Gopashtami: Honouring the sacred cow and its vital role in Hindu tradition

In India, cows are more than just animals—they’re sacred symbols of life, love, and nourishment, earning their own festival, Gopashtami. This year, on November 9, 2024, the country comes alive with devotion, celebrating this unique day dedicated entirely to the cow, known affectionately as Gau Mata. Rooted in the Hindu month of Kartik, Gopashtami is celebrated on the eighth day, or Ashtami, to honour the gentle creatures that support life, from providing milk to spreading positivity.

Gopashtami history

The history of Gopashtami is a sweet nod to Lord Krishna’s childhood. Legends say that as a young boy in Vrindavan, Krishna wanted to join the Gopas—boys who took cows for grazing and cared for them. On Gopashtami, Krishna’s foster father, Nanda Maharaj, finally entrusted him with this responsibility, marking Krishna’s official initiation as a cowherd. This tale, beloved by devotees, captures Krishna’s tender relationship with cows, often shown in art where he plays his flute to a captivated audience of cows.

Why do we celebrate Gopashtami?

Celebrating Gopashtami is as colourful as it gets! Across Northern India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, people rise early to bathe, dress, and paint cows, adorning them with garlands and applying tilak on their foreheads. Temples buzz with bhajans dedicated to Krishna, and devotees bring cows special treats like fresh grass, jaggery, and homemade rotis. Priests perform aarti, honouring both Krishna and the cows, merging devotion with vibrant traditions.

Significance of Gopashtami in Hindus

In Hinduism, cows hold a deep-seated role as symbols of life. Often referred to as Kamadhenu, or wish-fulfilling beings, cows sustain families and uphold traditions by providing milk that becomes butter, ghee, and sweets. Even cow dung is useful, becoming fuel and a natural home purifier. The concept of Gau Seva, or service to cows, is popular in Hindu texts, where cows are respected as maternal figures who bless devotees with divine grace.

Worshipping cow is the real hype

Other festivals celebrate Gau Mata too! During Govardhan Puja, devotees craft the Govardhan mountain from cow dung, honouring Krishna and his protection of the people. Likewise, on the third day of Pongal, known as Maatu, Pongalfarmers decorate their cattle with flowers and offer them treats. Bali Pratipada also includes Gau Puja, another testament to the love and respect cows inspire.