Gowardhan Puja, also known as Annakut Puja, is celebrated on the Pratipada Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month. This festival falls the day after Diwali. In 2025, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on October 22. On this day, Gau Mata (Mother Cow) and Govardhan Mountain are worshipped. In the scriptures, the cow is considered a form of Goddess Lakshmi, hence cows are also worshipped on this day.
What is Gowardhan Puja?
Govardhan Puja is a festival celebrated one day after Diwali, also known as Annakut. Govardhan Puja is directly related to the divine pastimes of Shri Krishna, in which he lifted the Govardhan mountain on his little finger to protect the residents of Braj. On this day, Govardhan Mountain and livestock are made from cow dung and worshipped. On this day, cows, Shri Krishna, and Govardhan Mountain are worshipped. According to religious beliefs, worshipping Govardhan Mountain brings happiness and prosperity to the family, grants merit and removes the fear of death.
Govardhan Puja Date
Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the Pratipada Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. According to astrological calculations, it falls on the day after Diwali.
• Govardhan Puja Date: Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on October 22.
• Pratipada Tithi Begins: October 21 at 5:57 PM
• Pratipada Tithi Ends: October 22 at 8:20 PM
• Puja Muhurta (Morning): 6:00 AM to 8:51 AM
• Puja Muhurta (Evening): 4:06 PM to 5:31 PM
The Story of Gowardhan Puja
In the Dvapara Yuga, the residents of Braj used to worship Indra for good rainfall because good crops grew due to rain, and greenery all around provided green fodder for their cows. As a result of being worshipped by the people of Braj, Indra became arrogant. Shri Krishna, seeing Indra’s arrogance due to being worshipped by the people, advised the residents of Braj not to worship Indra but to worship Govardhan Mountain instead. He explained to the people of Braj that providing rain is Indra’s duty, but Govardhan Mountain provides green fodder for our cows and shelter for us. Therefore, Govardhan Mountain is the rightful recipient of true worship. Everyone accepted Lord Shri Krishna’s words and started worshipping Govardhan Mountain. Seeing this, Indradev became angry with the residents of Braj and started heavy rainfall. Due to the terrible rain, all living beings were in danger. The residents of Braj were in turmoil. All the residents of Braj thought that by listening to Krishna, they had not worshipped Lord Indra, which had greatly disrespected Indra, and now they would all have to face Indra’s wrath. When Shri Krishna saw the distressed people of Braj, to protect them, he lifted the Govardhan Mountain on his little finger, due to which the rain had no effect on the residents of Braj, and without suffering from hunger or thirst, the residents of Braj remained under the shelter of Govardhan Mountain for seven full days. When Brahma Ji saw this scene, he told Indra that Lord Vishnu had incarnated as Shri Krishna; he is the maintainer of the universe, and you are opposing him. Hearing this, Indra regretted his actions and then apologized to Lord Shri Krishna. Since then, everyone started worshipping Govardhan Mountain on the Pratipada of the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. Even today, Govardhan Mountain is worshipped in Mathura and Vrindavan. Since not everyone can go to Govardhan Mountain to worship it, they make a Govardhan Mountain out of cow dung and worship it.
Worship Method of Govardhan Puja
On the Pratipada Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month, Govardhan Puja holds special significance. In many regions, this day is also celebrated as Annakut Mahotsav. The worship method involves worshipping Lord Shri Krishna, Govardhan Mountain, and Gau Mata.
Morning Preparation
• On this day, wake up early in the morning and complete your daily rituals like bathing.
• Purify the courtyard or worship place of the house with Ganga Jal (holy water from the Ganges).
Gowardhan Mountain Creation
• In the courtyard, create the shape of Govardhan Mountain using cow dung.
• Along with the mountain, shapes of cattle – such as cows, calves, bullocks, etc. – are also made.
• Decorate these figures attractively with flour, rangoli, flowers, rice, turmeric, and vermillion.
Offering Bhog
• Offer dishes like Kadhi, Kheer, rice, Puri, Laddoo, etc., as Bhog to Govardhan Mountain and Shri Krishna.
• As Annakut, offer as many dishes as possible collectively according to your devotion.
• After offering the Bhog to the Lord, distribute the Prasad among family members.
Evening Puja
• In the evening, as dusk falls, light lamps near the Govardhan Mountain made of cow dung.
