Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja is a Hindu festival celebrated in India and by Hindu communities around the world. Also known as Annakut, it honors Lord Krishna and commemorates the story of his lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from heavy rain. The festival also expresses gratitude for food, animals, land, and the natural world.

History of Govardhan Puja

According to Hindu tradition, the people of Vrindavan once prepared offerings for Indra, the deity associated with rain and storms. Krishna encouraged them instead to honor Govardhan Hill, the cattle, and the land that sustained their community.

Indra became angry and sent severe rain over the region. Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill and held it above the people and animals, providing shelter until the storm ended. The story emphasizes humility, devotion, protection, and respect for nature.

Govardhan Puja is observed during the Diwali festival period on the first lunar day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Kartika. It usually falls shortly after Diwali, but its date changes each year according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

Interesting Facts About Govardhan Puja

• Govardhan Puja is also known as Annakut, meaning “mountain of food.”
• Devotees prepare large displays of vegetarian dishes and offer them to Krishna.
• Some temple offerings traditionally include 56 dishes, known as chappan bhog.
• Small representations of Govardhan Hill may be created and decorated for worship.
• Cows and bulls are honored in some communities because of their importance in Krishna traditions and rural life.
• Govardhan Hill is located near Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh.
• Food offered during worship is later distributed as prasad.

How Govardhan Puja Is Observed

Govardhan Puja is observed through prayers, temple visits, devotional songs, food offerings, and the worship of Krishna and Govardhan Hill. Families and temples may prepare an Annakut display with vegetables, grains, sweets, breads, and other vegetarian dishes. In some regions, people decorate cattle, create symbolic hills, perform parikrama, or walk around Govardhan Hill as an act of devotion.

When Is Govardhan Puja in 2026?

Govardhan Puja is observed according to the Hindu lunar calendar, usually shortly after Diwali.

Observations