by Govardhan Puja is performed on the next day of Diwali festival, which is also the first day of the Karthik month as per the Hindu calendar. In 2017, it will be celebrated on 20th October 2017.
Everything About Govardhan Puja
Commonly, people call this puja or ceremony as “Govardhan Pooja,” but traditionally, it is also named as “GODHAN AND ANNAKUT.” Hindus celebrate this festival to rejoice the victory of Lord Krishna over Lord Indra. Not only Indians, but all Indians settled abroad also celebrate this puja with the proper methodology.
The main Idea behind celebrating this grand Govardhan Puja is to spread the message to generations and coming generations that Lord Krishna wishes to teach everyone to respect the nature in its purest form like Govardhan, not only the God of Rains (Indra). Indirectly, if we discuss the broader aspect of this festive celebration is to create love and awareness towards nature.
About the Govardhan Parvat
Lord Krishna as per holy books and scriptures spent most of its childhood in the holy city of Braj. Devotees have associated this place with Baby Krishna for all his playful as well as heroic acts. We all can relate to a photo in which Lord Krishna is seen lifting a mountain on a single fingertip. This is the same mountain Mount Govardhan, which still lies at the centre of Braj City.
Also Read: Laxmi puga vidhi on diwali festival
According to the Bhagwat Gita, earlier the cowherds used to worship Lord Indra, the God of Rains. Lord Krishna did not like this, as he wanted the people to realize that God is near them, and you do not have to worship distant gods and plea for mercy. There is beautiful nature, which is God’s creation for you, and you should worship and take care of this part of God, Nature.
On this day, people worship Lord Krishna with their full heart and soul. Also, many people travel to Mount Govardhan (also known as Mountain of food) and take a full stroll around it to worship the God. They believe and have full faith in Lord Govardhan and symbolize the mount in its place. It is indeed a holy sight, and it is a lifetime experience. There are most beautiful and spectacular celebrations seen in some states of India, especially Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
What is a perfect methodology for celebrating Govardhan Puja?
Everyone has specific rituals and way of performing this puja. But I would discuss here the most common manner:
- Make hillocks of cow-dung and place it. These hillocks represent the Mount Govardhan itself.
- Decorate these hillocks with flowers and dry fruits. Also, you can place cow like statues and greenery on such mountains to adorn it.
- Some people cook 56 different food items (ChappanBhog) and then it is offered to God in the evening.
- Worship these hillocks sitting along with family, pray for blessings from God, and always be with you in life as he already is.
- Move around these hillocks and after that share the “Prashad Food” with all the members present in the Puja.
