Govardhan Puja 2024: The Story of Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill

Govardhan Puja 2024 Date and Time

Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on Saturday, November 2, 2024, marking the fourth day of the Diwali festival. This auspicious day is dedicated to Lord Krishna's heroic act of lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra. It is celebrated primarily in Northern India and holds great spiritual significance for devotees.

Govardhan Puja Muhurat & Tithi Timings

• Pratahkala Muhurat: 06:35 AM to 08:52 AM (Duration: 2 hours 17 minutes)
• Sayankala Muhurat: 03:44 PM to 06:01 PM (Duration: 2 hours 17 minutes)
• Pratipada Tithi Begins: 06:16 PM on November 1, 2024
• Pratipada Tithi Ends: 08:21 PM on November 2, 2024

Govardhan Puja celebrates the story of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to save the people of Vrindavan from heavy rains and thunderstorms sent by Lord Indra, the God of Rain. According to Hindu scriptures, the villagers used to worship Indra to appease him for good rain and harvest. However, Lord Krishna encouraged them to stop the practice and instead worship the Govardhan Hill, which provided them with food and shelter.

Angered by this, Indra unleashed a devastating storm. To protect the villagers, Lord Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan Hill with his little finger, creating a shelter for all. This act of divine intervention symbolized the power of devotion and the protection provided by the divine to its devotees.

Govardhan Puja Significance and Rituals

On Govardhan Puja, devotees create small hillocks out of cow dung, symbolizing Govardhan Hill, and offer prayers, food, and sweets. This ritual, known as Annakut, involves the preparation of a variety of vegetarian dishes, which are offered to Lord Krishna and then distributed among the community.