Govatsa Dwadashi and Wagh Baras are two streams of tradition that flow together, converging on a single day to celebrate the themes of non-violence and cultural heritage.
Wagh Baras: A Tapestry of Tradition and Timelessness
Wagh Baras is a lesser-known but significant festival celebrated in parts of Bharat. This event predominantly falls on the 12th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Ashwin, just a day before Diwali festivities kick off. While the name translates to “Tiger Twelve,” the festival has multifaceted meanings and is observed differently depending on the cultural milieu. Let’s delve into its relevance in Hindu and Jain mythologies, its varied celebrations across India, and its significance in today’s world.
Hindu Mythology
In Hinduism, Wagh Baras is observed as a day dedicated to the worship of cows and calves, which are revered as sacred animals. Some believe it represents the day when Lord Krishna defeated a demon disguised as a tiger, thereby ensuring the safety of cows in Vrindavan.
Jain Mythology
In Jainism, the festival holds particular importance for its emphasis on non-violence and compassion. For Jains, Wagh Baras marks the day when various animals and insects are saved from being killed. Temples and communities often organize events to promote compassion towards all living beings, echoing the core Jain principle of “Ahimsa” or non-violence.
Celebrations Across Bharat
Though celebrated with differing customs, Wagh Baras holds unique significance in various Indian states. In Gujarat, it is celebrated with much fervour as part of the Diwali festivities. Families clean their homes and paint tiger stripes on cows, acknowledging their protective role. In Maharashtra, people often play a game called “Wagh Baras,” where one person acts as the ‘wagh’ (tiger) and tries to catch another designated as a cow. The game is symbolic of the eternal battle between good and evil.
Relevance in Today’s World
In an age obsessed with technology and instant gratification, the themes underlying Wagh Baras seem ever more pertinent. The day serves as a reminder to honour nature and its creatures, invoking gratitude and a sense of responsibility towards them. The Jain philosophy of non-violence can also extend to broader concerns like climate change and animal rights, making the festival profoundly relevant in today’s context.
Wagh Baras serves as a mirror to India’s rich cultural diversity, blending myth, tradition, and morality into a single day of significance. Whether you’re honouring cows as a Hindu, promoting non-violence as a Jain, or simply celebrating the festival’s cultural richness, Wagh Baras resonates with timeless lessons, urging us to look beyond ourselves and embrace a more holistic worldview.
Govatsa Dwadashi: A Celebration of Life and Compassion
In the rich tapestry of Indian festivals, Govatsa Dwadashi holds a unique and meaningful place. Celebrated a day before Dhanteras, and two days before Diwali, this festival has its roots deeply embedded in Hindu and Jain mythologies. Falling on the 12th day of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin or Kartik, Govatsa Dwadashi offers a fascinating blend of rituals, folklore, and timeless wisdom. Let’s delve into its varied aspects, including its mythological significance, traditional observances, and modern-day relevance.
The cow is revered as a sacred animal, embodying virtues like non-violence and compassion. Govatsa Dwadashi is thus dedicated to venerating cows and their calves. Some legends suggest this day is auspicious for worshipping the cow incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, who provides prosperity and well-being.
Another popular story associated with Govatsa Dwadashi is about King Prithu, the first ruler said to have introduced agriculture to humankind. To solve the problem of famine, he was willing to kill Earth (depicted as a cow) to feed his subjects. However, Earth pleaded with him, offering a pact that she would provide all the crops needed for mankind. Hence, the festival commemorates this pact and the sanctity of cows.
Celebrations Across Bharat
The way Govatsa Dwadashi is celebrated varies from state to state in India. In states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, cows and calves are lavishly fed and sometimes adorned with garlands and colourful designs. Temples often hold special ceremonies where scriptures emphasizing the importance of cows are read.
Relevance in Today’s World
In an era where animal rights and environmental issues are increasingly coming to the forefront, the message behind Govatsa Dwadashi gains renewed significance. The festival promotes a compassionate approach toward animals and accentuates their role in a balanced ecosystem.
Furthermore, in agricultural societies, the cow is not just a religious symbol but also an essential part of the economy, providing milk and aiding in farming. In this way, the festival also brings attention to the importance of sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry.
Govatsa Dwadashi serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of life. It teaches us to view animals not just as resources but as beings deserving of respect and compassion. As we move further into a world dominated by technology and detached from nature, the festival offers an invaluable lesson: to sustain the world, we must first sustain all life within it.