Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut Puja, will be celebrated on Saturday, November 2, 2024. This festival, which usually follows the day after Diwali, commemorates an important event in Hinduism when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from the wrath of God Indra. Govardhan Puja is a day of gratitude, offering, and celebration dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Govardhan Puja 2024: Date, Time, Rituals, and Significance of Annakut Puja
Govardhan Puja 2024: Significance
The story behind Govardhan Puja revolves around Lord Krishna’s teachings to the people of Vrindavan about the importance of respecting nature. When the villagers were preparing to perform rituals to appease Lord Indra, the god of rain, Krishna urged them instead to worship Govardhan Hill, which provided them with resources like food and shelter. Angered by this, Indra caused torrential rains, but Krishna lifted the hill to shelter the villagers and their cattle, thus defeating Indra’s pride.
This victory is symbolically celebrated on Govardhan Puja by offering food, prayers, and gratitude to Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill.
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How to Perform Govardhan Puja at Home?
Govardhan Puja is traditionally performed during the Pratipada Tithi of the Kartik month, making it an auspicious day for worship and offerings. Here’s a simple guide to performing the rituals at home:
- Prepare the altar: Set up a small altar with an idol or picture of Lord Krishna. Some families also create a small hill made of cow dung or clay, symbolizing Govardhan Hill.
- Prepare the food offerings (Annakut): Govardhan Puja is synonymous with the Annakut festival, where devotees prepare a variety of food items to offer to Krishna. These foods include cereals like wheat and rice, curry made from gram flour, and a variety of leafy vegetables.
- Perform the Puja: Light a lamp and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to Lord Krishna. Chant mantras and recite prayers, seeking blessings for prosperity and protection.
- Offer Annakut: Once the puja is complete, present the prepared food to Lord Krishna. This offering symbolizes gratitude for the abundance of nature's resources and divine protection.
- Aarti: Conclude the rituals by performing aarti and singing devotional songs. After the aarti, distribute the food offerings among family and neighbors, sharing the joy and blessings of the day.
In Maharashtra, Govardhan Puja is celebrated as Bali Pratipada or Bali Padva, commemorating Lord Vamana’s victory over King Bali. It is believed that on this day, King Bali visits the Earth (Prithvi Lok) from the underworld (Patal Lok) due to a boon granted by Lord Vamana.
In Gujarat, Govardhan Puja often coincides with Gujarati New Year celebrations, which are observed on the Shukla Paksha Pratipada of Kartik month. The timing of the festival can vary slightly depending on the exact start of the Pratipada Tithi, and in some cases, it may even be celebrated a day before the Gujarati New Year.
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Govardhan Puja is a celebration of nature’s bounty, Lord Krishna’s protection, and the victory of humility over arrogance. Performing the rituals with devotion at home, offering Annakut, and sharing food with family and friends make this day a cherished part of the Diwali festivities. Whether you follow the traditional rituals or observe it in your own way, Govardhan Puja is a day to be grateful for the blessings of life and nature.
Also Read: Govardhan Puja 2024: The Story of Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill
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