Govardhan Puja is celebrated in North India on the day after Diwali, on Kartik Shukla Pratipada. It is closely linked with Lord Krishna and the Braj region around Mathura and Vrindavan. The day is also called Annakut, meaning a mountain of food.
This article is based on religious beliefs and folk traditions. Democratic Bharat Live does not claim to verify them.
The legend
According to the Bhagavata Purana, the people of Braj used to worship Indra, the god of rain, with grand offerings. The young Krishna told them that they should instead honour Govardhan hill, which provided grass for their cows, and nature that sustained them. Angered, Indra sent heavy rain for seven days. Krishna lifted Govardhan hill on his little finger and sheltered the villagers and their cattle under it. Indra finally realised his mistake. Govardhan Puja celebrates this event and the message of respecting nature.
How it is celebrated at home
- A small Govardhan hill is made from cow dung or clay in the courtyard, decorated with flowers and figures of cows and cowherds.
- Families perform puja, offer food and do a parikrama (circling) of the model.
- Cows and bullocks are bathed, decorated and fed.
Annakut
Temples and homes prepare a large variety of dishes, sometimes dozens or even hundreds, and arrange them as a hill before the deity. This offering is called Annakut. It is later distributed as prasad. Kadhi, rice, mixed vegetables called annakut ki sabzi, and sweets are common.
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Celebrations in Braj
At Govardhan town near Mathura, lakhs of devotees perform the Govardhan parikrama, a walk of about 21 km around the hill. Temples such as Mansi Ganga, Daan Ghati and Mukharvind are especially crowded. In Vrindavan and Nathdwara in Rajasthan, the Annakut darshan draws large numbers of devotees.
Regional names
In Gujarat, the day after Diwali is celebrated as the Gujarati New Year, Bestu Varas. In Maharashtra, it is Bali Pratipada or Padwa. In some places, Vishwakarma Puja is also held around this day.
Date
Govardhan Puja usually falls the day after Lakshmi Puja, but in some years, due to the timing of tithis, there may be a gap of a day. Check your local panchang.
Message of the festival
Govardhan Puja reminds people of their bond with nature, cattle and the land. It is a festival of community, sharing and gratitude.
Bottom line
Govardhan Puja and Annakut celebrate Krishna’s protection of Braj and the gifts of nature, through prayer, food and the famous parikrama.
Source / स्रोत: Uttar Pradesh Tourism, Ministry of Culture
