Vagh Baras 2017 Date India Gujarat - Importance of Diwali Vagh Baras Festival Celebration Information

Gujaratis begin their celebrations even before Dhanteras. The first day is celebrated as Agyaras, when the tastiest of snacks is prepared, to wish New Year to neighbours and relatives. Sounds mouth-watering! The second day is called Vagh Baras or Vasu Baras.

===================

Details of Vagh Baras:

Date:  16 October, 2017

Day: Monday

Known As:  Govatsa dwadashi and Guru Dwadashi

===================

Vagh Baras also known as Wagh Baras is observed on the 12th day during the waning phase of moon the krishna Paksha in the month of ashwin as per the traditional calendar followed in Gujarat and Maharashtra. It is widely believed that Shri Vallabha who was a part of Lord Dattatreya left the earth on this day.Hence it is also celebrated as Guru Dwadashi in some places.

“Vagh” also means “tiger” in Gujarati. Vagh baras is celebrated in a unique fashion in Dhodia villages where some men color themselves in stripes representing the Vagh and others as plain white or other colours denoting cattle. The tiger chases the cattle. Finally, at the end of the sport, the village inhabitants eat food together at a common place and celebrate.

On this day the cow and calf are worshiped. Vagh here refers to repaying one's financial debts. Therefore people clear their account ledgers (khata) today and do not enter into new transactions using new ledgers until after Labh Pancham.