Govardhan Puja Celebrated Across India, Recalling Krishna’s Seven-Day Mountain Lift

Govardhan Puja today: A symbol of Lord Krishna’s divine act

Festival linked to Krishna’s legend

Govardhan Puja is being celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm today. The festival is observed in remembrance of the divine act of Lord Shri Krishna, who lifted the massive Govardhan mountain on his little finger for seven days.

According to the traditional account, Krishna protected the people of Braj and their cattle from Indra’s fury and torrential rain by holding up the mountain. Since then, Govardhan Puja has been observed as a symbol of nature, cow service and environmental conservation.

The festival is celebrated on the first day of the bright half of the month of Kartik, known as Kartik Shukla Paksha Pratipada. It holds special importance in the Braj region.

Special significance in Mathura, Vrindavan

Grand events are being organised in Mathura, Vrindavan and Govardhan on the occasion. Lakhs of devotees from across the country have arrived to undertake the 21-kilometre circumambulation of Govardhan mountain.

At temples, figures of Govardhan Maharaj have been made from cow dung. These figures have been decorated with flowers and colours as part of the worship and celebrations.

On this day, Govardhan Maharaj is worshipped and a variety of dishes are offered to Lord Krishna. The festival is also known as the Annakut festival. In many places, there is a tradition of offering 56 bhog, or 56 food offerings, to the deity.

There is a belief that eating Annakut prasad on this day brings happiness and prosperity, and ensures that the household does not face a shortage of food.

Auspicious timings for worship

The first auspicious time for worship today is said to be from 6:40 am to 8:50 am. The Abhijit Muhurat will also take place from 11:43 am to 12:26 pm. This period is considered the most suitable for worship.

The Godhuli Muhurat will be observed from 5:30 pm to 5:56 pm. Devotees can worship Govardhan Maharaj according to religious rituals during these auspicious timings.

According to priests, worshipping cows and feeding them green fodder on this day is also considered highly auspicious.