Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the Pratipada Tithi of Kartik month.
It marks Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from Indra.
The day is also called Annakut Puja due to the food offerings made to Krishna.
Over 56 varieties of food (Chappan Bhog) are often prepared for the Puja.
The Puja signifies devotion to nature and divine shelter over material pride.
Details
Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut Puja, is celebrated a day after Diwali, although occasionally a one-day gap may occur based on the Tithi timings. It commemorates the legendary event when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra. This festival symbolizes the victory of devotion and dharma over pride and ego. According to scriptures, the celebration takes place on the first lunar day (Pratipada) of Kartik month. However, if Pratipada begins before sunset on Amavasya, the Puja may be observed a day earlier. The essence of this festival lies in honoring nature and divine protection.
Annakut, which translates to "mountain of food," marks a central aspect of the celebration. Devotees prepare a large variety of food items including wheat, rice, sweets, gram flour-based dishes, and leafy vegetables, offering them to Lord Krishna in gratitude. These offerings are often artistically arranged in the form of a small hill, symbolizing Govardhan Hill. The tradition reflects abundance and the significance of sharing one’s blessings. After the offerings, aarti and devotional songs are performed, followed by distribution of the blessed food (prasadam) to devotees and the needy.
The rituals often take place in temples and homes where idols or images of Krishna are bathed, dressed, and adorned. The icon of Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill is especially revered. Community feasts and processions are also organized in many regions, particularly in Mathura and Nathdwara, where the festival is observed with immense fervor. The spiritual message of the festival emphasizes humility, community service, and surrender to divine will, as epitomized by Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita.
