Govardhan Puja: Festival of Gratitude and Nature
Govardhan Puja celebrates Lord Krishna's miraculous feat of lifting the Govardhan mountain to protect Vrindavan's people from Indra's wrath. The Annakut (mountain of food) offering and nature worship are central to this festival, held on Kartik Shukla Pratipada, the day after Diwali.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is Govardhan Puja celebrated?
Govardhan Puja is celebrated on Kartik Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the bright fortnight after Diwali. It is the fourth day of the five-day Diwali festival.
What is Annakut in Govardhan Puja?
Annakut (mountain of food) is the offering of hundreds of food items to Lord Krishna, representing the bounty of Govardhan mountain that sustained Vrindavan. Major Vaishnava temples create elaborate Annakut displays.
What is Chhappan Bhog?
Chhappan Bhog (56 food items) is the traditional food offering associated with Govardhan Puja and Annakut. It represents the 8 meals forgone during the 7 days Krishna held up Govardhan mountain (8 x 7 = 56).
Why is Govardhan Puja called Padwa in Maharashtra?
In Maharashtra, the day after Diwali is called Padwa and marks the Kartik New Year. Husbands give gifts to wives, and wives apply tilak on husbands' foreheads, celebrating marital love alongside the cosmic victory of nature over ego.
What happens at Nathdwara on Govardhan Puja?
Nathdwara (Rajasthan), home of Shrinathji (a form of Krishna), hosts one of India's most elaborate Annakut celebrations. Thousands of food items are displayed as an offering mountain, and lakhs of devotees visit for darshan.
What is 'Giriraj worship' in Govardhan Puja?
Giriraj (Govardhan mountain) is worshipped as a direct manifestation of Lord Krishna in the Vallabhacharya tradition. Devotees make a miniature Govardhan hill from cow dung, decorate it with flowers and grass, place small idols of cows, cowherd, and trees around it, and perform the same puja they would offer to Krishna. This form of worship is especially prevalent in Mathura-Vrindavan and among Pushtimarg followers.
What is the Annakut at Nathdwara?
Nathdwara's Annakut (in Rajasthan's Rajsamand district) is one of India's most elaborate and famous annual rituals. At the Shrinathji Temple (home of the famous Pichwai art), thousands of food items are arranged in artistic patterns representing Govardhan mountain. Devotees can view this 'anna mountain' after the puja. The preparation takes days, involving scores of cooks and serving staff.
What is the New Year connection in Gujarat?
In Gujarat, the day after Diwali (Govardhan Puja/Kartik Pratipada) is celebrated as Nutan Sardar Varshabhinandan (New Year Day). Business communities perform 'Chopda Puja' (worship of new accounting books), merchants settle old accounts and open new ledgers, and families exchange sweets and greetings. This tradition reflects Gujarat's deep connection of business and spiritual celebration.
Can Govardhan Puja be observed without a cow?
Yes. While cow worship is traditional on Govardhan Puja, those without access to cows can use a cow's image, a photograph, or a clay/metal cow figure for the puja. Many families visit nearby goshalas (cow shelters) on this day to worship and donate. The essence of the festival is gratitude for nature's bounty, which can be expressed through any form of reverence.