Govardhan Puja is a significant festival for Hindus. It is celebrated the day after Diwali, marking the importance of nature and its blessings. The festival is a reminder of how Lord Krishna protected the people of Gokul from a heavy storm by lifting Govardhan Hill.
In Govardhan Puja, People worship Lord Krishna and Govardhan and continue the tradition of offering food to Govardhan Hill, symbolizing gratitude to nature. Devotees prepare a variety of food items and place them in front of a small hill made from cow dung or mud, which represents Govardhan Hill.
The celebration holds great meaning for those who believe in Lord Krishna. By observing Govardhan Puja people show respect for nature and its role in our lives. It’s a time of togetherness, devotion, and appreciation of nature's gifts.
Date and Time of Govardhan Puja in 2024
There is lots of consfusion with festivals date and what is the right time to celebrate those. Govardhan Puja falls just after Diwali and holds great importance for Hindus as they honor the lifting of Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna. As This Year Diwali 2024 is starting from 31st Oct and Ending on 1st November, Similarly Govardhan Puja 2024 date will also start on November 1 at 6:16 pm. After this, the date will end on November 2 at 8:21 pm will be celebrated on Saturday, 2nd November.
History of Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja history is deeply rooted in ancient Hindu traditions and mythology. The story behind this festival is closely linked to Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism.
According to legend, the people of Vrindavan used to worship Lord Indra, the God of Rain, to ensure a good harvest. However, young Krishna encouraged them to stop worshiping Indra and, instead, honor Govardhan Hill, which provided them with food and shelter. Angered by this, Indra sent heavy rains and thunderstorms to punish the villagers. To protect the people and animals from the devastating storm, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger and held it like an umbrella for seven days, offering shelter to everyone.
This act of Lord Krishna not only showcased his divine power but also emphasized the importance of nature and self-reliance. The Govardhan Puja significance lies in this powerful message of respecting nature and relying on its resources for sustenance. Following this event, the people of Gokul began celebrating Govardhan Puja to thank Krishna and the hill for their protection and blessings. Today, the festival is observed with great devotion, where devotees offer a variety of food to the hill as a gesture of gratitude towards nature and its abundant gifts.
Read More : Govardhan Puja, Importance, History, and Celebrations
Govardhan Puja Major Attractions
Govardhan Puja rituals are celebrated with a variety of vibrant and meaningful practices. Some of the major attractions of the festival are:
- Annakut Offering: Devotees prepare a large variety of food items known as Annakut and offer them to Govardhan Hill. This grand feast symbolizes gratitude for nature's abundance and Krishna's protection.
- Govardhan Parikrama: Pilgrims and devotees walk around Govardhan Hill, a ritual known as Parikrama. This practice is believed to bring blessings and good fortune.
- Beautiful Decorations: Temples and homes are decorated with lights, flowers, and colorful rangolis. The celebration atmosphere is joyful, filled with devotion and excitement.
- Cultural Programs: Many places organize plays and cultural programs depicting Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill. These performances bring the legendary story to life and attract large audiences.
- Devotional Singing: Bhajans and kirtans are sung in praise of Lord Krishna throughout the day. These devotional songs add to the spiritual atmosphere of the celebration.
- Feasts and Community Meals: After the offerings, large community meals are held, where everyone is invited to enjoy the prasad, creating a sense of unity and togetherness.
Things to Take Care Of During Govardhan Puja
Special care should be taken while doing the puja on this day. A few of these are:
- The puja should never be performed in a closed room as it is supposed to be inauspicious.
- While doing the puja, devotees should have a bath and wear fresh and clean clothes. Wearing untidy and unclean clothes while performing the puja is not a good omen.
- Devotees also need to ensure that they wear orange- or yellow-coloured clothes. Black clothes should be avoided.
- The festivities include worshipping a symbolic hill made out of cow dung, Gau Mata or cows since Krishna was a Gopalak or a part of the cow herding community, and Lord Krishna’s idol.
- The puja should be done together and not in isolation. This means that all family members should sit together and conduct the ceremony.
- The circling of the cow dung hill, also called Parikrama, should be done barefoot as a mark of respect to Govardhan hill. Those with problems with their legs or feet and aged people are allowed to wear cloth-made shoes for the Parikrama.
- The Parikrama should be completed and never left midway. Doing the latter means disrespecting Govardhan Hill and Lord Krishna.
- Consumption of liquor, drugs, meat, and other non-vegetarian food is a strict no-no on this day.
Some Interesting Facts About Govardhan Puja
The Govardhan puja held on 27th October 2019 in the BAPS Atladra Mandir in Gujarat holds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. The record was created as it was the biggest Annakut festival ever held. There were 3,500 vegetarian dishes served during the celebrations.
In some parts of the country, especially Gujarat, this day is also regarded as the regional New Year’s Day.
Conclusion
Govardhan Puja is a celebration of cultural richness and unity, emphasising gratitude and spirituality. Beyond rituals, it conveys a timeless message of righteousness and community harmony.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Govardhan Puja 2024
Q1: What is the date of Govardhan Puja 2024?
A1: Govardhan Puja 2024 will be celebrated on Saturday, 2nd November.
Q2: What is the significance of Govardhan Puja?
A2: The significance of Govardhan Puja lies in honoring Lord Krishna's protection of the people of Gokul by lifting Govardhan Hill, symbolizing the importance of nature and self-reliance.
Q3: How is Govardhan Puja celebrated?
A3: Govardhan Puja is celebrated by offering a variety of food items to a symbolic representation of Govardhan Hill, performing Parikrama (circumambulation) around the hill, and participating in prayers and devotional singing.
Q4: Why is Govardhan Hill important in this festival?
A4: Govardhan Hill is central to the festival as it was lifted by Lord Krishna to protect the people of Gokul from a heavy storm sent by Lord Indra.
Q5: What food is offered during Govardhan Puja?
A5: Devotees offer a large variety of food, called Annakut, which includes sweets, fruits, and savory dishes, as a way to thank Govardhan Hill and nature for its blessings.
Q6: What are the key rituals of Govardhan Puja?
A6: The key Govardhan Puja rituals include preparing an Annakut offering, performing Parikrama around Govardhan Hill, decorating temples and homes, and singing devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
Q7: Can anyone participate in Govardhan Puja?
A7: Yes, anyone can participate in Govardhan Puja. It is a festival open to all devotees who wish to show their gratitude towards nature and Lord Krishna.
Q8: Where is Govardhan Puja celebrated the most?
A8: Govardhan Puja is most widely celebrated in Vrindavan and Mathura, where Govardhan Hill is located, but it is also observed by Hindus across India and other parts of the world.
Q9: What is the meaning of Annakut in Govardhan Puja?
A9: Annakut means "mountain of food," and it symbolizes the abundance and generosity of nature. The large quantity of food offered during the puja represents gratitude for nature's gifts.
Q10: Why is Govardhan Parikrama performed?
A10: Govardhan Parikrama is performed by devotees walking around the hill to seek blessings and protection from Lord Krishna. It is believed to bring good fortune and spiritual merit.
