Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja is an annual festival in India, celebrated on November 15. This day honors Lord Krishna, who, according to legend, lifted the Govardhan mountain to protect the people from a storm sent by Indra. The holiday marks Krishna’s victory over Indra and the importance of gratitude to nature.

History

Govardhan is a mountain whose name comes from the Sanskrit words “go,” meaning “cow,” and “vardhan,” meaning “nourishment.” Worshipping Govardhan is believed to bring blessings, mercy, and abundance from the deity. During the festival, people show their gratitude to nature by preparing and offering dishes made from 56 different ingredients.

Interesting facts

• Mount Govardhan is considered a step to heaven, and many monks worship the hill to feel closer to Krishna.
• The hill is regarded as holy, and legend says that only those with pure hearts can truly appreciate its beauty.
• The mountain is home to temples, rivers, and ponds.
• After the festival, the food is distributed among pilgrims as a sacred offering.
• Replicas of Govardhan Hill are built in shrines during the celebration.
• Festivities continue joyfully until late at night.
• Food offerings are presented in clay pots and brightly painted plates.

How to take part

On Govardhan Puja, the sacred cow is honored—she is dressed in silk, fed with fresh grass, and led around Govardhan Hill. Worshippers visit temples to dip deity figurines in milk and decorate them with jewels and colorful garments. Prayers are held, and a large table is filled with 56 vegetarian dishes, such as vegetables, herbs, sweets, and other foods. This meal is considered sacred, and everyone is offered a share.

When is Govardhan Puja in 2025?

Govardhan Puja is observed on November 15 each year.

Observations