Indian family welcomes ‘sacred’ cow at housewarming ceremony in US, internet reacts

Indian family welcomes ‘sacred’ cow at housewarming ceremony in US, internet reacts

Mangalore Today News Network

San Francisco, May 16, 2025: A heartwarming video of an Indian-origin family welcoming a cow as part of their housewarming (Grah Pravesh) ritual in San Francisco, US, is going viral.

In the widely circulated video, the cow, all decked up for the occasion, is ceremoniously led into the family’s new house.

The video was first shared on Instagram and showcases the work of Sri Surabhi Go Ksetra, a gowshala (cow sanctuary) in the Bay Area of California. The organisation is committed to protecting cows in the US.

“Our cow ‘Bahula’ attended a housewarming ceremony in Lathrop, CA today. She was warmly welcomed and truly happy. Thank you, Bahula," the post read. It was uploaded around Diwali last year.

The adorned cow is shown being led into the home by a priest at the start of the video. It has vermilion handprints all over its body, and a traditional fabric with images of sacred cows draped over its back. Prosperity and divine blessings for the new home are symbolised by this formal entrance.

To make room for a bowl of food, the family makes sure the floor is free of carpet before entering. The host family watches in awe as the cow easts from the bowl.

Next, a puja, or sacred prayer ritual, was performed by women of the house, seeking blessings for their new home. As the video comes to a close, the family is shown in their driveway, gathered around Bahula, and tenderly patting her out of respect and gratitude.

Watch the video here:

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A post shared by Sri Surabhi Go Ksetra (@bayareacows)

The video was shared on Instagram on November 4. Social media users have expressed their love for the heartwarming ritual, with many applauding the preservation of cultural traditions even in other countries.

A user who reposted the now-viral clip said, “Bringing a cow into a new home during a housewarming is believed to invite positivity and divine blessings. Heartening to see our heritage being honoured globally."

Another expressed amazement, saying: “This is such a beautiful and meaningful tradition. Does this ritual take place only during Diwali or on other special occasions as well?"

“Great guys. You are still keeping Hindu traditions alive in foreign soil. Thank you. It is common practice in South India to bring a cow to housewarming ceremonies. It brings good luck. Thank you again," an individual wrote.

The clip has sparked new conversations about cows’ spiritual meaning in Indian customs, highlighting their status as representations of wealth, purity, and divine grace.