Diwali brings a day of colours, lights and joy, but the timing of Govardhan Puja adds a unique twist this year! Traditionally, Govardhan Puja – a celebration commemorating Lord Krishna’s incredible feat of lifting the Govardhan Mountain – is held on the day after Diwali. However, this year, Govardhan Puja was held on November 2 due to amavasya tithi. While we celebrate Diwali on October 31 and November 1, the Muhurat of Govardhan Puja will be a day later.
May Lord Shri Krishna hold Govardhan Mountain with His little finger to protect the cows, Gopis and residents of Braj and fill you all with happiness, prosperity , wealth and corn, and give you His devotion.
Best wishes to you all on ‘Gobardhan Puja’ and ‘Annakoot Utsav’.#GoverdhanPuja pic.twitter.com/hWxFHNQRgW
— Gyanendra Pandit (@Modified24) November 8, 2018
The Pratipada date of the Hindu calendar is part of the Kartik month Shukla Paksha and marks the time when Govardhan Puja is celebrated. That’s why even though Diwali falls on October 31, Govardhan Puja falls on November 2 this year. This break from tradition adds some anticipation and allows a little more time for festivities!
The story behind Govardhan Puja
The story behind Govardhan Puja is epic: Lord Krishna questioned why the villagers of Braj worshiped Lord Indra, convincing them to worship Govardhan Hill instead as it nourished their livestock. Indra became angry and sent down heavy rains hoping to punish them. In response, Krishna raised Mount Govardhan with one finger and provided shelter to all the inhabitants of Braj. The villagers, safe and sound under Krishna’s protection, celebrated his heroism and power of nature, leaving Indra humbled.
Since then, Govardhan Puja has been celebrated not only to commemorate the power of Lord Krishna but also to remind us of humility and reverence for nature.
How we celebrate Govardhan Puja
During Govardhan Puja, people make a symbolic hill out of cow dung representing Govardhan, decorate it and perform rituals around it. Worship involves singing hymns and offering food, especially sweets. The most important part of the Annakut or “Mountain of Food” puja is hosting a feast that symbolizes abundance. It is first offered to Krishna and then shared as prasad among friends, family and devotees.
What’s special about this year
The unusual timing this year is a rare adjustment that makes Govardhan Puja even more exciting. It is like an extended celebration of Diwali, giving devotees more time to extend the joy of the festival. So, while Diwali illuminates the world with lights, Govardhan Puja adds another day to commemorate Krishna’s love and unwavering protection for devotees.
