First Day of Diwali
Diwali is celebrated as the festival of light in India. It signifies the return of Rama to his kingdom after the triumphed over Ravana. People light oil lamps and keep them outside their houses in order to show Rama the way when dark.
The festival commences with Vasu Baras or Govatsa Dwadashi and cows and calves are worshipped on this day. While this day has more importance in Maharashtra and Gujarat, south India too celebrates it as Nandini Vrat. Cows and calves are fed preparations made of wheat. People who offer prayers don’t consume milk or any wheat products on this day.
Vasu Baras falls on the 12th day of Krishna Paksha which is the waning period of the moon. Lakshmi is said to take the form of a cow on this day. In several communities, businessmen close their account books and pray to the Goddess of wealth to ensure that in the coming year they are not in debt. In rural areas, where cows are the sole mean of income for thousands of families, this day is celebrated by thanking cows for providing families with everything they have.
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