Govardhan Puja is more than just a festival after Diwali. It is filled with fascinating stories, lessons, and mysteries that have captured the hearts of devotees for generations. Behind the decorations, grand feasts and joyful rituals, there are tales of devotion, bravery and the remarkable powers of Lord Krishna.
Each legend of Govardhan Puja carries a message about faith, humility, and respect for nature. By exploring these stories, we can uncover the deeper meanings behind the festival. Govardhan Puja is not only a celebration of devotion and life, but also a reminder of the delicate balance between humans, nature, and the divine.
Let’s travel back to where it all began with Vedic Stories.
The Story of Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill
The story of Govardhan Puja, described in the Bhagavata Purana, teaches lessons of devotion, humility, and gratitude toward nature. In the land of Braj, people once worshipped Lord Indra, the god of rain, believing that his blessings would bring a good harvest. But young Krishna questioned this tradition. He asked the villagers, “Why worship Indra when it is Govardhan Hill that gives us food, water, and shelter?”
The villagers understood Krishna’s wisdom and began worshipping Govardhan Hill instead. They offered food, prayers, and gratitude to the hill, which symbolized the nurturing power of nature. When Indra found out that the people had stopped worshipping him, he became angry and sent the Samvartaka clouds to flood Braj with heavy rain. The villagers, frightened and helpless, turned to Krishna for help.
To protect them, Krishna lifted Govardhan Parvat on his little finger and held it like an umbrella for seven days and nights. Men, women, children and animals and everyone stood safely beneath it. Realizing Krishna’s divine power, Indra bowed before him and asked for forgiveness. He understood that Krishna was none other than Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Protector.
Since that day, Govardhan Puja has been celebrated as a symbol of faith, humility, and respect for nature. Devotees often create a small govardhan idol made by cow dung or clay, called cow dung Govardhan, to honor this event.
Also Read: The Hidden Stories of Diwali: Mystical Legends and Cultural Secrets
Annakut: The Mountain of Food
The day of Govardhan Puja is also known as Annakut, which means “mountain of food.” After the heavy rain stopped, the people of Braj celebrated Lord Krishna’s protection by preparing a grand feast of 56 dishes, called Chappan Bhog.
According to belief, Krishna used to eat eight meals every day. During the seven days when he held up Govardhan Hill, he did not eat anything. So after the storm ended, the villagers offered him eight meals for seven days, making a total of 56 dishes.
In many temples across India, devotees prepare and arrange these dishes in the shape of a Govardhan mountain. This symbolizes abundance, gratitude, and the blessings of nature. The offerings include many types of vegetarian food such as cereals, sweets, fruits, milk products, drinks, pickles, and snacks. After the worship, the food offered to the deity becomes prasad and is shared among everyone. This act of sharing represents love, unity, and the joy of giving. Annakut reminds people to always stay thankful for what nature provides and to celebrate together in harmony.
Bali Pratipada: The Return of King Bali
In many parts of India, such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, the day after Diwali is celebrated as Bali Pratipada or Bali Padwa. This festival honors the noble King Mahabali and his story is closely connected to Lord Vishnu’s fifth incarnation, Vamana.
King Bali was known for his kindness, honesty, and devotion, but his growing power began to worry the gods. To restore balance in the universe, Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana, a small Brahmin boy, and approached King Bali during a grand ceremony. He humbly asked for as much land as he could cover in three steps.
Bali agreed without hesitation. As soon as he granted the wish, Vamana grew into a giant form and covered the Earth and the heavens with his first two steps. There was no space left for the third step, so King Bali bowed down and offered his own head.
Pleased by Bali’s humility and truthfulness, Lord Vishnu blessed him with a special boon. He allowed the king to return to Earth once every year to meet his people. That day is celebrated as Bali Pratipada, a festival that symbolizes sacrifice, devotion, and the victory of truth and humility over pride.
What is Govardhan Puja?
