The festival of Bahula Chaturthi is celebrated every year on the Chaturthi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. This year, in 2025, this special day falls on August 12th. This festival is especially dedicated to the worship of the cow. According to the scriptures, worshiping the cow on this day brings happiness and peace in life, and children attain long life and good health. The story of Shri Krishna and Bahula cow has special significance on this day.
Auspicious Time and Date of Bahula Chaturthi
This year, Bahula Chaturthi begins on August 12, 2025, at 8:40 AM and will last until 6:35 AM on the following day, August 13. The best time for worship will be from 9:07 AM to 2:05 PM on August 12. The time of moonrise will be at 8:20 PM. At this time, observers offer Arghya to the moon and conclude their fast.
The festival of Bahula Chaturthi comes right after Janmashtami. While cows were extremely dear to Shri Krishna, a special story is associated with a cow named Bahula. This is the reason why the cow is worshiped along with Kanha ji on this day. This festival is seen as a symbol of devotion, sacrifice, and righteousness.
The Importance of the Festival is Linked to the Story of Bahula Cow
According to mythological beliefs, Lord Krishna once presented himself as a lion in front of the Bahula cow to test her. Bahula was carrying milk for her calf at that time. When she saw the lion, instead of running away in fear of death, she requested the lion to let her first feed milk to her calf and then return and surrender herself to the lion.
The lion agreed to her request. After feeding milk to her calf, Bahula cow returned according to her promise. Seeing her dedication and devotion to righteousness, Lord Krishna became pleased and, revealing his true form, gave her the boon that whoever worships you on the day of Bahula Chaturthi in Kali Yuga, their children will not face any crisis.
In Hinduism, the cow is given the status of mother. According to scriptures, 33 crore deities reside in the cow. On the day of Bahula Chaturthi, women observing the fast especially worship the cow. They serve her, feed her fodder, and worship her by washing her feet. By doing so, the age, health, and future of the children remain bright.
Lord Ganesha is also Worshiped
It is also important to worship Lord Ganesha on the day of Bahula Chaturthi because Sankashti Chaturthi, which comes every month, also falls on this day, which is called Heramb Sankashti Chaturthi. By worshiping Lord Ganesha on this day, all the troubles of life are removed and success is achieved in works.
Fasting and Worship Method
On Bahula Chaturthi, the person observing the fast should take a bath in the morning and take a vow to fast. Then worship the cow with proper rituals. Bathe her with clean water, then offer flowers, अक्षत (Akshat), Roli and jaggery. Also, worship Shri Krishna. Fast throughout the day and complete the fast in the evening by offering Arghya to the moon at the time of moonrise.
Bahula Chaturthi is celebrated with great pomp, especially in rural areas. In villages, people give special food to their animals, decorate them, and clean and worship the cowsheds. Women sing traditional songs and listen to the story of Bahula cow. This event is also organized collectively in many places.
Cow Service is Said to be the Greatest Dharma
The basic message of Bahula Chaturthi is that cow service is not only a religious act but also a human duty. The cow is considered the soul of Indian culture and agriculture. The traditions of this day still connect people to their culture and remind them of values like service, sacrifice, and commitment in life.
The Influence of the Festival is Increasing in Cities Too
Although this festival is mostly celebrated in rural areas, now its recognition is increasing in urban areas as well. Special worship is organized in many temples and cow shelters on this day. People feed fodder to cows with their children and pray for the happiness and peace of the family.
