Govardhan Puja is one of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrated just a day after Diwali. The festival highlights the deep connection between humans, nature, and God. It is observed to honor the story of Lord Krishna, who saved the people of Gokul from a devastating storm by lifting the mighty Govardhan Hill on his little finger. This act of protection is remembered every year through the rituals of Govardhan Puja.
On this day, devotees worship Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill with great devotion. A special tradition involves preparing a variety of food items, which are then offered to a symbolic hill made of cow dung or mud. This small hill represents Govardhan and serves as a reminder of nature’s role in sustaining life. The offering, called “Annakut” (meaning a mountain of food), includes sweets, vegetables, and traditional dishes, which are later shared among family members and the community.
Govardhan Puja is more than just a religious observance; it is a festival of gratitude. It teaches us to respect nature, value its blessings, and live in harmony with the environment. Families come together, prepare food, pray, and celebrate with joy, making the festival a symbol of unity, protection, and thankfulness.
Date of Govardhan Puja in 2025
In 2025, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on Wednesday, 22nd October. The festival falls just a day after Diwali and is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill. On this day, devotees perform special rituals, prepare a variety of dishes for the traditional Annakut offering, and worship nature’s blessings. Families and communities gather to mark this auspicious occasion with devotion, gratitude, and joy.
History of Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja history is deeply rooted in ancient Hindu traditions and mythology. The story behind this festival is closely linked to Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism.
According to legend, the people of Vrindavan used to worship Lord Indra, the God of Rain, to ensure a good harvest. However, young Krishna encouraged them to stop worshiping Indra and, instead, honor Govardhan Hill, which provided them with food and shelter. Angered by this, Indra sent heavy rains and thunderstorms to punish the villagers. To protect the people and animals from the devastating storm, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger and held it like an umbrella for seven days, offering shelter to everyone.
This act of Lord Krishna not only showcased his divine power but also emphasized the importance of nature and self-reliance. The Govardhan Puja significance lies in this powerful message of respecting nature and relying on its resources for sustenance. Following this event, the people of Gokul began celebrating Govardhan Puja to thank Krishna and the hill for their protection and blessings. Today, the festival is observed with great devotion, where devotees offer a variety of food to the hill as a gesture of gratitude towards nature and its abundant gifts.
Read More : Govardhan Puja, Importance, History, and Celebrations
Major Attractions of Govardhan Puja 2025
- Annakut Offering – The highlight of Govardhan Puja is the Annakut, where devotees prepare and present a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, sweets, and delicacies to Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill.
- Govardhan Hill Symbol – Small hill-like structures made from cow dung or mud are beautifully decorated with flowers, rangoli, and lamps, symbolizing Govardhan Hill lifted by Lord Krishna.
- Lighting of Diyas – Thousands of diyas are lit around homes, temples, and near the Govardhan hill representation, creating a divine and glowing atmosphere.
- Devotional Bhajans & Kirtans – Devotees gather to sing bhajans, chant Krishna’s name, and perform kirtans that fill the air with spirituality and joy.
- Temple Celebrations – Major Krishna temples, especially in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Nathdwara, witness grand festivities with processions, decorations, and rituals.
- Community Feasts – After the puja, food from the Annakut is distributed among devotees as prasad, promoting the values of sharing, gratitude, and community bonding.
Things to Take Care Of During Govardhan Puja
Special care should be taken while doing the puja on this day. A few of these are:
- The puja should never be performed in a closed room as it is supposed to be inauspicious.
- While doing the puja, devotees should have a bath and wear fresh and clean clothes. Wearing untidy and unclean clothes while performing the puja is not a good omen.
- Devotees also need to ensure that they wear orange- or yellow-coloured clothes. Black clothes should be avoided.
- The festivities include worshipping a symbolic hill made out of cow dung, Gau Mata or cows since Krishna was a Gopalak or a part of the cow herding community, and Lord Krishna’s idol.
- The puja should be done together and not in isolation. This means that all family members should sit together and conduct the ceremony.
- The circling of the cow dung hill, also called Parikrama, should be done barefoot as a mark of respect to Govardhan hill. Those with problems with their legs or feet and aged people are allowed to wear cloth-made shoes for the Parikrama.
- The Parikrama should be completed and never left midway. Doing the latter means disrespecting Govardhan Hill and Lord Krishna.
- Consumption of liquor, drugs, meat, and other non-vegetarian food is a strict no-no on this day.
Some Interesting Facts About Govardhan Puja
The Govardhan puja held on 27th October 2019 in the BAPS Atladra Mandir in Gujarat holds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. The record was created as it was the biggest Annakut festival ever held. There were 3,500 vegetarian dishes served during the celebrations.
In some parts of the country, especially Gujarat, this day is also regarded as the regional New Year’s Day.
Conclusion
Govardhan Puja is a celebration of cultural richness and unity, emphasising gratitude and spirituality. Beyond rituals, it conveys a timeless message of righteousness and community harmony.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Govardhan Puja 2025
Q1. Why is Govardhan Puja celebrated?
A1. Govardhan Puja is celebrated to honor the day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Gokul from torrential rains sent by Lord Indra. It symbolizes gratitude towards nature and its resources, reminding people to respect and preserve the environment.
Q2. What is the procedure of Govardhan Puja?
A2. On Govardhan Puja, devotees create a small hill from cow dung or mud to represent Govardhan Hill. They decorate it with flowers and worship it by offering food items in a ritual called Annakut. Devotional songs and prayers to Lord Krishna are also performed.
Q3. Do we light diya on Govardhan Puja?
A3. Yes, lighting diyas is an important part of Govardhan Puja. Diyas are lit around the house, temple, and near the Govardhan Hill representation to symbolize light, positivity, and devotion.
Q4. What is the prasad of Govardhan Puja?
A4. The main prasad of Govardhan Puja is the Annakut, which includes a variety of vegetarian dishes like rice, vegetables, sweets, and pulses. These food items are offered to Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill before being distributed among devotees as prasad.