Govardhan Puja is a Hindu festival celebrated the day after Diwali. It honors Lord Krishna’s act of lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Braj from the heavy rains sent by Lord Indra. The festival is a way to show gratitude for nature, celebrate divine protection, and express devotion to Lord Krishna. Devotees worship Govardhan Hill, offer prayers, and prepare special foods for the occasion.
Significance of Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja significance has multiple important meanings:
- Gratitude to Nature: It teaches respect for nature and the resources that sustain life.
- Divine Protection: It shows how God protects devotees who have faith, as Krishna did for the villagers.
- Triumph of Devotion over Ego: The story highlights humility and devotion, showing how Krishna humbled Indra’s pride.
- Community and Unity: The festival brings people together through shared prayers, offerings, and celebrations, strengthening social bonds.
Other Names of Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja is also called Annakut or Annakoot, meaning “mountain of food,” because devotees prepare and offer large varieties of food arranged like a hill. In some regions, it also marks the beginning of the Gujarati New Year. In parts of India, it is connected with Bali Pratipada, honoring the noble King Bali.
When is Govardhan Puja in 2025?
In 2025, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 22.
Auspicious Timings for Govardhan Puja:
- Morning Puja (Pratah Kalam): 6:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Evening Puja (Sandhya Puja): 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Lunar Day (Tithi): Pratipada
Also Read: Story of Naraka Chaturdashi: Meaning, Rituals, and Significance of Diwali’s 2nd Day
How is Govardhan Puja Celebrated?
Creating a Replica of Govardhan Hill
Devotees create a small replica of Govardhan Hill using cow dung, clay, or mud. They decorate it with flowers, leaves, grains, and figurines of cows and villagers. This hillock represents the original Govardhan Hill and is central to the worship.
Annakut Offering
One of the main customs is the Annakut offering. Devotees prepare many vegetarian dishes, fruits, and sweets, often 56 items called Chappan Bhog. These foods are arranged like a mountain and offered to Lord Krishna. After the worship, the food is shared as prasad among family, friends, and neighbors, symbolizing gratitude and community.
Aarti and Bhajans
Aarti and bhajans are an important part of the celebration. Devotees light diyas, sing Krishna bhajans, and perform aarti to seek blessings for peace, happiness, and prosperity.
Govardhan Parikrama
Some devotees perform Govardhan Parikrama by walking around the replica or the actual Govardhan Hill. While circumambulating, they sing hymns and chant in devotion, honoring Lord Krishna and showing respect for nature.
Cow Worship
Cows are worshipped during the festival. They are decorated with flowers, turmeric, and bells, and are fed green grass, chapati, and jaggery. This ritual honors their sacred role in Hindu culture.
Community and Festivity
Govardhan Puja is also a festival of community. People come together to celebrate, share food, participate in prayers, and strengthen social and spiritual bonds. Processions, music, and dance in some regions add joy and unity to the celebrations.
Why is Govardhan Puja Celebrated?
Govardhan Puja is celebrated to remember the day Krishna protected the villagers of Braj from Indra’s torrential rains. It reminds people to:
- Show Gratitude: Appreciate nature for sustenance and Krishna’s divine protection.
- Reaffirm Faith: Believe in God’s protection for those who are devoted.
- Promote Humility: Learn that devotion and humility are stronger than pride and ego.
- Respect the Environment: Understand the importance of caring for nature and its resources.
Conclusion
Govardhan Puja is more than just a ritual. It is a celebration of love, gratitude, and respect—for nature, for the community, and for the divine. The festival reminds us that even small acts of devotion can bring great protection and harmony into our lives.
By honoring Krishna and the Govardhan Hill, we learn to live with humility, care for the environment, and value the bonds that connect us. Govardhan Puja touches hearts because it teaches a timeless lesson: true faith and gratitude can guide and shelter us through life’s challenges.
Till then, keep reading Vedic Stories.
