Today is the first day of Diwali. Diwali is festival of Lights.
Today is Vasubaras, which marks the beginning of Diwali festivities, isv celebrated on the Vadya Dwadashi (the twelfth day of the waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Ashwin. It is also known as Govatsa Dwadashi.
On this day, the livestock in the household are worshipped.
This ritual is dedicated to the divine cow named Nanda, who was one of the five Kamadhenus (wish-fulfilling cows) that emerged during the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean). A cow along with her calf is worshipped on this day with the wish that one’s desires be fulfilled over many lifetimes.
From this day onwards, people begin drawing Rangoli in front of their houses. Some women observe a fast on this day. The cows and calves in the household are given a bath, anointed with turmeric, and adorned with new clothes.
On this day, people avoid eating wheat and green gram (moong). Women break their fast by eating bread made of pearl millet (Bajra) and a vegetable dish made from the pods of the cluster beans (Gavar). This worship is performed for abundant agricultural produce, good health for one’s children, and to attain happiness.
There is a tradition, on the evening of this day, of lighting lamps (pantaya) in front of the Holy Basil plant (Tulsi), at the entrance of the house, and around the premises to mark the commencement of the Diwali festival.
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