A girl feeds a cow at the Guwahati gosala on the first day of Gopastami mela. Picture by UB Photos

Oct. 31: The annual Gopastami mela opened today at the Gauhati goshala compound in Athgaon and drew a large number of visitors despite inclement weather.

The two-day mela, held every year at the 75-year-old goshala, is celebrated by worshipping the cow, traditionally revered by the Hindus. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna had lifted the Govardhan hill on his little finger on this day to save both the people and the cows of Vrindavan.

The organisers of the mela have fixed the time of worship of the cows. While the women can worship from 7 am tomorrow, for others, the time has been fixed between 2 pm and 9 pm.

The fair grounds wore a festive look today with the goshala premises being decorated with illuminations, streamers, buntings and banners. Nearly 150 makeshift stalls, selling products like jewellery, medicines, gift items, balloons, toys and sweetmeats, did brisk business. Some of the stalls that sold goods on a no-profit no-loss basis drew the most crowds.

“A special stall set up by the Assam Veterinary College is also drawing visitors. In keeping with the theme of the fair, the stall is demonstrating different ways of keeping cattle and the process of bovine management. It is also creating awareness about how to take care of cattle and prevent diseases among them,” said Sanjay Tulsian, press secretary of the mela.

“The cow is regarded as sacred and also known as gomata. Worship of the cow goes much beyond economic development. Our 33 crore gods and goddesses are said to reside in the cow,” said Nilu Pradhan, who visits the mela every year.

The other attractions in the two-day programme are wrestling shows and raas lila performed by artistes of Vrindavan. The mela ground has also been decorated with illuminated tableaus depicting the life of Lord Krishna.

“Verses from the Gita have been inscribed on the walls of the goshala compound to imbibe the spiritual feeling among the visitors,” said Ravi Ajitsariya, another member of the organising committee.

The Gauhati goshala is the biggest cowshed of the Northeast. It houses 1,100 cows. Of these, 257 cows produce milk. The ongoing mela is also the biggest in the Northeast and is part of the nationwide Gopastami celebrations.