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Gopashtami

Krishna ji

  • Puja vidhi
  • 6 Wishes to send
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Gopashtami

Why it is celebrated

Gopashtami falls on Kartik Shukla Ashtami. It is believed that on this day young Krishna and Balram first took the cows, not just the calves, out to graze in the forest. Cows and calves are decorated and worshipped today.

The story

As little boys in Gokul and Vrindavan, Krishna and Balram only took the calves out to graze. When they grew a little older, Krishna said to Nand Baba, “Baba, I'm big now. I will take the cows to the forest too.”

Maa Yashoda worried about how such a small Kanha would manage all day in the forest. But no one could say no to Krishna. Nand Baba asked the family priest for an auspicious day, and he chose Kartik Shukla Ashtami.

That morning, Maa Yashoda dressed the two brothers, put tilak on their foreheads and worshipped the cows. Then Krishna and Balram set off for the forest with the cows and the other cowherd boys, playing the flute as they went. From that day Kanha was called 'Gopal', the one who looks after and protects the cows.

That is why Gopashtami is a festival of love and respect for cows.

Puja vidhi

  1. After a morning bath, gently bathe a cow and her calf and clean their shed or the gaushala.
  2. Put a tilak of roli or haldi on the cow's forehead, garland her with flowers and decorate her with cloth or a bell.
  3. Worship the cow with incense and a lamp, and bow to Shri Krishna in his Gopal form.
  4. Feed the cow green fodder, jaggery and roti.
  5. Walk around the cow with respect, keeping a safe distance.
  6. In the evening, welcome the cows home with a lamp; you can also help or give daan at a nearby gaushala.

Food

Jaggery, roti and green fodder for the cows; makhan-mishri as bhog for Kanha.

Wishes to send

  • Warm wishes on Gopashtami! May Gopal Krishna fill your home with love and simplicity.

  • On the day Kanha became Gopal, we bow to Gau Mata. Happy Gopashtami!

  • Caring for cows, devotion to Krishna and time with loved ones: that is the joy of Gopashtami.

  • May the sound of the flute, the cows' bells and Kanha's smile make your day sweet.

  • May the blessings of Gau Mata and Gopal ji always be with your family.

  • Today, one roti for Gau Mata. Gopashtami greetings to you all!

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