The five-day festival of lights has begun. This time Dhanteras was celebrated on 29 October. At the same time, Diwali is being celebrated on 31 October and 1 November 2024. After Diwali comes the festival of Govardhan Puja. The festival of Govardhan Puja tells the relationship between nature and humanity. This festival is celebrated on the next day of Diwali i.e. on the Pratipada of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. Govardhan Puja is also called Annakoot.
Govardhan is worshipped on this day. Govardhan Puja has different significance and stories prevalent in different places. Here in North India, especially in Mathura Vrindavan, this day is associated with the child leelas of Shri Krishna, while in the western Indian state of Gujarat, it is considered the day of the beginning of the Gujarati New Year. Let us know when is Govardhan Puja this time and why Govardhan Puja is performed. Why is Govardhan Puja called Annakoot, as well as which God is worshiped on the day of Govardhan Puja?
When is Govardhan Puja
According to the Hindu date, the festival of Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the Pratipada date of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. Usually, this date falls on the next day of Diwali, which is also called Pareva in the local language. However, this time Diwali is being celebrated for two days. In such a situation, Govardhan Puja is being held on 2 November 2024.
Why is Govardhan Puja celebrated?
According to ancient popular beliefs, once Devraj Indra, in arrogance, caused excessive rain in Gokul. Gokul residents were troubled by the torrential rain. Then Lord Vishnu's incarnation Shri Krishna lifted Govardhan mountain on the little finger of his hand and all the Gokul residents stood under the mountain to avoid rain.
Govardhan mountain, which had been protecting the people of Gokul for years by facing natural disasters, once again saved the people from the rain. Apart from this, the green grass of Govardhan was also useful for cows and goats. In this way, Shri Krishna explained the importance of nature in our lives through his childhood plays.
Why is Govardhan Puja called Annakoot?
It is believed that the day Lord Krishna protected the people of Gokul by lifting Govardhan mountain, was dedicated to the worship of Govardhan mountain. To express gratitude for the protection, every year the people of Gokul started worshipping Govardhan mountain with fifty-six offerings. Since then, Annakoot has been offered for Govardhan Puja. Annakoot can be called the "mountain of food". In this, many vegetables are mixed and offered by making mixed vegetables, curry rice, puri, roti, khichdi, millet pudding, etc.
Importance of Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja has special importance in Hinduism. On this day, natural resources are worshipped. Like mountains, cows and cow dung along with Lord Shri Krishna are worshipped. It is believed that by doing this our future generations will understand the importance of natural resources and feel connected to nature. Worshiping and circumambulating the Govardhan mountain also holds great importance on this day.
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