The Govardhan Puja is celebrated across north and central parts of India, including UP, Bihar, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, with great fervour and enthusiasm. Like most Indian festivals, the Govardhan Puja has a mythological association. This pictorial guide will give you the key facts about the festival, its significance and steps to perform the puja rituals.
See also: Diwali puja samagri list
Govardhan Puja history
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the Govardhan Puja is the celebration of his victory against Lord Indra. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna raised the entire Govardhan hill on his little finger to protect the villagers from the wrath of Lord Indra who intended to destroy them through rain and storm. Hindus celebrate this day to show their gratitude to the Govardhan hill.
Govardhan Puja date
The Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the fourth day of the Diwali festival in the month of Kartik. According to the English calendar, the date may fall anytime between October and November. In 2023, the Govardhan Puja will be observed on November 13.
Govardhan Puja items
To observe the puja, miniature representations of the Govardhan hill are created by the devotees, primarily using cow dung, flowers and other materials.
Govardhan Puja special treat: Annakut
During the Annakut Puja, devotees offer Chappan Bhog to Lord Krishna, featuring 56 food items. Vegetarian dishes and sweets are an integral part of the Annakut.
Govardhan Puja in 10 steps
Step 1: Clean the area where you want to perform the puja.
Step 2: Arrange the puja items, including an idol or picture of Lord Krishna, cow dung or clay to build a representation of the Govardhan hill, flowers, fruits, sweets, incense sticks, a lamp, camphor and chandhan.
Step 3: Use the cow dung to create a representation of Govardhan hill. Decorate it with flowers, leaves and rangoli.
Step 4: Prepare a variety of vegetarian dishes and sweets as an offering to Lord Krishna. Arrange the food items in a circular pattern around the representation of Govardhan Hill, creating the Annakut.
Step 5: After taking a bath, wear clean clothes.
Step 6: Light the lamp and incense sticks.
Step 7: Offer flowers, fruits and other traditional offerings to the deity.
Step 8: Perform aarti to Lord Krishna
Step 9: Circumambulate around the representation of Govardhan hill, expressing gratitude for its blessings.
Step 10: After the puja, distribute the prasad to family members, friends and devotees.
List of items used during Govardhan Puja
- Idol or picture of Lord Krishna
- Cow dung or clay
- Flowers, especially marigolds
- Fruits like bananas, apples, oranges and coconuts
- Sweets like laddoos, pedas and kheer
- Incense sticks
- Diya
- Camphor
- Ganga jal
- Bell
- Conch shell
- Aarti plate
- Rangoli materials like coloured powders, rice flour or flower petals
FAQs
What are the other names for the Govardhan Puja?
The Govardhan Puja is also known as the Annakut Puja.
When is the Govardhan Puja in 2023?
In 2023, the Govardhan Puja will be observed on November 13.
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