Unique tradition of racing cows celebrated on Gujarati New Year in Patan's Godhana village

In Godhana village, located in the Vadhiyar area of Gujarat's Patan district, a years-old and extremely unique tradition was celebrated with great enthusiasm on the occasion of the Gujarati New Year. According to this tradition, on the day of Besta Varsh, all the livestock of the village, especially cows, are gathered at one place. On this occasion, the villagers perform puja of the cows, after which they are made to run towards the fields located on the outskirts of the village.

According to reports, when the cows run together, a large cloud of dust rises from the ground. The residents of Godhana village consider this flying dust to be highly auspicious. They accept this dust as the blessings of Gau Mata and apply it to their foreheads. Through this unique tradition, the villagers begin the New Year with a spirit of cow service and collective celebration.

During this event in Godhana village of the Vadhiyar area, the villagers gathered all the cattle at one spot on the day of Besta Varsh. On this occasion, youth from the Bharwad community decorated the cows. Subsequently, amidst chants of Gau Mata and great excitement, the cows were formally worshipped in the outskirts of the village. After the puja process was completed, the cowherds began making all the cows run together. The running cows raised dust from the ground, which the villagers applied to their heads, considering it a lucky omen. After the run, all the cows were lovingly fed green fodder.

Local leader Hirabhai Khodabhai Jadve provided information regarding the historical and social story behind the start of this tradition. According to him, in olden times, during the Diwali festivals, villagers remained busy with various festivities and celebrations. For this reason, it became difficult to take the animals out for grazing. In such a situation, on the day of Besta Varsh, farmers would donate the green grass growing in their fields to the cows with the intention of earning spiritual merit. As part of this tradition, the cows of the entire village were gathered in a field, worshipped, and then led towards the fields by making them run. Over time, this practice became an important tradition of the village.

Another village leader, Bharmalbhai Hemabhai Jadve, stated that this tradition has been continuing for many generations. The youth of the village are also carrying forward this heritage with full enthusiasm. On this day, all the people of the village gather in the field and celebrate the New Year with a feeling of mutual brotherhood. According to Bharmalbhai, this tradition was previously prevalent in many villages of the Vadhiyar area, but now this folk tradition remains alive in only a few villages, including Godhana.

The participation of the villagers and their love for the animals were clearly evident throughout the program. The villagers were involved in every process, from decorating the cows to feeding them green fodder. This tradition is not merely a religious belief, but also a symbol of the collective coordination and mutual love of the villagers. Through this cow-run conducted on the day of Besta Varsh, the villagers renew their unbreakable bond with nature and livestock.

According to reports, the role of the youth of the Bharwad community was particularly important in this tradition, as they actively contributed to the decoration and management of the cows. The village elders explain the importance of this tradition to the new generation so that this cultural heritage is preserved in the future. The belief of considering the dust raised by racing cows as a blessing has become a distinct identity of Godhana village. In this manner, the New Year in Godhana village began with cow worship, collective celebration, and the observance of tradition.