Significance
Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after Diwali. It commemorates Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from Indra's wrath. Annakut (mountain of food) is offered to the deity.
Mythology & Legend
As narrated in the Bhagavata Purana, Krishna asked the people of Vrindavan to worship Govardhan Hill instead of Indra. Indra sent torrential rain in anger. Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill with his finger and sheltered the people and cattle for seven days until Indra conceded.
Rituals & Observances
- In the morning, make a small hill of cow dung or mud to represent Govardhan.
- Offer a variety of vegetarian food (Annakut) around the hill—56 or 108 items in some traditions.
- Circumambulate the hill; offer flowers, incense, and milk.
- Chant Krishna mantras and perform aarti; distribute prasad.
- In the evening, light diyas and continue Diwali celebrations.
Sacred Mantras
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
oṃ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya
Salutations to Vasudeva
Traditional Foods
- ●Annakut (variety of prasad)
- ●Chappan bhog
- ●Sweets
- ●Savouries
Regional Variations
North India(गोवर्धन पूजा)
Annakut, cow dung hill
Gujarat(ગોવર્ધન પૂજા)
Bestu varsh (New Year)
Do's & Don'ts
Do's
- ✓Offer Annakut
- ✓Worship Govardhan
- ✓Feed cows
- ✓Distribute prasad
Don'ts
- ✗Do not offer non-veg
- ✗Avoid wasting food
- ✗Do not skip the hill puja