Here's All You Need To Know About The Significance And Rituals Behind Govardhan Puja

How is Govardhan puja celebrated? Well, this festival is observed a day after Diwali. It is regarded as the initiative of Lord Krishna, in which a small hillock called Govardhan is worshipped. This pious day is celebrated on the Pratipada Tithi in the month of Kartik and on most occasions, this Puja coincides with the Gujarati New Year. 

Significance Behind

The idea behind this day is to acknowledge the victory of Lord Vishnu in the dwarf form of Vamana over the demon King Bali. Many special poojas are initiated in most Vishnu temples to mark the festivities and the importance of this day. These temples are also beautifully decorated and render a worthwhile sight to behold!

As per the mythology, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan rock on his little finger and protected the Brajwasis from heavy rainfall. This is why the cow holds a significant place in Hindu traditions and rituals, and is also a favourite of Lord Krishna.  Most of the people also do Gou-Pooja on this day. Generally, cows are worshipped and fed with sumptuous meals on Govardhan puja.

This is not the only reason behind Govardhan puja, another interesting ritual that is observed on this day is ‘Annakoot Utsav’. In simpler words, Annakoot means ‘a mountain of food.’ On this occasion, such mountains of delicious dishes are offered to Lord Krishna.

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Surprisingly, 56 or 108 different kinds of delicacies are cooked in this Mahabhog and offered to Lord Krishna. In many Krishna temples, the idols of Radha and Krishna are given a milk bath, adorned with beautiful attires embedded with highly precious beads like diamonds, pearls, rubies, and sapphires. Isn’t the amazing?

How To Perform?

For the people who want to observe the rituals little deeper on this day. Here’s a little piece of information on how you can perform Govardhan puja at home.

• In the morning, make a small model of the Govardhan Parvat at home using garden soil. This small miniature will not only appear fascinating but lit up the real essence of Govardhan puja.
• Decorate and adorn it in the same fashion like you would adorn Lord Krishna. Your creativity behind putting up a great show will exhibit the latent charm behind this beautiful occasion.
• Place a crown (mukut), flute (bansuri), tilak and flowers on the Parvat giving it the shape and look of Lord Krishna.
• Light a lamp and offer roli and grains of rice.
• Offer 2 sticks of sugarcane, a bowl of curd, unboiled milk, and sweets.
• Perform a parikrama around the Parvat.
• Last but not the least, perform the arti of Govardhan parvat.