Govardhan Puja is a special Hindu festival celebrated to honor Lord Krishna’s act of lifting Govardhan Hill. According to mythology, the people of Vrindavan used to worship the rain god Indra. However, Lord Krishna suggested that they should instead worship the Govardhan Hill, as it provided them with everything they needed.

In a divine act, Lord Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan Hill on his little finger to protect the people from Indra’s anger. This event symbolizes the power of faith and the importance of nature. To celebrate Govardhan Puja, devotees create small replicas of the hill using cow dung and worship them with devotion. They also offer a variety of food items, expressing gratitude for the abundance provided by nature. Govardhan Puja is an occasion to appreciate the harmony between humans and the environment, emphasizing the value of sustainable living.

Govardhan 2024 Puja Date and Time

Facts About Govardhan 2024

1. Mythological Significance: Govardhan Hill, located in Vrindavan, has immense significance in Hindu mythology. It is believed to be the very hill lifted by Lord Krishna to protect the residents of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra.
2. Govardhan Puja: The lifting of Govardhan Hill is celebrated annually during the Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, which usually falls on the fourth day of Diwali. Devotees create a mound of food offerings symbolizing the hill.
3. Worship of Nature: Govardhan Puja emphasizes the worship of nature and the environment. It encourages people to recognize the importance of natural resources and sustainable living.
4. Tradition of Annakut: During Govardhan Puja, devotees prepare a variety of vegetarian dishes and arrange them in a colorful display known as Annakut, which means a mountain of food. This offering symbolizes gratitude for the bounties of nature.
5. Eco-Friendly Celebrations: In some places, people celebrate Govardhan Puja in an eco-friendly way by using organic materials for the Annakut display, promoting environmental consciousness.
6. Parikrama: Pilgrims often perform the Govardhan Parikrama, which involves circumambulating the Govardhan Hill as an act of devotion. The parikrama path is approximately 21 kilometers long.
7. Govardhan Temple: There is a famous Govardhan Temple at the base of the hill dedicated to Lord Krishna. Pilgrims visit this temple as part of their Govardhan Parikrama.
8. Govardhan Leela: The lifting of Govardhan Hill is considered one of the many divine pastimes (leelas) of Lord Krishna, illustrating his divine power and protection.
9. Devotee Offerings: Devotees offer a variety of items during Govardhan Puja, including grains, fruits, sweets, and flowers, as a token of their devotion and gratitude.
10. Spiritual Symbolism: Govardhan Hill symbolizes the support and nourishment provided by nature. The act of lifting the hill by Lord Krishna represents the protection of righteousness and the importance of faith in facing life’s challenges.

Santosh

Santosh Kumar is an editor at unfoldstuffs.com and a professional content writer. With years of experience he is passionate for creating engaging, informative and impactful topics.