Introduction

Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut Puja, is celebrated the day after Diwali in most parts of India. While Diwali is about lights, victory, and prosperity, Govardhan Puja focuses on gratitude—thanking nature, honoring Lord Krishna, and showing reverence to the Earth that sustains life.

The highlight of this festival is the preparation of a massive offering of food (called Annakut) that is dedicated to Lord Krishna. But beyond rituals, Govardhan Puja carries a deep spiritual and environmental message about living in harmony with nature and being grateful for what we receive.

Let’s explore the history, rituals, cultural practices, and modern significance of Govardhan Puja in detail.

 

The Story Behind Govardhan Puja

The origin of Govardhan Puja comes from the Bhagavata Purana and other scriptures.

 

Krishna and the People of Braj

In Vrindavan, people used to worship Lord Indra, the God of Rain, believing that he controlled their harvest and prosperity. Young Krishna, however, questioned this practice. He argued that it was not Indra, but Govardhan Hill, cows, and nature that sustained their lives.

Convinced by Krishna, the villagers stopped offering rituals to Indra and instead prepared a grand feast in honor of Govardhan Hill.

 

Indra’s Wrath and Krishna’s Protection

Angered by this, Indra unleashed a fierce storm with heavy rains and thunder. To protect the villagers, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger, creating a giant umbrella. Everyone took shelter beneath the hill until the storm ended.

Realizing his mistake, Indra bowed before Krishna. Since then, the day has been celebrated as Govardhan Puja to honor Krishna’s lesson:

Respect nature.

Practice humility.

Live in balance with the environment.

 

When is Govardhan Puja Celebrated?

Govardhan Puja falls on the fourth day of Diwali celebrations, also known as Pratipada of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik (October–November).

In some regions like Gujarat, the day is also observed as the Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas), adding even more festive joy.

 

Rituals of Govardhan Puja

1. Preparing Annakut (Mountain of Food)

The most important ritual is preparing a huge variety of vegetarian food—sometimes more than 50 or even 100 dishes. This offering, called Annakut, represents abundance, gratitude, and devotion.

Foods commonly included:

Rice, chapati, and puris

Curries, dals, and vegetables

Sweets like laddus, halwa, barfi, and peda

Fruits, dry fruits, and milk-based dishes

The food is arranged like a mountain, symbolizing Govardhan Hill, and then offered to Lord Krishna.

 

2. Govardhan Parikrama

In Vrindavan and nearby places, devotees perform a parikrama (circumambulation) around the actual Govardhan Hill. Pilgrims walk barefoot, chanting Krishna’s name and offering prayers. The full parikrama covers 21 kilometers and can take an entire day.

 

3. Rituals at Home

Families create a small model of Govardhan Hill at home using cow dung, decorated with flowers, rangoli, and lamps. This miniature hill is worshiped with incense, milk, and food offerings.

 

4. Worship of Cows

Since cows played a central role in the story, they are also decorated and worshiped. In rural areas, cows are bathed, painted with colors, and adorned with garlands as part of the puja.

 

Spiritual Significance of Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja isn’t just about food—it teaches timeless values:

Gratitude: Thanking nature, animals, and resources that make life possible.

Simplicity: Krishna reminded people that divine blessings come from simple living, not grand rituals.

Environmental Awareness: The story shows that nature must be respected, not exploited.

Faith: The villagers’ trust in Krishna’s protection highlights the power of devotion.

 

Govardhan Puja in Different Regions

North India: Celebrated with Annakut offerings and cow worship. In Mathura and Vrindavan, the festival is grand, with thousands of devotees performing parikrama.

Gujarat: Marks the beginning of the Gujarati New Year. People start fresh accounts and visit temples.

Maharashtra: Govardhan Puja is often associated with Bali Pratipada, honoring the return of King Bali to Earth.

South India: While not as widely celebrated, similar rituals of gratitude to nature and cattle are observed.

 

Govardhan Puja in Modern Times

Today, the essence of Govardhan Puja is especially relevant:

Sustainable Living: In a world facing climate challenges, the festival reminds us to care for nature.

Family Bonding: Preparing Annakut together strengthens family ties.

Community Spirit: Temples and communities organize grand feasts, making it a collective celebration.

Even outside India, Hindu communities celebrate Govardhan Puja in temples with devotion and joy, keeping the traditions alive.

 

Govardhan Puja and Food: Symbol of Abundance

The Annakut feast has a deeper meaning. Offering food to God reflects sharing, abundance, and selflessness. After the puja, the food is distributed as prasad, reinforcing the idea that blessings increase when shared.

 

Conclusion

Govardhan Puja is more than just a ritual—it’s a reminder of humility, gratitude, and respect for nature. Through the story of Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill, we learn that true worship lies in recognizing the divine in our environment and living in harmony with it.

Whether celebrated with traditional rituals or in simple ways at home, Govardhan Puja continues to inspire people to live with faith, gratitude, and compassion.