As both brother Lord Krishna and Balarama grew older, Nanda decided to give them some responsibilities. In their village, young cowherds were given the responsibility of taking care of calves. So, Nanda gave the two brothers charge of the calves. “You must take care that the little calves are well fed and remain safe at all times,” instructed Nanda. Thus, along with the other young cowherds, Lord Krishna and Balarama started taking care of the calves. They took them to the pastures every morning and returned home every evening.
When they went out for cattle grazing in the pastures, Lord Krishna often played the flute. They also ate amalaki and bael fruits. Often to amuse themselves, they mimicked the sounds of cows and bulls and even other animals and birds.
However, danger would soon come to the two brothers and the cowherds. They feared nothing, for Lord Krishna was with them.