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Govardhan Puja Kab Hai

Govardhan Puja is a significant festival celebrated in Hindu culture, usually falling on the day after Diwali, during the Shukla Paksha of the Kartik month. In 2024, Govardhan Puja will be observed on 2nd November. It’s also known as Annakut, meaning “mountain of food,” symbolizing a grand offering to Lord Krishna. Here’s a closer look at the history, rituals, and significance of this special day in a 700-word overview.

Govardhan Puja: Historical Background

The story behind Govardhan Puja dates back to Lord Krishna’s time in the village of Vrindavan. According to ancient texts, the people of Vrindavan used to worship Lord Indra, the god of rain, to seek his blessings for timely rains, which would ensure good harvests. However, young Krishna questioned this tradition and urged the villagers to worship Govardhan Hill instead, as it provided them with resources like wood, water, and food. Following Krishna’s advice, the people performed a grand puja for Govardhan Hill, ignoring Indra’s worship.

Enraged by this defiance, Indra unleashed a devastating storm on Vrindavan. To protect the villagers and their livestock, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill with his little finger, using it as an umbrella to shelter them from the wrath of Indra. Seeing Krishna’s divine power, Indra humbled himself and realized his mistake. This event marked Krishna’s supremacy and his love for his devotees, teaching the people to have faith in him rather than fear other gods.

Rituals of Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja rituals vary across regions, but the primary purpose remains the same: expressing gratitude for nature’s bounty and honoring Krishna’s act of protecting his devotees. Here are the main rituals observed:

Building Govardhan Hill Replicas: Villagers and families recreate the Govardhan Hill using materials like clay, cow dung, and soil, often decorating it with flowers and leaves. These replicas symbolize the original Govardhan Hill that Krishna lifted to save Vrindavan.
Annakut Bhog: This is a central part of Govardhan Puja, where a mountain of food (Annakut) is prepared and offered to Krishna. A wide array of dishes, especially sweets and vegetarian delicacies, is prepared, symbolizing gratitude for the food and resources provided by nature. The food is then distributed as Prasad among family members and devotees.
Offering Milk to Cows: In many rural regions, people bathe and worship cows, as they are considered sacred in Hinduism and associated with Lord Krishna, who was a cowherd in his youth. Cows are decorated with flowers, and devotees offer them milk, seeking blessings for prosperity.
Parikrama (Circumambulation) of Govardhan Hill: Devotees perform a ritual walk around the Govardhan Hill, either the replica they made or the actual hill in Mathura. Many people visit Govardhan in Mathura during this time to do the Parikrama, often covering the 23-kilometer distance on foot.
Aarti and Bhajans: People sing bhajans (devotional songs) and perform Aarti to praise Krishna. The songs often narrate the story of how Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill and defeated Indra’s pride.

Spiritual Significance of Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja embodies several spiritual teachings and values. Here’s a look at the deeper meanings and lessons associated with this festival:

Protection and Faith: The main theme of Govardhan Puja is the protection Lord Krishna offers to those who have faith in him. This festival serves as a reminder that divine grace is always available to protect devotees from harm and guide them through difficulties.
Humility: The story of Indra’s anger and subsequent humility highlights the importance of setting aside ego and accepting divine authority. Govardhan Puja teaches us to be humble and recognize that nature and the divine power are far beyond human control.
Gratitude to Nature: This festival reinforces the idea of expressing gratitude towards nature, which sustains life. By worshiping Govardhan Hill, people honor the mountains, rivers, plants, and all of nature’s resources that provide for humanity.
Simplicity and Devotion: Through simple offerings like cow dung replicas of the hill and humble food offerings, Govardhan Puja emphasizes that devotion does not need grandeur. True devotion is rooted in sincerity and gratitude.

Govardhan Puja Across Regions

Govardhan Puja is celebrated widely across India, with variations in customs and traditions:

Mathura and Vrindavan: In the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Govardhan Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Thousands of devotees gather to circumambulate the actual Govardhan Hill and participate in grand festivities that include dance, music, and large-scale food offerings.
Maharashtra: Known as Bali Pratipada in Maharashtra, this day is celebrated with a puja dedicated to King Bali, a revered figure in Hindu mythology, alongside the worship of Govardhan Hill. It also symbolizes the renewal of ties between brothers and sisters, as they exchange gifts and share festive meals.
Gujarat: In Gujarat, Annakut is celebrated with special rituals in temples. Large quantities of sweets and savory items are prepared, which devotees offer to deities before partaking as Prasad.

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