Gopashtami is an important Hindu festival that celebrates the sacred bond between Lord Krishna and the cows he tended in Gokul. Celebrated on the eighth day of Kartik Shukla, the festival celebrates Krishna’s role as a cowherd and highlights the importance of cattle in rural life. This day has special significance as it is the only time when Sri Radha Rani gives a divine glimpse of her lotus feet or Charan Darshana. Scroll down to learn more. (Also read: Chhat Puja 2024 Day 3: Check Shubh Muhurat, Vidhi, Meaning of Sandhya Puja )
Hopastami 2024 date and time
This year, the significant holiday of Gopashtami will be celebrated on Saturday, November 9. According to Drick Panchang, the auspicious moments are as follows:
Ashtami Tithi starts at 11:56 PM on November 8, 2024.
Ashtami Tithi ends – 10:45 PM on 9 November 2024.
Gopashtami 2024 history
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Krishna once forbade the people of Braj from paying annual tribute to Lord Indra. Angered by this, Indra unleashed a torrential downpour on Braj, intending to flood the region. To protect humans and animals, including cows, Lord Krishna raised Mount Govardhan on his little finger, protecting everyone from the rains for seven continuous days. Realizing his mistake, Indra finally accepted his defeat and apologized to Krishna on Gopasthami day.
After Lord Krishna forgave him, the divine cow Surabhi showered Krishna and Indra with her milk, granting Krishna the title of ‘Govinda’, the protector of cows. Since then, Gopashtami has been celebrated with respect for cows, who are worshiped on this day in honor of Krishna’s compassion.
The value of Gopostami in 2024
Hapasthami is one of the most auspicious days for worshiping Lord Krishna and is widely celebrated in Braja, Gokula, Vrindavan, Dwarkadisha, Nathdwara and Puri temples. Devotees worship Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, and worship cows, who are considered sacred and beloved by Krishna. On this day, cows and calves are decorated with turmeric, rolls, flowers, and bells. Devotees visit Gaushalas to offer green grass, chapatis and jaggery, seeking blessings of happiness, prosperity and good fortune.
Rituals hapashtami 2024
1. Devotees start the day early by cleaning the house before starting the puja rituals.
2. After bathing they perform pooja to Lord Krishna by lighting a diya with ghee and offering flowers, tulsi leaves and homemade sweets.
3. Those who have cows bathe them, then decorate them with turmeric, rolls, flowers, and bells.
4. Cows are fed with green grass, chapati, jaggery.
5. Devotees without cows visit Gaushalas to offer food there.
6. In the evening, another puja for Lord Krishna includes offerings of various dishes, savory foods and panchamrita.
7. Special pujas are conducted in all the temples of Lord Krishna.
8. Many prepare traditional dishes such as sabzi, puri, kher and halwa.
