What Is Govardhan Puja? Why Is It Celebrated, and What Are Its Date, Significance, Vidhi, Aarti and Mantra?

Govardhan Puja is a festival honoring Lord Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan Parvat, celebrated the day after Diwali. This miraculous act saved the villagers and their cattle in Vrindavan from the heavy rains unleashed by an angry Lord Indra. Observed during the Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, this festival embodies a profound appreciation for nature, community togetherness and the spiritual victory of humility over arrogance.

What Is Govardhan Puja?

Govardhan Puja is a Hindu festival observed on Kartik Shukla Pratipada, the day after Diwali (the exact date can vary with the tithi). It honours Lord Krishna, Govardhan Parvat and the cows. It is also called Annakut (“mountain of food”), especially at temples. This festival is observed most prominently in Braj (Mathura, Vrindavan, Govardhan) and across north and west India.

Why Is Govardhan Puja Celebrated? (The Story)

The people of Vrindavan used to worship Indra for rain. Krishna urged them to worship Govardhan Parvat, which sustained their cattle and land. An angered Indra sent torrential rain. Krishna lifted the hill on his little finger and sheltered the people and cattle for seven days. Indra’s pride was humbled and he acknowledged Krishna. Sources to cite: Bhagavata Purana (Canto 10) and Vishnu Purana.

The underlying lesson of this tale is the significance of humility over pride and the importance of respecting nature as a source of sustenance and life.

The association between Govardhan Puja and Govardhan Parvat highlights the significance of revering nature, as it is seen not just as a physical hill but as an embodiment of divine protection.
Located near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, within the Braj region. Govardhan Parvat is revered as non-different from Krishna by devotees. The Govardhan Parikrama (circumambulation) is commonly cited as about 21 km, with key stops including Mansi Ganga, Daan Ghati, and Radha Kund.

Govardhan Puja Significance

The festival embodies themes of humility over ego, gratitude to nature, land and livestock, as well as surrender to and protection by the divine. It has a social meaning, promoting community feeding and sharing of prasad. The festival is linked to the Vaishnava tradition.

Why Govardhan Puja Is Celebrated After Diwali

Govardhan Puja falls on the first day of the bright fortnight of Kartik, right after the Diwali amavasya. The symbolic sequence is that Diwali celebrates light and prosperity; Govardhan Puja follows with gratitude to nature, food and cattle. It is important to note that when tithis overlap, Govardhan Puja may not fall exactly the day after Diwali, which is why checking the panchang matters.

Govardhan Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step)

• Early bath and wearing clean clothes.
• Making a Govardhan figure from cow dung (or a hill-shaped mound), decorated with flowers.
• Placing cows, calves, milk and other symbols around it.
• Offering roli, akshat, flowers, incense, a diya and food (Annakut).
• Chanting the mantra, then performing aarti.
• Circumambulating the figure and distributing prasad.

Puja Samagri Checklist:

• Cow dung or clean soil
• Flowers
• Incense
• Diya
• Vegetarian food items (Annakut)
• Roli and akshat

Note that customs differ by region and family tradition.

Govardhan Puja Mantra

One commonly recited mantra during Govardhan Puja is:

Chant this mantra during the offering or before the aarti for best results.

Govardhan Puja Aarti

The popular aarti dedicated to Govardhan Maharaj is sung during the puja. Its devotional theme revolves around expressing gratitude and reverence towards Krishna for his protection and blessings. 

Govardhan Puja Rituals Across India

• Braj (Mathura-Vrindavan-Govardhan): In Braj, devotees engage in elaborate Annakut offerings, where a mountain of food is prepared and presented to Krishna. The rituals include a ceremonial parikrama around Govardhan Parvat, allowing devotees to express their devotion while seeking blessings. Special temple darshans are also conducted, attracting large gatherings of devotees who participate in prayers and offerings.
• Rajasthan (Nathdwara): Temples in Rajasthan, such as Nathdwara, host large Annakut festivals. These celebrations include the preparation of an extensive variety of vegetarian dishes, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, which are offered to Krishna. Devotees gather to witness the grand display of food and participate in communal prayers, enhancing the sense of community and devotion.
• Gujarat: In Gujarat, Govardhan Puja coincides with the Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas), creating a festive atmosphere. Families not only perform the puja but also celebrate with family gatherings, sharing meals and exchanging sweets. The festival emphasizes gratitude towards nature and the blessings of a bountiful harvest.
• Maharashtra: In some regions of Maharashtra, Bali Pratipada or Bali Padwa is celebrated marking the victory of Lord Vishnu over King Bali and traditionally a day where husbands give gifts to their wives is observed alongside Govardhan Puja. This celebration includes unique rituals such as the preparation and distribution of special sweets and snacks.
• Northern States/ Domestic Celebrations: In households across India, a smaller Govardhan figure is created and families come together for a feast that includes a variety of vegetarian dishes. The significance of sharing and gratitude is paramount, as families pray for protection and blessings from Lord Krishna while enjoying the festive meal together.
• Chappan Bhog (56 offerings) is a tradition at many temples, celebrated with devotion.

Govardhan Puja Dos and Don’ts

Summing Up

Govardhan Puja is more than just a festival; it’s a timeless reminder of the divine protection that Lord Krishna offers and the significance of humility in our lives. The story of Krishna lifting the mighty hill to safeguard Vrindavan brings comfort to families, illustrating how faith can guide us through life’s challenges. This celebration not only commemorates a pivotal moment in sacred history but also fosters values of gratitude, community and respect for our environment.

Through each recited govardhan puja mantra and every act of worship surrounding Govardhan Parvat, worshippers connect with a rich legacy of love and harmony. These meaningful traditions remind us that true wealth is found in our relationship with both the divine and nature. Taking the time to honour these customs helps keep our spiritual heritage vibrant in today’s world.