Cows and calves worshipped on Dwadashi before Dhan Teras

Govatsa Dwadashi, called Vasu Baras in Maharashtra, is kept on the Dwadashi of the dark fortnight of Kartika (Purnimanta), the day before Dhanteras, and opens the Diwali celebrations. On this day cows and their calves are worshipped as forms of Kamadhenu and Nandini, the divine wish-fulfilling cows that emerged from the churning of the ocean. The cow is revered as the mother who nourishes all, and honouring her with her calf is believed to bless the family with children, prosperity and happiness. Women keep a fast for the wellbeing of their children and avoid wheat and cow's milk products, eating instead sprouted moong, bajra roti and dishes made from buffalo or goat milk. In the evening, cows and calves are bathed, decorated with turmeric, kumkum and garlands, and fed green gram, wheat or jaggery. In Gujarat it is Vagh Baras, when debts are settled and old accounts closed; in Andhra Pradesh it is Sripada Vallabha Aradhana Utsav. Nandini Vrat is also observed on this day in some traditions.

Wheat and cow's milk products are avoided for the day; food is taken once.