NEW DELHI: To shift the perception of cow protection beyond religious and cultural boundaries and link it directly with self-reliance, rural employment, and economic empowerment, the ‘National Godhan Diwali Mahotsav 2026’ will be organized from November 1 to 7 at Dilli Haat, Janakpuri. The official announcement was made during a press conference held at the MP Club, North Avenue.
The press conference was graced by several prominent figures, including former Governor of Assam Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, Haryana State President of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh Satish Chhikara, Ashok Sachdeva, and former MLA Madan Lal, alongside representatives of various social and farmer organizations. Highlighting the integration of cow-rearing with Indian lifestyle and the rural economy, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi emphasized that cow-based living has historically played a vital role in India’s cultural and economic framework. Amid modern challenges such as environmental crises, pollution, and chemical farming, a cow-based natural lifestyle is emerging as an effective alternative. He warned that if cow wealth continues to be neglected, cow urine—which holds immense medicinal and life-giving value—will soon become scarcer than milk. He urged all sections of society to transform this initiative into a mass movement.
Vijay Khurana, National Coordinator of Rashtriya Godhan Mahasangh, stated that the festival’s objective is not merely to view cow shelters (gaushalas) as conservation centers, but to develop them into self-sufficient, employment-generating economic units. “This festival is not just a platform for exhibition and sale; it is a comprehensive campaign to promote Indian traditions, culture, indigenous products, natural lifestyles, and self-reliance,” he said.
The Mahotsav is being organized by the Rashtriya Godhan Mahasangh in collaboration with the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), the Government of Delhi, Cowzone, and the Sanatan Dharma Pratinidhi Sabha, Delhi. DTTDC has officially approved Dilli Haat, Janakpuri, as the venue for the event.
According to the organizers, approximately 400 stalls will be set up at the venue. These stalls will showcase natural and cow-based products prepared by gaushalas, cow-servants, and organizations from various parts of the country. The focus will remain on developing new sources of income for gaushalas through cow dung and cow urine-based products, Panchagavya, organic manure, natural farming, and other eco-friendly goods.
Khurana noted that India has nearly 22,000 gaushalas. By connecting them with the local economy, rural employment and indigenous production can be significantly boosted. The festival will also demonstrate various modern technological models aimed at making cow shelters financially independent.
The core pillars of the festival will be the environment, economy, and employment. Additionally, homage will be paid to the saints who lost their lives during the historic Parliament Street cow-protection movement on November 7, 1966. The organizers have extended an invitation to cow-devotees, entrepreneurs, researchers, and citizens from across the nation to participate in the Mahotsav.
