Govardhan Puja 2024: Date, Significance, and Annakoot Shubh Muhurat

Govardhan Puja is an event associated with Lord Krishna, where He lifted Govardhan Parvat to protect the Vrindavan locals from the wrath of Indra Dev in the form of heavy rainfall. You can read this fascinating story in detail in the accompanying article. In this article, we will explain what Govardhan Puja is, why it is celebrated, its significance, the date and time of Govardhan Puja in 2024, its Shubh Muhurata, and other interesting information that everyone, especially Krishna devotees, should know.

What is Govardhan or Annakoot Puja?

We all know about Diwali or Deepawali. It is the occasion of grand Hindu festival celebrations across the country. Diwali celebrations continue for five days. Each of these five days has its religious significance. Govardhan puja, also known as Annakoot puja, is celebrated just the next day of Diwali. The puja is widely celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in major parts of the nation. We pray for prosperity and abundance during the first three days, starting with Dhanteras, Chhoti Diwali, and Diwali. The last two days, i.e. the Govardhan puja and the Bhaidooj, are celebrated to thank our lords and Devtas for their blessings and support.

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Govardhan Puja 2024: Date, Time and Shubh Muhurat

As per Hindu Panchangam, we celebrate Govardhan Puja on the “Pratipada” tithi or the first lunar day in Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase) in the Kartik month. In 2024, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on:

• Date: 2 November 2024
• Govardhan Puja Shubh Muhurat 2024: 06:15 AM to 08:34 AM
• Pratipada or Ekam Tithi begins: 06:15 PM on 1 November 2024 - 08:20 PM on 2 November 2024

Govardhan Puja Katha

The Govardhan Puja Katha tells the story of a battle between Lord Indra and Lord Krishna. The people of Vrindavan used to worship Lord Indra for rain to ensure a good harvest. But Lord Krishna advised them to worship Govardhan Parvat instead, as it would provide them with all their necessary resources. The people agreed and started worshipping the mountain. Lord Indra became angry and decided to punish them with heavy, uncontrolled rain. The whole village was flooded, with no place to escape. Then, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill with his little finger and gave shelter to the villagers, cattle, and other beings. Indra kept showering heavy rain for seven days, but Krishna lifted the mountain without any discomfort. Finally, Indra accepted his defeat.

Since then, people have worshipped Krishna and Govardhan Parvat, and the day is known as Govardhan Puja. The puja reminds us of the importance of nature and the environment. It is our prime duty to conserve the environment. There is a tradition of using natural things like flowers, fruits, cow dung, and other environment-friendly items to celebrate Annakoot Puja.

The significance of the festival lies in the belief that the almighty Lord will help us even in the most difficult situations. Another legend states that Vamana, the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu, sent King Bali to 'Patala Loka' after defeating him. It is believed that the King returns to Earth on this day. Govardhan Puja is also celebrated as 'Vishwakarma Day,' where people offer prayers to their work equipment and tools.

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Govardhan Puja Vidhi

Govardhan pooja celebrations involve several rituals and traditions. The puja begins with devotees creating hills made of cow dung, representing Mount Govardhan, and decorating them with kumkum and flowers. The devotees also take rounds or Parikrama of the hill created with cow dung. They worship and pray for shelter and protection as given by the Lord Krishna by lifting the Govardhan hill.

On this day, people also bathe their cattle and put kumkum tilak and garlands on them to worship them. Annakoot puja, an integral part of Govardhan Puja, is about serving special prasadam, which includes 56 items, or the Chappan Bhog, to Lord Krishna. It symbolizes all the resources the mountain provides in the form of shelter, food, water, and fresh air. After that, people perform Govardhan Arti, and Annakut Prasad is shared with everyone.

The Lord Krishna temples are decorated nationwide, and there are group sessions of Bhajan recitations, Kirtan, cultural dance, plays depicting Govardhan Katha, and prasad distributions. The priests recite hymns, and the divine environment of Lord Krishna's temples entices everyone.

Places to visit on Govardhan puja

People go to Vrindavan and Mathura on the day of Govardhan puja. They visit the Govardhan hill and revere mother nature. People usually reach Vrindavan many days before the festival to feel its real essence. Visiting Lord Krishna temples is considered highly auspicious today.

Govardhan Hill at Vrindavan Mathura

The Govardhan mountain is a spectacular sight during the celebration of Govardhan Puja. During this festival, people follow the Govardhan Puja Vidhi and perform the Parikrama, which involves circumambulating the mountain. The Parikrama usually takes around 5-6 hours to complete and spans a distance of approximately 22 km. The parikarma starts from Manasi-Ganga Kund and is completed at Lord Harideva temple. The Parikrama is a way to show gratitude towards mother nature and Lord Krishna. The parikrama ritual reminds them of the importance of nature and environment conservation.