On the twelfth day of the bright fortnight of the Aso month (According to Hindu Calendar), the festival of Vagh Baras is celebrated with deep devotion and reverence for the cow. This day holds a special place in Hindu tradition, especially for women who observe this vrat (fast) to seek the blessing of children and their protection.
According to the sacred story, on this day celestial nymphs, including Indrani, descend from heaven to Earth to worship the cow. Indrani approached a cow grazing peacefully on green grass and offered her prayers. But the cow refused to accept her worship, even striking her away with her tail and legs. Indrani and the other celestial maidens then folded their hands and begged the cow for forgiveness.
The cow told them she would not accept their worship unless they gave her a calf. Indrani and the apsaras then gathered yellow clay, shaped it into a calf, and sprinkled it with nectar. As soon as the sacred water was poured, the clay calf came to life and began to drink its mother&rsquo;s milk. Delighted, the cow accepted their worship, and the ritual was completed.
The cow then took the calf to the home of a milkmaid. Surprised, the milkmaid asked how the calf had come into being, and the cow explained everything. The milkmaid, who was childless, then said she would only let the cow into her home if she promised to bless her with a child. The cow assured her that when the festival returned the following year, she would pray for her.
The next year, as the festival came again, the milkmaid observed the vrat. Indrani and the apsaras returned to Earth to perform the ritual. This time, the cow requested them to bless the milkmaid with a child. The apsaras again molded yellow clay into the shape of a baby, placed it in a cradle made from the cow&rsquo;s horns, and sprinkled it with nectar. The baby came to life, and after the puja, the cow handed the child to the milkmaid, who was overwhelmed with joy.
From that moment, the vrat of Vagh Baras became a sacred tradition. Women believe that by observing this vrat with faith, they receive the blessing of children and divine protection for their offspring. The day is dedicated to the worship of Gau Mata (Mother Cow), a symbol of purity, nourishment, and motherhood in Hindu culture.

Vagh Baras: Festival of devotion to the cow

This special day is believed to bless couples with children and protect their offspring

Vagh Baras: Festival of devotion to the cow

This special day is believed to bless couples with children and protect their offspring

October 18, 2025 | 16:52 IST