Vatsa Dwadashi 2023 | Vats Dwadashi Puja

Vatsa Dwadashi is celebrated on 11 September 2023. Bhadrapad on the day of Krishna Paksha Dwadashi. It is also known as bachwas, oak duwas, and bali dwadashi. This fast is observed by females to get blessed with a sons, and mothers for the luck and longevity of their male child. In present times, this fast is majorly observed in some regions of Rajasthan. The females of the family worship the cows and calves on this day and offer dry coconut to the calves as prasad.

Vatsa Dwadashi Katha and Puja

This festival is celebrated with enthusiasm and devotion by the females of the house for longevity and good luck for their male child. In this festivals, females worship and serve the cows and their calves early in the morning after taking bath. While offering their prayers, an elder women of the family recites cow-calf katha, heard by all the other females observing fast. On this day, the knife is not used while cooking, and food items like chana, moong dal, kadhi are prepared at home.

In modern times, people do not keep cow at home. In this situation, females can visit cattle farms or nearby villages to worship the cows.Also, if you are unable to find a cow with a calf in nearby areas, then the idols of cow and a calf made of mud can also be worshipped . On this day, use of dairy products like milk, curd, paneer etc are prohibited.

The females observing fasts wake up early in the morning, take bath and wear clean clothes. Then, the cow with a calf is bathed by the females before worshipping. After giving them the bath, a pure white cloth is put on both of them, along with garlands made of flowers. Then the chandan tilak is applied on their forehead.

After purifying the cows, flowers, rice, sesame, and water is mixed in a copper utensil and poured on them while chanting the Gau mantras. After worshipping them, the observer should listen to Vats Dwadashi katha. The fast is completed at the sunset after performing evening aarti.

Significance of Vatsa Dwadashi

Vatsa Dwadashi fast is observed by females for the longevity and prosperity of their sons. It is a female oriented festival and observed by ladies who are blessed with male child. On this day, the observers only eat sprouts, moong, chana and use the same for prasad. Food items made with milk products are strictly prohibited on this day.