Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja (Govardhana Puja) is also known as Annakut or Annakoot which means “mountain of food.” It is a Hindu festival celebrated on the day after Diwali. It falls on the first day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of Kartika month. Govardhan Parvat is worshipped and 56 vegetarian sweets and dishes are offered as Chappan Bhog by devotees.

The festival is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill. It teaches devotees importance of devotion, humility, gratitude, and respect for nature. It is mainly performed in Vrindavan, Mathura, Braj and all areas associated with Lord Krishna.

Story and Significance of Govardhan Puja

As per Bhagavata Purana, the people in Vrindavan used to worship Indra for rain. The people were dependent on rain for their livelihood and crops. One day young Krishna told them to stop worshipping Indra and to start worshipping Govardhan hill. He also told them to thank the hill, cows, land and nature which had helped them in their way of life.

The people of Vrindavan followed Krishna’s advice & worshipped Govardhan Hill with food and prayers. Lord Indra became angry because he felt that he had been disrespected. In anger, he sent heavy rain and thunderstorms to Vrindavan.

Krishna lifted Govardhan hill on his little finger to protect cows and villagers from rain. The villagers and their cows shifted under the hill. Krishna kept the hill up for 7 days. During this time nobody was in danger. After that Lord Indra understood his mistake and realized the divine power of Krishna. He stopped the rain and prayed to Krishna.

This story is an important reason behind Govardhan Puja. Here we are taught to be humble and fully devoted to God. It also reminds us to respect nature and and thank her for what she provides. Govardhan Hill for the devotee is more than a physical hill. It has a strong association with the pastimes of Lord Krishna. The hill is adored with devotion and love.

Rituals and Traditions

The celebration of Govardhan Puja comprises offering of food, prayers, and devotion. Among the key events are:

• Govardhan Parvat Worship: A miniature of Govardhan Hill is made of cow dung or any alternative. It is decorated with flowers and worshipped with prayers and offerings.

• Annakut and Chappan Bhog: A special offering of 56 vegetarian dishes, sweets, grains, and baked items are offered to Lord Krishna.

• Cow Worship (Go Puja): Cows and calves are worshipped on this day. They are decorated with flowers and offered special food as a mark of love and respect.

• Govardhan Parikrama: Devotees go around the Govardhan Hill singing bhajans and offering prayers. The parikrama is an important devotional practice in Braj.

Celebrations at ISKCON Kurukshetra

At ISKCON Kurukshetra the festivities of Govardhan Puja are celebrated with great joy and devotion:

• Special Govardhan Puja with Giriraj worship, prayers and arati

• Annkuta Bhog - a grand offering of delicious vegetarian preparations to the Govardhan Hill.

• Govardhan Parikrama with devotees chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

• Krishna Katha and spiritual teachings on the significance of Govardhan Puja.

• Festival prasadam served to visitors and devotees.

• Joyful kirtan, devotional singing and dancing throughout the celebration.

How You Can Participate in Govardhana Puja Seva

You can join this holy celebration through simple devotional offerings:

• Helping in decorations and setup for Govardhan Puja.

• Donate items for Annakuta Bhog offered to Giriraj Govardhan.

• Sponsoring prasadam for devotees and visitors.

• Offering flowers and items for puja and arati.

• Supporting kirtan and spiritual programs held during the festival.

• Making a devotional prayer or sankalpa to offer at the feet of Giriraj.

Summary

In conclusion, devotion to Lord Krishna is best shown in faith, obedience, service and gratitude. Giriraj Govardhan’s story encourages us to have faith in Krishna’s protection, to have respect for nature, cows and the Almighty.

Devotees gather to offer annadaan seva, kirtan, prayers, flowers, decoration, prasadam seva and bhog offerings in celebration of devotion and love for Lord Krishna. Activities such as Govardhan Parikrama, Annakut and various other events bring community together for this purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Govardhan Puja? 

Govardhan Puja or Annakut (mountain of food) is a festival in India in honour of Govardhan Hill and Lord Krishna. It involves offering different vegetarian dishes as a gesture of thankfulness.

2. When is Govardhan Puja in 2026?

Govardhan Puja is on November 10, 2026.

3. Why is Govardhan Puja celebrated?

Govardhan Puja commemorates an incident in which Krishna raised Govardhan Hill on his index finger to protect the cows and people of Vrindavan from the clouds and rains of Indra. It is a festival about gratitude, respect for nature and humility.

4. What is Chappan Bhog? 

During Annakut, 56 items of vegetarian food, millets, sweets and dishes are presented to Lord Krishna. This is known as Chappan Bhog. After offering it to the Lord, it can be consumed as prasadam.