Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the Pratipada of the Shukla Paksha of the Kartik month. It is also called Annakut. According to the story, the people of Braj used to worship Indra Dev every year. Shri Krishna explained to them that their cows and their farming are sustained by Govardhan hill and by nature, so the hill should be worshipped. This angered Indra, who sent torrential rain over Braj. Then Shri Krishna lifted Govardhan hill on his little finger and protected all the people of Braj and their cattle. After seven days Indra's pride was broken and he asked for forgiveness. The tradition of Govardhan Puja has continued since then. The festival carries a message of gratitude to nature, the hills and the cattle.

Govardhan Puja is observed on the Kartik Shukla Pratipada, usually the day after Diwali. Depending on the tithi, it can sometimes fall on the second day after Diwali instead. Check the calendar date given above, and see the Panchang for your city's puja time.

• Cow dung (to make the shape of Govardhan hill) • Roli, sandalwood paste, akshat, turmeric, flowers, khil-batasha • Incense, lamp, camphor, ghee • Milk, curd, honey, Gangajal • For Annakut: rice, kadhi, dal, various vegetables, puri, sweets and fruits • Fodder, jaggery and roti for the cows

1. Bathe in the morning and clean the courtyard or the puja spot of the house. 2. Make the form of Govardhan hill from cow dung, in the shape of a reclining man, and decorate it with flowers and khil-batasha. Cowherds, cows and trees and plants are also made alongside. 3. Worship Govardhan ji with roli, akshat, flowers, a lamp and incense. 4. Offer milk, curd, honey and Annakut as bhog. 5. Perform the aarti of Shri Krishna and Giriraj, and circumambulate Govardhan. 6. Bathe and decorate the cows and bulls, feed them jaggery and fodder, and worship them. 7. Distribute the Annakut prasad among the family and neighbours.

Annakut means a mountain of food. On this day many kinds of dishes are offered to the Lord. The tradition of Chappan Bhog (56 offerings) is famous in the temples of Mathura, Vrindavan, Nathdwara and Govardhan. It is believed that the people of Braj offered a variety of dishes on the eighth day to Shri Krishna, who had stayed hungry for seven days, and this is how the tradition of Chappan Bhog began. At home too, a sattvik meal can be offered according to your means.