Wp/efi/Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja (Worship of Govardhan Hill and Gratitude to Nature)

Govardhan Puja, also known as **Annakut** or **Padva**, is a Hindu festival celebrated on the **next day after Diwali (Amavasya)**. It marks **Lord Krishna’s victory over Indra**, the god of rain, and his act of **protecting the people of Gokul** by lifting the **Govardhan Hill**.

The festival promotes the values of **devotion, humility, environmental harmony, and gratitude to nature**.

Religious Significance

According to **Bhagavata Purana**, Lord Krishna persuaded the villagers of **Vrindavan** to stop worshipping Indra and instead **worship Govardhan Hill**, which provided them shelter, food, and grazing land for cattle. Angry at this, Indra unleashed torrential rains, but Krishna lifted the entire hill with his little finger to protect the people.

This day commemorates:

**Victory of faith and devotion over arrogance**
**Respect for nature and ecology**
The **beginning of humble living and dharmic values**

When Is It Celebrated?

Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the **first day of Shukla Paksha** in the **Hindu month of Kartika** (usually in October–November), the day after **Diwali Amavasya**.

In Gujarat and parts of North India, it is also associated with the **Gujarati New Year**.

Rituals and Celebrations

1. Annakut (Mountain of Food)

Devotees prepare **varieties of vegetarian dishes** (up to 56 or 108 items), collectively called **Annakut**.
The food is **arranged in the shape of a hill**, symbolizing Govardhan, and offered to **Lord Krishna** in temples and homes.

2. Govardhan Puja

In villages, small mounds of **cow dung or clay** are made to represent **Govardhan Hill** and are decorated with flowers.
Devotees perform **puja with milk, water, incense, turmeric, and kumkum**.
**Circumambulation (pradakshina)** of the Govardhan symbol is done by family members.

3. Cow Worship (Gopuja)

Cows are **bathed, decorated, and worshipped** as sacred beings, since they played a key role in the life of Lord Krishna.
In rural areas, cattle are adorned with colorful garlands and tilak.

4. Devotional Singing and Krishna Bhajans

Temples organize **bhajans, dances, and dramas** depicting the **Govardhan Leela (divine play)**.
In Mathura, Vrindavan, and ISKCON temples worldwide, **Annakut Darshan** is a major attraction.

5. Charity and Annadanam

Devotees perform **annadanam (offering food to the poor and saints)**, believing it brings blessings.

Observance Across India

**Uttar Pradesh (Mathura, Vrindavan)** – Grand celebrations in Krishna temples with Annakut
**Gujarat** – Govardhan Puja coincides with **New Year**; special meals and temple visits are common
**Maharashtra** – Known as **Padva**; also linked to the bond between husband and wife
**Telangana & Andhra Pradesh** – Celebrated in Krishna temples and ISKCON centers
**ISKCON Temples Worldwide** – Large-scale Annakut offerings and Krishna bhakti events

Symbolism

**Govardhan Hill** – Symbol of **nature and ecological balance**
**Annakut** – Represents **abundance, gratitude, and community sharing**
**Krishna lifting the hill** – Metaphor for **divine protection and strength of faith**

Related Festivals

**Diwali** – Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after
**Bhai Dooj** – Celebrated on the next day, honoring sibling bonds
**Krishna Janmashtami** – Marks Krishna’s birth
**Karthika Masam** – Month following Diwali, full of puja and lamp lighting

References

1. Bhagavata Purana – Govardhan Leela 2. ISKCON Official Teachings – “The Glory of Annakut” 3. The Hindu – “Temples Gear Up for Govardhan Puja Celebrations” 4. India Today – “Govardhan Puja Significance and Rituals” 5. Telugu Academy – Hindu Festivals Cultural Textbook