On the auspicious occasion of Gopaṣṭamī, devotees from India and around the world gathered at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh to worship Gau Mata and celebrate this sacred festival. A special Yagna and grand Bhandara were organized. Pilgrims and visitors from countries including France, Germany, Italy, England, Spain, Lithuania, Latvia, Canada, and the USA participated with devotion.

Gopaṣṭamī reminds us that Gau Mata is not merely an animal — she is the foundation of life, nature, and dharma. In Sanatan Dharma, she is revered as Kamadhenu, the bestower of abundance and well-being.

HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji emphasized that cows are the heartbeat of Mother Earth. They support sustainable agriculture, health, and environmental balance. Cow protection is not only a religious duty but a humanitarian responsibility. Where the cow is protected, prosperity, compassion, and harmony flourish.

He added that the time has come to strengthen gaushalas, care for stray cows, and promote cow-based organic farming and Ayurvedic products — transforming cow protection into a people’s movement.

Among the honorable participants were Mrs. Alka Thamecha and Mr. Pradeep Thamecha, along with international devotees — Smalko Kseniia, Sokolova Ekaterina, Popovich Tatiana, Ivaniuk Margaryta, Kurzenkova Ekaterina, Panteleeva Olga, Popov Tatjana, Kamarouskaya Alena, Gladysheva Irina, Nagovitsyna Irina, and Tatiana Marahovskaya.