This festival, observed on the Pratipada date of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu calendar, commemorates Krishna's act of lifting Govardhan Hill.

Date and Timings for 2024

In 2024, Govardhan Puja falls on November 2. The Kartik Shukla Paksha Pratipada Tithi begins on November 1 at 6:16 PM and concludes on November 2 at 8:21 PM. The morning ritual time is from 6:38 AM to 8:53 AM, while the evening time is from 3:36 PM to 5:51 PM.

Rituals

Devotees create a symbolic Govardhan Hill using cow dung, decorating it with flowers and offerings. Families gather around this replica to pray and honor nature. The day is also known as Annakut, meaning "Mountain of Food," where a variety of dishes are prepared and shared as Annakut Prasad among family and friends.

Mythological Background

The origins of Govardhan Puja are found in the Bhagavata Purana. Lord Krishna advised the villagers of Vrindavan to worship Govardhan Hill instead of Indradev, the rain god. Indradev, angered by this, unleashed heavy rains on the village. In response, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his finger to shelter the villagers and their cattle.

Govardhan Puja, or Annakut, is a day to express gratitude for nature’s blessings and to emphasize the need to respect and preserve the environment.