Govardhan Puja to Be Observed on November 10, Temple Preparations Intensify

Rajat Malhotra

New Delhi/Mathura/Varanasi: Govardhan Puja, celebrated across the country on the day after Diwali, will be observed on 10 November this year. Preparations for the festival have intensified at major temples and monasteries across the country.

The puja is held on Pratipada, the first day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik. The day has special significance for the worship of Lord Shri Krishna, Govardhan Parvat and cattle wealth.

As part of the tradition, Govardhan is made with cow dung in homes and worshipped. An Annakoot offering is also prepared and offered during the puja.

Special celebrations in Vrindavan

The biggest celebration of the festival takes place in Braj Bhoomi. Govardhan Puja will also be observed in Vrindavan and Govardhan on 10 November.

Information shared by the temples said devotees were showing great enthusiasm for Giriraj Ji’s parikrama and the Annakoot Mahotsav. On the occasion, lakhs of devotees arrive to complete the 21-kilometre parikrama of Govardhan Parvat.

Special tableaux featuring Chhappan Bhog will be arranged at the temples. The preparations include arrangements connected with the festival, the parikrama and the offerings to be presented before the deities.

Puja at Maa Annapurna Temple in Kashi

At the world-famous Maa Annapurna Temple located in the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Govardhan Puja and the Annakoot festival will also be celebrated with grandeur on 10 November.

According to the temple administration, Maa Annapurna will be offered 56 types of dishes on the occasion. Annakoot prasad will then be distributed among devotees.

According to mythological belief, Lord Shri Krishna once held the entire Govardhan Parvat on the little finger of his hand for seven days. He did so to protect the people of Braj and their livestock from the fury of the arrogant Indra.

Since then, the festival has been observed as a symbol of nature and cow service.