The ongoing Gau Navratri Mahotsav at the Hariharanand Kriyayoga Gurukul Ashram in Puri has attracted pujaris and cow devotees from across Bharat, united by a common cause. On the third day of the festival, pujaris gathered to demand a complete and absolute ban on cow slaughter throughout Bharat. They urged the Government to introduce constitutional provisions to protect cows across India.
During the Surabhi Satsang, Swami Samarpananand Giri emphasised that restrictions on cow slaughter existed even during foreign rule in Bharat. Expressing deep concern over the lack of legislative action post-independence, he urged authorities to rectify this oversight by instituting constitutional measures to prohibit cow slaughter, asserting that now is the time to act decisively on this issue.
Dayanidhi Das Maharaj from Vrindavan stressed that simply imposing a ban is insufficient; robust measures must also be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of cows across Bharat. He expressed his belief that the well-being of the entire world is intricately linked to the welfare of cows, making their protection essential for global peace and prosperity.
Swami Shankaranand Saraswati from Puri’s Nigmanand Ashram conveyed his disappointment that, in a land as sacred as Bharat, people must still organise gatherings to raise awareness about cow protection. He called for unity in support of this noble cause.
Swami Brahmanand Saraswati of Bhubaneswar’s Kalpataru Ashram highlighted the spiritual significance of cows, referencing ancient scriptures that depict the cow as a motherly figure vital for the world’s welfare. He noted that it is not only the responsibility of cow devotees but also of the Government and administrative bodies to actively support cow protection efforts.
In addition to spiritual discourses, the third day of the festival featured a Gou Vignyan Prasikshan (Cow Science Training Program) inaugurated by Babaji Dinbandhu Das. Agricultural expert Ekadashi Nandi educated attendees on the importance of preserving indigenous seeds and the numerous benefits of cow-based organic farming. Nandi, along with other experts, provided guidance on using cow dung, urine, and other organic inputs for agriculture, while cautioning against the long-term harm caused by chemical farming. The programme saw enthusiastic participation from over 3,000 devotees, farmers, and agricultural experts, all eager to learn more about sustainable, cow-centric agricultural practices.
The Gau Navratri Mahotsav at Hariharanand Kriyayoga Gurukul Ashram in Puri has become an annual tradition, celebrated from Kartik Shukla Pratipada to Akshay Navami. Each year, this festival attracts pujaris and devotees from across the country, uniting them in their commitment to preserving cow heritage and promoting cow welfare throughout Bharat.
