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Notes: All timings are represented in 12-hour notation in local time of Lancaster, United States with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang day starts and ends with sunrise.
According to the Purnimanta Panchang, Bachha Baras is observed on the Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha Dwadashi, while as per the Amanta Panchang, it falls on the Shravana Krishna Paksha Dwadashi. However, it is the only name which differs, as the Bach Baras Dwadashi is observed on the same day in both Amanta and Purnimanta. In some regions of India, a festival similar to Bachha Baras is celebrated as Govatsa Dwadashi or Vasu Baras. Govatsa Dwadashi is observed one day before Dhanteras, marking the beginning of the five-days Diwali celebrations.
In scriptures such as the Vrat Parichaya and Vratotsava, Bachha Baras is referred to as Vats Dwadashi. On this auspicious occasion, cows and their calves are beautifully decorated and worshipped with complete devotion and ritual purity. This fast is primarily observed by women for the well-being and prosperity of their children.
According to ancient beliefs, on this day, Lord Krishna performed Gocharana Leela, meaning He went for the first time to graze the cows. Hence, devotees also worship Lord Krishna on this day. Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna display scenes and enactments of His Gocharana Leela to mark the occasion. Bachha Baras is also spelled as Bachha Varas or Bachha Waras.
As described in the Vrat Parichaya, the worship of the cow as Go Mata and her calf as Govatsa should be performed before midday on the Bhadrapada Krishna Dwadashi. After the ritual worship, the devotees should offer sprouted Moong, Moth beans and Bajra that have been soaked in water overnight, as Naivedya to the divine cow and calf. Subsequently, the cow and calf are decorated with the vine of bitter gourd (बाड़ करेला).
During the Bachha Baras Vrat, devotees themselves should consume only Moong, Moth beans and Bajra as part of their meal. It is prescribed that only buffalo milk, curd and Ghee should be used on this day, as all cow milk products are strictly forbidden during observance of Bachha Baras Vrat.
Thus, the brief ritual procedure of Bachha Baras Vrat as mentioned in the Vrat Parichaya concludes here. For the detailed ritual procedure, refer to the Govatsa Dwadashi Vrat performed on the Kartika Krishna Dwadashi according to the Purnimanta Panchang.
All Dwadashi Fasting days are listed including Vamana Dwadashi, Parashurama Dwadashi, Ramalakshmana Dwadashi, Vasudeva Dwadashi etc. In Hinduism, the Dwadashi Vrat holds immense significance. Devotees observe this fast with to seek the divine blessings and Bhakti of Lord Vishnu.
According to the Hindu Panchang, Govatsa Dwadashi is celebrated one day before Dhanteras. On this sacred occasion, cows and their calves are worshipped with devotion. Govatsa Dwadashi Vrat is also known as the Nandini Vrat. On this day, the use of cow's milk-based products is strictly prohibited.
