Top News

New Delhi: In Vrindavan, Gopashtami is celebrated with deep devotion and grandeur, marking a day of immense spiritual significance in the Braj region. The festival honors Lord Krishna’s transition from a playful child to a responsible cowherd, symbolizing his love and duty toward the sacred cows. Gopashtami is observed on the Ashtami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month. This day is celebrated to remind us of the divine connection and deep affection that Sri Krishna and Balarama have for cows.

Vrindavan Heritage Tower representatives share that this day also marks a significant event as on the auspicious occasion of Gopashtami, they accepted their duties as Gopalas from Nand Maharaj. As mentioned in the Kārttika-māhātmya section of the Padma Purāṇa:

śuklāṣṭamī karttike tu
smṛtā gopāṣṭamī budhaiḥ
then-dinād vāsudevo ‘bhūd
gopaḥ pūrvaṁ tu vatsapaḥ

How Vrindavan celebrates Gopashtami

“The eighth lunar day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kārttika is known by authorities as Gopāṣṭamī. From that day, Lord Vāsudeva served as a cowherd, whereas previously He had tended the calves.”

On this sacred occasion, Surabhi Gaushala, in the Vrindavan Heritage Tower, is filled with festive vibes and devotion. Devotees bathe and adorn cows with vibrant cloths, ornaments and a tilak. A special Gau Pujan is organised amidst Vedic chants and melodious kirtans, offering prayers to cows for prosperity and protection. Devotees and visitors receive specially prepared prasadam on this day.

Gopashtami is a day symbolising gratitude to Gau Mata, as the nourisher of life.