Govardhan Puja is a sacred Hindu Puja dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is also known as Annakut. This festival is celebrated after two days of Diwali. This day holds a lot of significance, as it is completely dedicated to Lord Krishna. This festival celebrates the time when Lord Krishna holds the Govardhan Hill, to protect the villagers from the anger of Indra Dev.
This year, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on 14th November 2023. According to Hindu calender
Govardhan Puja is going to be celebrated on Pratipada Tithi in the month of Kartik.
Govardhan Puja 2023 Date and Time
This year Govardhan Puja falls on 13th November 2023, a day after Diwali.
Pratipada Tithi begins – November 13th, 2023.
Time – 2:56 PM
Govardhan Puja Significance
This festival is a way of expressing our gratitude to Lord Krishna on this day. On this day the people worship Lord Krishna with immense love and respect.
As per Hindi mythology, during the olden times the people of Gokul used to worship Indra Devta, the God of rain. But one day Lord Krishna told the villagers to stop worshipping Indra Devta, and told that they should worship the Govardhan Hill instead, which gave them immense resources to survive. After that incident all the villagers started worshipping the Govardhan Hill and stopped worshipping Indra Devta. The villagers offered Annakoot to the hill and this act of theirs angered Indra Devta. He retaliated the villagers with torrential rain out of rage and revenge.
To protect the villagers from the unstoppable rain, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger. Indra Devta saw the divine power of Lord Krishna and he withdrew his wrath.
Govardhan Puja Rituals
During this festival , the devotees prepare a Bhog or Prasad which is offered to Lord Krishna. All the temples of Lord Krishna are decorated with lights, flowers, and diyas.
Haryana, Bihar, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh are the states that celebrate this festival with great delight. In Haryana there is a ritual where people make hillocks from cow dung to represent Govardhan Hill.
In Gujarat, this day is known as “Bestu Baras.” In Maharastra, it is known as “Padwa.” Some part of India celebrate this day as “Vishwakarma Puja.”
During Govardhan Puja, devotees prepare a mountain food called Annakoot, symbolizing Govardhan Hill. It consist of various vegetarian dishes like – sweets, snacks, fruits, etc. To represent the hill, the food is arranged in a circular pattern.
After the Puja is completed the Annakoot is shared among the people and a feast is organized to celebrate it.
