Karmandir 
Why it is celebrated
Govardhan Puja falls the day after Diwali, on Kartik Shukla Pratipada. It remembers how Shri Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill, and Kanha is offered an Annakut, a 'mountain' of many dishes. In Gujarat, the new year (Bestu Varas) begins on this day.
The story
Every year, the people of Braj held a big puja for Indra Dev to ask for good rain. One day little Krishna asked Nand Baba, “Why do we worship Indra? Our cows graze on Govardhan Hill. It gives us grass, water and shade. Why don't we worship Govardhan and our cows instead?”
The people of Braj liked the idea. Together they cooked many dishes and worshipped Govardhan Hill. Seeing this, Indra grew angry and sent pouring rain over Braj.
There was water everywhere. The frightened people came running to Krishna. Smiling, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his hand the way a child lifts an umbrella. All the people, cows and calves took shelter under it. For seven days Krishna stood holding up the hill.
At last Indra understood his mistake. He stopped the rain and asked Krishna for forgiveness. Since then the tradition of Govardhan Puja and Annakut has continued. The story teaches us to respect nature, cows and one another.
Puja vidhi
- After a morning bath, shape a small Govardhan Hill from cow dung or clay in the courtyard and decorate it with flowers.
- Worship Govardhan ji with roli, rice, flowers, milk, curd and a lamp.
- Walk around Govardhan ji (parikrama) with the family.
- Offer Kanha the Annakut bhog: many vegetables, kadhi-chawal, puri and sweets.
- Bathe and decorate the cows and calves, and feed them jaggery and green fodder.
- Do the aarti and share the Annakut prasad with everyone.
Food
Annakut mixed vegetables, kadhi-chawal, bajra khichdi, puri and the sweets of chhappan bhog.
Wishes to send
Warm wishes on Govardhan Puja! May Girdhari always keep your family in his shelter.
WhatsAppMay Kanha, who lifted Govardhan to shelter Braj, fill your life with love and trust.
WhatsAppMay your home be as full of joy as an Annakut thali. Happy Govardhan Puja!
WhatsAppGlory to Govardhandhari! Annakut greetings to you and your family.
WhatsAppRespect for nature, care for cows and togetherness: that is the message of Govardhan Puja.
WhatsAppHappy New Year and Govardhan Puja! May the new year bring you peace and joy.
WhatsApp
