IndiaGovardhan Puja is based on an interesting tale from the Hindu epic, the Bhagavata Purana. The residents of the village of Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood, used to perform grand sacrifices to please Lord Indra, the god of rain. They believed that such a mode of worship can win Indra’s blessings and bring abundant rainfall and prosperity for their community.
However, young Lord Krishna suggested that they instead worship Govardhan Hill, who deserved their gratitude by providing them with fertile land and grazing pastures for their cattle.
The villagers accepted Krishna's advice and enthusiastically organized a massive feast of various food items, forming a mountain-like offering. This feast was known as Annakut. When Lord Indra realized that the villagers had stopped worshipping him, he got furious and sent torrential rains to flood Vrindavan.
In response, Lord Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan Hill with his little finger to provide shelter to the villagers and their cattle from the persistent rain. This act of divine protection is the central theme of Govardhan Puja, which symbolizes the importance of nature and gratitude.
Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali celebrations. In 2023, Govardhan Puja will be performed on Tuesday, November 14. Pratahkaal Muhurat for Govardhan puja on November 12th starts at 6:43 am and ends at 8:52 pm.
Clean your house and decorate the place of worship with flowers, rangoli, and traditional motifs. A symbolic representation of the Govardhan Hill is usually made of cow dung or clay or any other material and decorated with various food items as offerings.
Perform a special puja to Lord Ganesh, Lord Krishna and Govardhan hill in the same order. Offer flowers, incense, and a variety of sweets, grains, fruits, and dairy products to the deities.
Create an Annakut, which is a mountain of food items. Arrange a vast array of cooked and uncooked food, sweets, and grains to symbolize the gratitude towards the bounties of nature.
Light a diya (lamp) and perform an arati while singing devotional songs and hymns in praise of Lord Krishna. The traditional "Govardhan Puja Katha" can also be recited to narrate the story to family and friends.
At the end of the puja, every household shares the Prasad with relatives, friends and neighbors. Usually, a sumptuous feast is organized after the puja to enjoy the values of sharing and caring for the near and dear ones. Also, the less fortunate ones are identified and charity is done. Especially manual employees who support agriculture and other village based trades are recognized and rewarded on this day.
Conclusion
Govardhan puja is based on a very inspiring concept of expressing our gratitude to Mother Nature. It reminds us that the gifts of nature and Mother Earth must be celebrated and everyone must pay their gratitude to the elements of nature. So, this is an awesome festival to celebrate with reverence, love, gratitude and happiness.