lived in Sage Vasishtha's ashram. Devotees sing songs praising the love of Krishna for cows and being their benefactor. Women observe Nandini Vrata, a fast for the wellbeing of their children and abstain from drinking and eating. As cows are symbolic of motherhood and the chief source of livelihood in many villages in India, they are central to Diwali worship. ==See also==