For Marathi Manoos, Diwali starts today!

Rural women celebrating Vasu-Baras in "Marathmoli" tradition

Unlike rest of India, the Diwali celebrations start today (Ashvin Krshna Dwadashi) with Vasu-Baras in Maharashtra. This day is celebrated to honour the cows which are considered sacred in Hindu traditions. A cow and her calf are worshiped by the womenfolk of the house to augur prosperity in the house. The tradition symbolizes a woman’s gratitude towards cow for providing nourishment to her children.

3M regrets the fact that this tradition is slowly being forgotten in our modern (Tetrapack Milk) days.