Govardhan Puja: The day when India worships Lord Krishna in his childlike avatar
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Synopsis
Also known as ‘Annakut’ or ‘Annakoot’ (meaning, the mountain of food’ in Sanskrit), Govardhan Puja is a significant Vaishnavite (the devotees of Lord Krishna) festival which is observed to celebrate Lord Krishna in his childlike avatar.
What Is The Govardhan Puja?
Also known as ‘Annakut’ or ‘Annakoot’ (meaning, the mountain of food’ in Sanskrit), Govardhan Puja is a significant Vaishnavite (the devotees of Lord Krishna) festival which is observed to celebrate Lord Krishna in his childlike avatar. When Is It Celebrated?
According to the Drik Panchang, this festival is observed on the first lunar day of the month of Kartika. It falls on the fourth day of Diwali. This year, the festival will be celebrated on November 14. Date & Timings:
The Pratipada Tithi commences on November 13 at 2:56 pm. It will end on November 14, at 2:36 pm. Govardhan Puja Pratahkala Muhurat - November 14, 2023. Significance Of Govardhan Puja
According to the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Krishna once lifted the Govardhana Hill to protect the inhabitants of Vrindavan from torrential rains sent by Lord Indra, the rain deity. Shri Krishna is believed to have dissuaded the cowherds of Govardhan not to worship any other deities than the Purna Parmatma. This infuriated Indra and he sent heavy rains and hailstorms for seven to eight days. Krishna lifted the hill and shielded the people from the downpour.
Rituals:
On this day, many Krishna devotees pay a visit to Braj, a pilgrimage site in Mathura. They circumambulate the hill and offer food to the mountain. Some may perform dandavats or full-body prostrations in front of the hill. Some worshippers create a likeness of the Govardhan hill from cow dung and adorn it with miniature cow figurines.56 food items (cchapan bhog) is prepared and offered after the puja ends. These consist of saatvik (vegetarian) items such as daal, vegetables, and fried, savoury foods.