On many occasions, Govardhan Puja falls on the next day of Diwali and it is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna defeated Lord Indra. Sometimes there may be a difference between Diwali and Govardhan Pooja. In religious texts, a celebration of Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the antiquity of the Kartik month. Depending on the starting time of Pratipada, the day of Govardhan Puja may fall on the Hindu calendar a day before the new moon day. For the Gujarati community, the festival is celebrated as its New Year's Day.

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Literally translated from Sanskrit, 'Go' means cow and 'Vardhan' means our nutrition ', and it is not surprising that during the festival of Govardhan Puja, holy cow is worshipped in the Hindu community.

Stroy behind Govardhan Puja

According to Hindu mythology, the people of Gokul worshipped Lord Indra, also known as the god of rain. However, Lord Krishna asked the people to worship Anandkit Hill or Govardhan Mountains, which they thought was a more powerful God. Govardhan Parbat is often worshipped by devotees who seek nurturing and protection from harsh conditions in life. Parbat is also revered for providing food and shelter to its devotees when they need it.

After the advice of Lord Krishna, the people of Gokul started worshipping the Govardhan Hill in place of Lord Indra. On seeing this, Lord Indra became very angry and began to make heavy rain in Gokul. Lord Krishna intervened to save the people by lifting the Govardhan hill with his little finger and covering the people of Gokul under it. 

Govardhan Puja Vidhi 2024

Since Annakut the festival is very close to the festival of Diwali, the rituals of both festivals are also closely linked. During the Annakut, like the festival of Diwali, the first three days are on the day of prayer, which is done to purify the money and invite more prosperity in the family. Devotees pray to Lord Krishna and express gratitude to God.

Often confused as having the same, Govardhan Puja and Annakut are really different. Govardhan Puja is a major ritual performed during the Annakut; I.e. Govardhan Puja is actually only one section of the Annakut festival throughout the day.

Goverdhan Puja 2024 Date and Shub Muhurat

Goverdhan Puja 2024 - Saturday, 2nd November 2024

Govardhan Puja Pratahkala Muhurat - 06:29 AM to 08:43 AM

Pratipada Tithi Begins - 18:10 PM on 1th Nov, 2024
Pratipada Tithi Ends - 20:20 PM on 2nd Nov, 2024

Govardhan Puja Vidhi or Rituals

There are many rituals for Govardhan Puja, which are practised by various communities. One such tradition is the idol of Lord (usually Lord Krishna). The idol is made from cow's dung, which is later placed with beautifully decorated mud dyes (called Diya) and candles. The devotees also pray to Lord Govardhan. Many families also make Rangoli (colourful powder, coloured sand and ornamental art made from flower petals) outside their homes.

The statues and idols of the deities also bath in milk, and beautiful new clothes are worn, which are decorated with precious stones and beads.

Annakut – Why Devotees prepare huge food on this day?

In Hindu families, elderly family members of Anukutt consider an auspicious time to teach the religious and cultural values ​​to the children, and sincerely express their dedication to God asking for forgiveness from God.

As part of the ceremony, people prepare a gala feast, which contains 56 types of food (referenced by local people as Chappan Bhog). It is first offered to Lord Krishna.

Read about Goverdhan puja vidhi in Hindi click here