• Perform Aarti by circling the lamp around Govardhan.
Benefits of Gowardhan Puja
Several benefits of Govardhan Puja have been described. Worshipping Govardhan Mountain and the cow brings happiness and prosperity to the family. Making Annakut on this day brings the blessings of Mata Annapurna, and there is no scarcity of food. According to the Skanda Purana, Gaupuja (cow worship) brings merit. According to traditional belief, this festival is celebrated in memory of the divine incident when Shri Krishna destroyed Indra’s ego and established the importance of worshipping Govardhan Mountain. Therefore, it is considered extremely meritorious and auspicious.
Govardhan Puja Mantras
In Govardhan Puja, devotional folk mantras and Shri Krishna stutis (hymns) are used. If you wish to perform a ritualistic puja, mantras such as “Om Govardhanadharaya Namah” and “Jai Govardhan Giridhari” are considered perfectly acceptable and reverent.
Significance of Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja holds special significance in Sanatan Dharma. It is part of the Diwali festival and is celebrated annually on the day after Diwali. Worshipping Govardhan ensures continuous happiness in the house. Offering Annakut on this day ensures that there is never a shortage of food in the house. All vegetables are combined to make a dish called Annakut. Performing Govardhan Puja prevents both drought and excessive rainfall ; that is, one never has to face torrential rain.
Special Features of Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja is also called Annakut Puja because many dishes are prepared and offered to the deity on this day. In Maharashtra, this festival is celebrated as Bali Pratipada (Bali Padwa), where Govardhan Puja is performed as the death anniversary of King Bali. In Gujarat, this puja is often celebrated on the Gujarati New Year. In the Braj region (Mathura-Vrindavan), the tradition of Govardhan Puja is particularly enthusiastic.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. In which states is Govardhan Puja celebrated?
Govardhan Puja is mainly celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Braj region of North India (Mathura-Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh). It is also celebrated as Bali Padwa in Maharashtra and as a New Year’s festival in Gujarat.
2. Why do we celebrate Govardhan Puja?
The reason for celebrating it is the religious story in which Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Mountain to save the villagers from the devastating rain of Lord Indra. Govardhan Mountain is worshipped in remembrance of this sacrifice and selflessness.
3. What should be done during Govardhan Puja?
On this day, make a model of Govardhan Mountain from cow dung and offer flowers and garlands. In the evening, prepare Annakut, including rice, milk, kheer, laddoo, etc., and offer it to the Lord. During the puja, chant the mantra “Govardhanadharadhara…” and other stotras, then distribute the Prasad.
4. How do you perform Govardhan Puja at home?
To perform puja at home, after bathing on the day after Diwali morning, make Govardhan Mountain from cow dung and decorate the worship place. In the evening, collect Annakut ingredients, light a lamp in front of the Govardhan idol, and offer flowers and garlands. Finally, distribute the Prasad (food) among the family and feed it to children and the needy.
5. When will Govardhan Puja begin in 2025?
Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on October 22 this year. This festival is celebrated on Pratipada Tithi, which begins on October 21 at 5:57 PM and ends on October 22 at 8:20 PM. There are two auspicious muhurats for Govardhan Puja: In the morning, you can worship from 6:00 AM to 8:51 AM, and in the evening, the muhurat will be from 4:06 PM to 5:31 PM.
6. What should not be done on Govardhan Puja?
While performing the puja, keep a few things in mind: Do not perform the puja in a closed room, and all family members should participate together. Wearing black clothes is considered inauspicious. Do not wear shoes or slippers during the circumambulation (Bhog Daan) of Govardhan. Smoking or consuming other intoxicants is strictly prohibited on this day.
7. What should be done on Govardhan Puja day?
On Govardhan Puja day, serve cows and feed them. Prepare Annakut, offer it to the Lord, and donate Prasad. Listen to the Katha, chant mantras, and complete the puja with your family.
8. Why is it called Govardhan Puja?
In this festival, Govardhan Mountain is primarily worshipped. In traditional stories and worship methods, the idol of Govardhan Mountain is made from cow dung and worshipped. Hence, this festival is called Govardhan Puja after the name of Govardhan Mountain.
Source URL:
https://www.sanatanjyoti.com/articles/gowardhan-puja-2025-54
