In India, a vast majority of people celebrate numerous festivals with great zeal and devotion. Govardhan Puja is among them. It is also known as Annakut and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. This is the occasion when he lifted Mount Govardhan to safeguard his devotees from Indra’s anger, the king of heaven. It denotes the triumph of devotion over pride. It also symbolizes the power of protection humans get from divine forces and the importance of selfless service. Let’s learn more about Govardhan Puja, including its importance, rituals, and more, in detail.
When is Govardhan Puja in 2025?
In 2025, Govardhan Puja will take place on Wednesday, 22 October.
Govardhan Puja Shubh Muhurat
Auspicious Time (Shubh Muhurat) for worship-
From 6:26 AM to 8:42 AM
Start of Pratipada Tithi:
October 21, 2025, at 5:54 PM.
End of Pratipada Tithi:
October 22, 2025, at 8:16 PM
Govardhan Puja Story
In old times, people in Gokul, a village where Lord Krishna spent his early childhood, used to worship Indra, perform annual prayers, and make sacrifices to seek his blessings for pleasant weather and good harvest. Nevertheless, Lord Krishna was aware of the true spiritual needs of people. He regarded this ritual as misguided devotion.
Lord Krisha had the opinion that Mount Govardhan, not Indra, used to offer fresh air and abundant greenery to the people of Gokul. So, using his divine powers, he instructed the villagers to stop praying to Indra. Moreover, he emphasized expressing gratitude towards the earth, trees, and water- the sources of substance and life for all living beings. This made Indra feel insulted. So, he decided to punish the people of Gokul.
He caused heavy rains and a deadly storm to flood Gokul. It frightened villagers. They sought help from Lord Krishna. He acted immediately & lifted Mount Govardhan with his little finger. It created a protective umbrella over the village. For their protection, villagers took shelter under the mountain for 7 days. During this period, Krishna continuously withstood the weight of the entire mountain.
It foiled Indra’s retaliation. He changed his mind, withdrew his storm, and accepted his defeat. From here onwards, they started to celebrate Govardhan Puja to express their gratitude to the deity.
The Importance of Gowardhan Puja
There is great spiritual significance in Govardhan Puja. It lets people remember the lifting of Mount Govardhan. Moreover, it also reflects a deep, never-ending relationship between devotees and deities.
Victory of Devotion Over Pride
The Govardhan Puja story emphasizes the dangers of excessive pride. Moreover, it gives more importance to courtesy. Indra used to boast of his power and tried to demonstrate it. But. Lord Krishna, with his actions, displayed that helping others selflessly is the true strength and humanity. This celebration teaches us that the path to salvation is devotion to god, nature, and fellow beings.
Symbol of Protection
The Govardhan Puja symbolizes divine protection. It is considered that when devotees are in trouble, Lord Krishna helps them. He saves from life’s difficulties and challenges. By worshipping him, devotees can invoke his blessings.
The Govardhan Puja symbolizes divine protection. It is considered that when devotees are in trouble, Lord Krishna helps them. He saves from life’s difficulties and challenges. By worshipping him, devotees can invoke his blessings.
Connection With Nature
Nature is important in our lives. And, Govardhan Puja reminds us of this. The earth, trees, mountains, and mountains are life providers. It encourages people to respect nature and be careful about its preservation.
Prosperity
“Annakut” comes from Sanskrit. It means a mountain of food. So, on Govardhan Puja, devotees offer a variety of vegetarian food items to Lord Krishna to express gratitude for everything they have by his grace.
Govardhan Puja Rituals
Various rituals are associated with this festival. We have listed some of them below:
Cleaning & Decorating the Home
On this occasion, people clean their homes thoroughly and adorn them with flowers, lights, and rangolis. It is believed to eliminate negativity and welcome positive energy.
Worship of Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill
On this day, devotees establish the Lord Krishna idol and Mount Govardhan in temples and homes. They decorate the statue with garlands and clothes. To symbolize Mount Govardhan, they make a small hill with clay or cow dung. They worship God with sweets, fruits, incense, and flowers, and seek his blessings for a happy and long life.
Offering The Chhappan Bhog
Several devotees prepare 56 varieties of food and offer it to Lord Krishna. It is a way to express gratitude to the deity and thank him for his blessings.
Circumambulation of Govardhan Hill
In many places in India, devotees perform Govardhan Parikrama. It is considered extremely pious. It is believed that this action brings divine protection and prosperity.
Aarti and Bhajans
On Govardhan Puja, devotees sing devotional songs & perform bhajans and kritans to praise Lord Krishna. They do it with immense devotion and zeal, increasing spirituality and religious atmosphere.
Animal Worship
In the Hindu religion, cows are considered pious. So, people worship this animal. It symbolizes faith in all living beings, those who help humans sustain their lives. Other animals are also worshipped.
Sharing Pious Food
At the end of Govardhan Puja, pious food is distributed among all devotees. It is considered a blessing of the celebration.
Sharing Greetings
Exchange Govardhan Puja wishes to everyone. It acts as a goodwill gesture and upholds the spirit of the occasion.
Conclusion
Govardhan Puja is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates one of the most important events in the life of Lord Krishna. His action (lifting of Mount Govardhan) reflects divine protection, humanity, and connection with nature. As Govardhan Puja 2025 is approaching fast, be prepared for the spiritual occasion. Get all the required paintings and statues from Cottage9, perform rituals, pray to lord Krishna, seek his divine blessings, and share greetings with everyone. It will bring joy, success, and spiritual fulfillment into your life soon. Happy Govardhan Puja 2025 to all.
