Vasubaras 2026 on Thursday, 5 November: Meaning, Cow and Calf Puja and Food Customs in Maharashtra

Vasubaras falls on Thursday, 5 November 2026, and marks the first day of Diwali in Maharashtra. On this day, families worship a cow and her calf, usually in the evening, and many women keep a partial fast for the well-being of their children.

The day is also called Govatsa Dwadashi, from the Sanskrit for “the twelfth day of the cow and calf”. Gujarati families know it as Vagh Baras. It comes before Dhanteras on Friday, 6 November and Lakshmi Pujan on Sunday, 8 November. Our Diwali 2026 calendar for Maharashtra has every date.

What is Vasubaras and why is it celebrated?

Vasubaras honours the cow as a provider. The story commonly told is of Kamadhenu, the wish-fulfilling cow said to have emerged from the churning of the ocean, and her daughter Nandini, who lived with the sage Vasishtha. That is why some families also call the day Nandini Vrat.

In rural Maharashtra, where cattle are part of the household, the puja is a way of thanking the animals that support the farm. In Pune city, families who do not keep cattle often visit a gaushala or a temple that has cows, or use a picture or small idol of a cow and calf.

How is the cow and calf puja done?

The steps vary by family, but Hindu Tone describes a common sequence:

1. Wash the feet of the cow and calf, or bathe them where possible.
2. Apply a tilak of turmeric and kumkum and put a garland around their necks.
3. Offer a lamp, incense, flowers, akshata (rice) and water.
4. Feed them fresh grass, soaked moong or bajra and a little jaggery.
5. Perform the aarti and walk around them at a safe distance from their legs.

In many Maharashtrian homes, bajra bhakri and a vegetable are offered as naivedya. Families who use a picture or idol follow the same steps symbolically.

If you visit a gaushala, let the cow’s owner lead the animal and keep children back from its legs. Feed only what the owner allows, never sweets, fried faral or anything in plastic.

What do people eat and avoid on Vasubaras?

Women who keep the Vasubaras fast traditionally avoid wheat and cow’s milk products such as milk, curd and ghee, according to LatestLY. The idea is that the milk is left for the calf on this day.

Meals are usually built around bajra: bajra bhakri with a sabzi of gavar (cluster beans) or a moong preparation. Customs differ between families, so follow your own household’s practice. Anyone who is pregnant, unwell or on regular medication should check with a doctor before fasting.

How does Vasubaras start Diwali in Pune homes?

Vasubaras is when Diwali begins to show in the house. Families draw the first Diwali rangoli at the door, hang the akash kandil and light the first row of diyas in the evening. Many also start serving the faral made over the previous week. See our guide to Diwali faral for the classics.

The next day, Dhanteras, is when many Punekars buy gold, silver or utensils. If that is on your list, read our Dhanteras gold buying guide on checking hallmarks and HUID.

Diwali 2026 at a glance

• Vasubaras: Thursday, 5 November
• Dhanteras: Friday, 6 November
• Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Pujan: Sunday, 8 November
• Diwali Padwa (Bali Pratipada): Tuesday, 10 November
• Bhaubeej: Wednesday, 11 November

Some national calendars list Narak Chaturdashi on Saturday, 7 November and Padwa on Monday, 9 November. Marathi calendars and the state holiday list follow the dates above.

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