Govardhan Puja

When is Govardhan Puja observed?

The day after Diwali is observed as Govardhan Puja which comes in the Pratipada tithi of shukla paksha during the Kartik month of Hindu calendar. It is also known as Annakut in many places.

What's the story behind Govardhan Puja?

The origin of this puja goes back to the time when people of Vrindavan (a place in Uttar Pradesh at present) used to worship Devraj Indra every year in the Pratipada tithi of Kartik month. They used to worship him for showering rain upon them. Once Lord Krishna questioned them for doing so and made them realised that it was the deva's duty to do so; instead they should worship Govardhan Parvat (Hill) for selflessly serving them, providing them the food, and nurturing them without asking anything in return. The Vrindavan people understood; made all the arrangements for the puja of Govardhan Hill. When Indra got to know all of these, he became extremely angry and in his arrogance, attempted to destroy the whole Vrindavan with heavy and endless rain. Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill with his little finger of left hand to provide shelter to his citizens. Indra accepted his defeat, apologised to Lord Krishna for troubling the innocent people due to his ego and arrogance. The Govardhan leela continued for straight seven days. Mother Yashoda used to feed her son (Krishn) 8 times a day but in order to protect his people from the wrath of Indra, Lord Krishna not eaten anything during this period. So at the end of Govardhan leela, as a sign of love and care, Yashoda had prepared a feast of 56 bhogs (dishes) for his son.

How is the day celebrated?

People make a hill out of cow dung, representing the Govardhan Parvat. They then perform parikrama (circumambulation) around it while singing songs, chanting mantras and prayers. People prepare several delicacies to offer Lord Krishna. Many even make 56 or 108 bhogs for him. After the puja is over, it is then shared as prasadam among themselves and they break their fasts. In rural areas, people make a mountain of food items; worship and feed it to the cows.

Significance of the day

Govardhan Hill was a form of Krishn himself. This playtime of his symbolises that there's nothing to worry as he is there to take care of all those who take shelter in him. People observe this day by worshipping Lord Krishna and seek his blessings. The day also signifies the close bond of men and the nature. It is the day of celebration of gratitude and humility, and surrendering to the supreme power who takes care of all.