Govardhan Puja 2025 in India

Govardhan Puja, celebrated the day after Diwali, honors Lord Krishna's act of lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rains. Devotees prepare and offer a variety of food items to the deity, symbolizing gratitude and faith. This festival emphasizes harmony with nature and devotion to God.

Govardhan Puja: A Public Holiday?

Govardhan Puja is a public holiday in some northern states of India, such as Uttar Pradesh, where offices, schools, and businesses remain closed for celebrations. In other parts of the country, Govardhan Puja is often observed as an optional holiday, allowing individuals to take the day off if it is listed under their optional holiday choices.

Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is a Hindu festival celebrated the day after Diwali. It commemorates the story of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Gokul from heavy rains caused by the wrath of Lord Indra. According to mythology, Krishna encouraged the villagers to worship nature and the Govardhan Hill instead of Indra. This act symbolized his role as the protector of devotees and his teaching to live in harmony with nature.

Govardhan Puja Celebration in India

Govardhan Puja is celebrated with great devotion across India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and regions associated with Krishna, like Mathura and Vrindavan. The festival is marked by preparing an elaborate feast called Annakut, which includes a variety of vegetarian dishes offered to Lord Krishna. Temples and homes create replicas of Govardhan Hill using cow dung, flowers, and other materials, and these are worshipped with prayers and rituals. Devotees sing hymns and chant mantras in honor of Krishna, reenacting the story of his divine protection. In Mathura and Vrindavan, special ceremonies, processions, and cultural events are held in temples, attracting large crowds.

The festival holds immense significance as it symbolizes the importance of nature and the idea of selfless service. It teaches the value of gratitude towards the environment and promotes the concept of protecting others. Govardhan Puja also reflects the bond between humans and nature, emphasizing the need to live in harmony with the natural world. It is a day for devotees to reaffirm their faith in Lord Krishna's teachings and seek his blessings for protection and prosperity.

Govardhan Puja Observances