Govardhan Puja, which will be celebrated on November 3, 2024 this year, is the fourth day of Diwali festival. This auspicious day holds a special place in Hindu culture, especially in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, and Punjab. The festival celebrates the victory of devotion over pride, humility over arrogance, and love for nature and animals. Govardhan Puja, rooted in the ancient tale of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill, conveys a timeless message of harmony, gratitude, and faith in divine intervention.

Why Govardhan Puja is Celebrated

Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut or Annakoot, signifies the worship of nature and the protection it provides. The festival originated from the story of Lord Krishna, a central figure in Hindu mythology, who taught the villagers of Gokul an important lesson about faith and gratitude towards nature.

According to Hindu mythology, the people of Gokul worshipped Lord Indra, the God of rain, every year, as they believed that he blessed them with sufficient rainfall for agriculture. Young Krishna, seeing their faith in Indra, encouraged them to worship Govardhan Hill, a natural source of resources, as it provided them with food, water, and shelter. This concept of honoring nature as the source of life represented a crucial transition from fearing deities to appreciating the natural world.

Enraged by Krishna’s suggestion, Indra retaliated by unleashing torrential rains upon Gokul. Krishna responded by lifting the entire Govardhan Hill with his little finger, providing shelter for all the villagers and their cattle from the storm for seven days. This act of protection humbled Indra, who realized that true worship lies in kindness and humility rather than in pride.

Since then, Govardhan Puja has been celebrated to honor Krishna’s act of compassion and his reminder to cherish nature and its blessings. It serves as an expression of gratitude for prosperity and protection.

Significance of Govardhan Puja

The story of Govardhan Puja carries profound significance. It teaches people the importance of having respect for nature and celebrating its richness. The festival represents Krishna’s role as the “Protector of the Oppressed” and emphasizes humility over ego. In the larger context, it advocates the worship of land and environment as divine entities that sustain life.

For farmers and agricultural communities, the day is particularly meaningful, as they offer thanks for the bountiful harvests that nature provides. Beyond mythology, Govardhan Puja also reinforces the belief that true devotion lies in love and respect for the natural world, which serves as a pillar for modern ecological values and conservation efforts.

Rituals of Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja is marked by unique rituals, including the creation of the “Govardhan Mountain” with cow dung or clay, which symbolizes the sacred Govardhan Hill that Krishna protected. The figure is decorated with flowers, turmeric, and vermillion, and small idols of Krishna are placed atop it. Devotees worship this symbol, lighting lamps and offering food, symbolizing the abundance of nature.

An important ritual on this day is the Annakoot (meaning “mountain of food”) , a grand feast prepared with over 56 types of dishes, collectively known as “Chappan Bhog.” These offerings are later distributed as prasad, or blessed food, among devotees. The Annakoot represents abundance and the blessing of prosperity from Govardhan Hill.

In many temples, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, special Govardhan Puja ceremonies are conducted with elaborate offerings and decorations. The idols of Krishna are dressed in new clothes and jewelry, symbolizing the arrival of abundance and joy.

Celebrations Across India

Govardhan Puja is celebrated in various forms across India. In Vrindavan, the festivities are grand, with special processions and rituals held in temples. Pilgrims from around the country gather at the Govardhan Hill to circumambulate it, a ritual known as “Parikrama,” which is believed to bring prosperity and remove obstacles from life.

In Maharashtra and Gujarat, Govardhan Puja coincides with Bali Pratipada, a day celebrating the return of the king Bali to Earth. For business communities, this day also marks the beginning of a new financial year, and it is an auspicious occasion for conducting new ventures or partnerships.

The message of Govardhan Puja resonates with today’s need for environmental consciousness. Lord Krishna’s act of lifting the hill to protect his people is symbolic of the need to protect and preserve our natural resources. By worshiping Govardhan Hill, devotees are reminded to treat Earth with respect, acknowledging its role in sustaining life and promoting prosperity.