Govardhan Puja is performed on the next Kartik Shukla Pratipada day of Diwali, this year Govardhan Puja is on Monday, 14th November. According to the Panchang, the Pratipada date of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month will start from 02:56 pm on 13th November and will end at 02:36 pm on 14th November. Due to Udaya Tithi being valid, Govardhan Puja will be held on 14th November. Govardhan Puja morning time is from 06.43 am to 08.52 am.
The story behind celebrating Govardhan Puja
According to mythology, Lord Krishna carried the Govardhan Hill on his little finger for seven days as the Samvartaka clouds caused heavy rainfall in Vrindavan on the orders of Lord Indra. Actually, this happened because when Lord Krishna asked his community to worship Govardhan Hill instead of Devraj Indra.
Govardhan Puja is also called Annakoot
Devraj Indra, who was worshiped as the god of rain, got angry at this and caused heavy rain in Vrindavan. But the actions of Lord Krishna proved his power to protect his devotees. According to this interesting story, in memory of this interesting way of worshiping the earth and nature, Govardhan Puja (also known as Annakoot Puja) is celebrated every year. This year, the festival will be celebrated on November 14, which is the fourth day of Diwali.
How is Govardhan Puja done?
On the day of Govardhan Puja, devotees bathe Lord Radha-Krishna with milk and also offer new clothes and jewellery.
A mountain made from cow dung is worshiped
In most Indian homes, during Govardhan Puja, Govardhan Parvat is made by collecting cow dung cakes. A mountain made of cow dung is worshiped as a form of worship.
Fifty-six offerings are offered to Radha-Krishna.
On this day, devotees of Lord Krishna worship Govardhan Parvat and offer 56 Chhappan Bhog, vegetarian food, milk, curd, butter and sweets to express their gratitude to Radha-Krishna.
Purpose of celebrating Govardhan Puja
The purpose of celebrating the puja is to show gratitude, respect and unwavering devotion towards those who provide their resources for the progress and prosperity of humanity at large.