Govardhan Puja, an integral part of the five-day Diwali festival, is celebrated a day after Diwali in many parts of India, particularly in North India. In 2024, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on November 2nd. This festival is also known as Annakut Puja, which means "mountain of food," highlighting the tradition of offering food to Lord Krishna.


The Story Behind Govardhan Puja


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The story of Govardhan Puja is rooted in the life of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, the residents of Gokul and Vrindavan used to worship Lord Indra, the king of the gods, to seek his blessings for rain and prosperity. However, young Krishna, wise beyond his years, taught the villagers the importance of worshipping Govardhan Hill instead. He explained that Govardhan Hill and nature itself provided them with the essential resources for life—shelter, food, and water.


Krishna convinced the villagers to stop the grand rituals meant for Indra and instead prepare offerings for Govardhan Hill. Enraged by this, Indra, in his fury, sent torrential rain and thunderstorms to punish the villagers for neglecting him. To protect the people and animals from the relentless downpour, Lord Krishna lifted the massive Govardhan Hill on his little finger, creating a natural umbrella that shielded everyone for seven days. Seeing Krishna's divine power and compassion, Indra accepted his defeat and realized Krishna's supreme nature. He sought forgiveness, and the rains subsided. The event symbolizes the victory of devotion and humility over pride and arrogance.


Why Govardhan Puja Is Celebrated


Govardhan Puja is celebrated to honor the selfless act of Lord Krishna and to remind people of the significance of harmony with nature. The festival underscores the teachings of gratitude and humility while emphasizing that nature and the divine are interconnected, nurturing and sustaining life. It is a reminder to acknowledge and respect the environment and the resources it provides.


How Govardhan Puja Is Celebrated


Govardhan Puja celebrations vary across regions but commonly involve these traditional practices:


Creating Govardhan Hill Replicas: Devotees build small replicas of Govardhan Hill using cow dung, symbolizing the mountain that Krishna lifted. These replicas are adorned with flowers, leaves, and miniature clay figures representing cows, Krishna, and the villagers.


Annakut Offerings: The day is marked by preparing a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, which are arranged as a grand feast called Annakut. This offering represents the mountain of food Krishna's devotees prepared in his honor. It is placed before the idol of Lord Krishna in temples and homes as an act of gratitude and devotion.


Bhajans and Aartis: Devotional songs and aartis dedicated to Lord Krishna are performed to invoke blessings and celebrate his divine deeds. This helps foster a spiritual atmosphere and reminds the participants of the essence of Krishna’s teachings.


Processions and Reenactments: In many parts of India, processions are taken out, featuring dramatic reenactments of the story of Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill. These performances are lively and often involve local communities showcasing their creativity and reverence.


Community Feasting: After the rituals, the prepared food from the Annakut is shared among family, friends, and the community as prasadam, symbolizing unity, sharing, and communal harmony.


Decorating Temples: Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, especially in regions like Mathura and Vrindavan, are beautifully decorated and filled with devotional activities. These temples host elaborate pujas, processions, and kirtans to celebrate the day.


Govardhan Puja is more than just a festival; it is a reminder of the profound teachings of Lord Krishna. It symbolizes devotion, humility, and the essential connection between humanity and nature. The story of Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill illustrates that true divine power lies in protecting and nurturing others. As people come together to celebrate this day with prayers, offerings, and acts of kindness, they reflect on the deeper spiritual lessons of service, gratitude, and respect for the world around them.


(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)