Bahula Chaturthi 2024: Story Behind the Auspicious Cow Worship!

Did you know about the unique festival which celebrates cows and calves? Bahula Chaturthi or Bol Choth is a beautiful and sacred festival from Gujarat that has a special meaning and exciting celebrations. Bahula Chauth is a time to celebrate our cattle, who are the backbone of agriculture.

Moreover, the religious significance of this festival is much more than what meets the eye. So sit tight and go on a journey with us to explore the meaning, story and how to celebrate Bahula Chaturthi 2024! 

What is Bahula Chaturthi?

India is a country full of diverse festivals that are celebrated in different parts of the country. One such festival from the colourful state of Gujarat is Bahula Chaturthi or Bol Choth. The fascinating fact about hindu festivals is that animals are also an integral part of the celebrations.

When is Bahula Chaturthi Celebrated?

Bol Choth occurs in the auspicious Savan month when crops and agriculture fully bloom. It is celebrated on the fourth day of the Shravan month, the waxing moon phase. This festival is precious to Gujarati people as it symbolises the celebrations of a good harvest, prosperity and abundance. 

Moreover, the Bahula Chaturthi festival is an auspicious occasion where people worship cattle for their support in sustaining life. They also offer prayers to Lord Krishna and perform various rituals with friends and family members. It is a day to rejoice by participating in religious activities and connecting with the divine!

Significance of Bahula Chaturthi in Hinduism

The significance of Bahula Chaturthi is neverending in Hinduism. This auspicious festival falls just before Nag Panchami and is a beloved holiday in Gujarat. It is a day when mostly the agricultural community comes together to show respect to cattle for their help in agricultural activities, which help people survive.

Cows have a deep religious significance in Hinduism. Many devotees consider them sacred symbols of the divine. This is why Hindus across India worship and respect cattle like deities. Furthermore, this festival earns its name after a cow, Bahula, in Hindu mythology.

Additionally, Lord Krishna shares a deep companionship with cows. In various stories and religious texts, there are tales of the friendship of cattle and Lord Krishna. According to Hindu mythology, the story of Bhaula also plays a vital role in Lord Krishna. Therefore, people also worship him at this special festival.

Also Read: Kali Chaudas 2023: Understanding The Significance And Rituals

Bahula Chaturthi Rituals

Just like the unique significance of Bahula Chauth, there are unique rituals that people follow on this day. These rituals and celebrations are mostly centred around cattle, which are the most important part of the Bol Chauth festival.

1. Preparing yourself

On this day, farmers and devotees wake up early to prepare for this auspicious festival. They bathe in the Brahma Muhurat, as it is the best time to begin festivities. Then, they remember Lord Krishna to begin this festival on an auspicious note with his divine blessings. Afterwards, they begin the rest of the celebrations with a pure body and a religious spirit.

2. Cleaning Cattle and their Sheds

This is one of the most important rituals of the Bol Choth festival. People of the agricultural community bathe their cattle with deep devotion and appreciation. They also clean the sheds of their cattle as a token of gratitude and respect. This day is all about having genuine thankfulness for cattle. Therefore, cleaning the cow shed is a gesture of gratitude towards these wonderful creatures.

3. Praying to Lord Vishnu or Krishna

Another significant ritual of the Bahula Chauth festival is offering prayers to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. People put photos of the deities in their homes and apply kumkum and chandan to offer prayers. They also light incense sticks and offer fruits and flowers to the gods. Additionally, people visit the temples of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna to seek their blessings.

4. Chanting Mantras and Aarti

Mantras and hymns are a great way to energise your soul and connect with the divine. These melodious tunes bring immense peace to our minds and divine blessings. Therefore, reciting the mantra: ‘ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय’ ‘Om Namoh Bhagwatey Vasudevaye’ with your family members becomes a fun and interesting ritual of the Bahula Chaturthi. People read the Bahula Chauth Aarti and chant the Vishnu Mantra and Krishna mantras to bring positivity to their lives.

5. Godhuli Puja

Godhuli Puja, or Gau pooja, is the sacred worship of cows or calves, which gives immense benefits to devotees. In this pooja, people decorate their cows with flowers and garlands. Afterwards, they put a tilak on the cows using kumkum and offer prayers to them. People wish for harmony in their families and a good upcoming agricultural year.

6. Bahula Chauth Vrat

Fasting is an integral part of any Hindu festival in India. Therefore, the celebrations of Bahula Chauth remain incomplete without the auspicious fast on this day. Farmers and devotees observe Bol Chauth vrat on this day. Moreover, this fast begins in the morning and continues until the day’s end. People break the fast after the Godhuli Puja at night and offer Arghya to the moon.

7. Special food items

Bol Chauth’s unique rituals include the delectable food that devotees prepare. On this day, people do not consume milk or any dairy products. It is due to the respect of calves who have the most right over a cow’s milk. Therefore, devotees prepare and eat food made of millet and other non-dairy products. They also prepare various rice dishes and feed them to their cattle.

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Bahula Chauth Vrat Katha

According to Hindu mythology, there was once a cow named Bahula who was on her way to feed her calf. On her way, she met a lion who wished to eat her. Knowing the lion’s intentions, she promised to return to him on the condition that she would feed her calf first. The lion agreed and let Bahula go to her calf.

After feeding, she went back to the lion. Her motherly nature and dedication to her promise deeply touched the lion, so he decided to let her return to her child. Some legends describe this story as Lord Krishna’s test of Bahula’s devotion and faithfulness. The lion was none other than Krishna himself. Therefore, according to this story, Lord Krishna gave Bahula a blessing that people would worship her on Bhadrapad Chaturthi.

Teachings of Bahula Chaturthi

The Bahula Chauth festival is a great time to join your family and participate in religious activities. We learn the value of being grateful to not just humans but also animals. The fascinating story of this unique festival portrays motherly love for her child. Also, it’s a chance for all individuals to dedicate our day to the voiceless creature who is part of our sustainable existence. It is a day to show gratitude and pray /for the welfare of cows and calves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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