CNN Central News and Network – ITDC India Press / ITDC News Bhopal: A state-level Govardhan Puja program will be held on November 2 at Ravindra Bhavan, Bhopal, at 9:30 AM, in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. This event will focus on the cultural and economic significance of the Govardhan festival and will feature an exhibition highlighting cow culture, the environment, and health-related benefits. The exhibition will primarily showcase the economic importance of Panchgavya products, cow handicrafts, agricultural products, and daily-use items. Alongside the state-level program, similar events will take place in all districts at prominent gaushalas (cow shelters), where Govardhan Puja, seminars on cow-based and Panchgavya products, cultural programs, rangoli and essay competitions, and children’s activities will also be organized.
**Cow and Ganga are the Soul of India’s Culture and Civilization:** Chief Minister Dr. Yadav
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that Govardhan Puja is a festival of respect for nature. The cow and Ganga are dearest to God on Earth. India cannot be imagined without them. The cow and Ganga are the soul of India’s culture and civilization; they are both nurturers and saviors. The glory of the cow is described in the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, Smriti texts, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other scriptures. The cow is revered as Surabhi, Kamadhenu, Archya, Yajnapadi, Kalyani, Ijya, Bahula, Kamadhuga, the source of life, the mother of Rudras, and the daughter of Vasu.
In the Vedas, the cow is referred to as Aghnya (not to be killed). In the Treta Yuga, the ideal man, Lord Rama, performed a cow donation before his exile. In the Dvapara Yuga, Lord Krishna spent his childhood with cows, spreading the message of the cow’s importance in India. The Skanda Purana praises Kamadhenu by the three deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.
“You are the mother of all deities, the cause of Yajna. You are the sacredness of all sacred places; we bow to you, O Sinless One.”
This means, O Sinless One, you are the mother of all gods and the cause of Yajna, and you are the greatest of all sacred places; we always salute you. Protecting and nurturing the cow, which is certainly worthy of reverence by God, is not only a duty but also a religion. The Madhya Pradesh government is also always committed to cow service. Our government has initiated a campaign to start gaushalas in every village. The government has made a significant decision to double the grants allocated for cow feed in gaushalas.
