Lord Krishna Festivals
Govardhan Puja Guide: Sri Krishna Lifting the Mountain & Annakut Mahotsav
Bhakti Voice
भक्ति वॉइस
Celebrated the day following Diwali Amavasya.
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Govardhan Puja, widely celebrated as Annakut (mountain of food), falls on the Pratipada (first day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartika, immediately following Diwali. This joyous festival commemorates the divine pastime of Lord Krishna lifting the massive Govardhan Hill on His little finger to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from the torrential wrath of Lord Indra. Emphasizing eco-spirituality and gratitude towards nature, devotees craft replicas of Govardhan Hill using cow dung, worship cows (Gau Mata), and offer a grand feast of 56 distinct vegetarian dishes (Chhappan Bhog) to Lord Krishna.
The story
Traditions
Puja at home
Frequently asked questions
What is the spiritual meaning behind Govardhan Puja?
It signifies the supremacy of devotion and nature over arrogant celestial forces. Lord Krishna taught that true worship belongs to the hills, rivers, and forests that sustain agrarian life, not to deities out of fear.
Why is cow dung used to make the Govardhan Hill replica?
Cow dung is highly purifying in Vedic tradition. It represents agrarian wealth, Mother Earth's fertility, and the deep connection Lord Krishna (Gopala) has with cows.