Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is celebrated the day after Diwali. On this special day, Mount Govardhan is worshipped, and devotees prepare a variety of delicious foods as an offering to Lord Krishna.
One of the most important traditions of Govardhan Puja is the Govardhan Parikrama. Devotees from all over visit Braj and walk around the sacred Govardhan Hill, which is about 20 kilometers long.
How Govardhan Puja Started
A long time ago, the people of Vrindavan used to worship Lord Indra, the god of rain. They believed that Indra provided rain, which was important for their crops, cows, and daily life. One day, Krishna saw His father, Nanda Maharaj, and the other villagers preparing for the Indra puja. Curious, Krishna asked, “Why do we worship Indra?”
Nanda Maharaj explained, “We need rain for our fields and animals. That’s why we offer prayers and sacrifices to Indra.”
Krishna explained to the villagers:
“We are Brajwasis and we depend on Govardhan Hill for everything. It gives us water, grass for our cows, fruits, honey, and fertile land. Instead of worshipping Indra, we should worship Govardhan Hill, which takes care of us every day.”
Hearing Krishna’s words, the villagers agreed. They decided to offer their prayers and food to Govardhan instead. Nanda Maharaj finally accepted Krishna’s idea, and the people asked Him how to perform the puja.
Krishna guided them: “Prepare delicious food like rice, dal, halwa, pakoras, puris, and sweets like rasgulla, laddus, and kachoris. Offer these to Govardhan and then share the feast with everyone in Braj.”
The villagers followed Krishna’s advice. They prepared a grand feast and offered it to Govardhan Parvat. From that day on, this festival became known as Govardhan Puja or Annakut (meaning “mountain of food”).
How Govardhan is Celebrated
Govardhan is celebrated with great devotion and joy, especially in villages where people follow old traditions. The festival marks the day when Lord Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan to protect the villagers from heavy rains.
On this day, women create a small model of Mount Govardhan using cow dung. They shape it carefully and place a tiny clay figure of Krishna lying on his back in the center. Around him, they arrange cow dung cakes, which represent cows, and stick tufts of green grass into them to symbolize trees. This beautiful scene reminds everyone of Krishna’s childhood as a cowherd, when he would rest on the grass while his cows grazed nearby.
Once the model is ready, the women place a handful of parched rice and a small chirag at the center. Then, the men of the family come forward, bow their heads in respect, and offer prayers. After this, a feast is prepared, and everyone enjoys a meal of rice and sweets together.