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Govardhan Puja

Get ready to celebrate Govardhan Puja with delicious feasts, colorful decorations, and traditional rituals - a truly festive occasion!

Sunday

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATENovember 15

OBSERVED INIndia

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYHindu

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate Govardhan Puja on November 15, a joyous Hindu festival that commemorates the divine act of Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan to protect his village from a destructive storm. This day is also known as Annakut, which translates to "mountain of food" and involves preparing elaborate feasts and offerings to honor Lord Krishna's legendary deed. It's a time for communities to come together in devotion and gratitude, and indulge in delicious vegetarian dishes. So mark your calendars and join in the festivities!

TIMELINE

Govardhan Puja Timeline

Origin of Krishna Worship

Signs of Lord Krishna worship, particularly his exploits like lifting Govardhan Hill, began to appear in the ancient civilization of the Indian subcontinent dating back to 3000 B.C.

Earliest Scriptures

Lord Krishna's feats, including the Govardhan lifting, started to be mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures and epics such as the Puranas around 500 B.C.

Krishna Devotion Spreads

The Bhakti movement of the 1500s spread devotion to Lord Krishna across India, making celebrations like Govardhan Puja more prevalent.

Literary References

In the 1830s, Indian literary works began to depict the Govardhan Puja festival with its elaborate feasts and devout rituals.

Post-Independence Escalation

Following India's independence in 1947, the recognition of cultural and regional diversity led to a nationwide acceptance and celebration of different festivals, including Govardhan Puja.

Global Recognition

With the spread of the Indian diaspora, the celebration of Govardhan Puja has gained recognition and begun being celebrated in different parts of the world since the early 2000s.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Govardhan Puja

Decorate a Govardhan Hill

Use clay or paper mache to create your own Govardhan Hill and decorate it with flowers, fruits, and other colorful decorations. This is a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday.

PREPARE

Prepare traditional dishes

Cook up some traditional dishes such as khichdi, kheer, and chappan bhog to offer as prasad (offering) to Lord Krishna on this auspicious day.

CREATE

Create a Rangoli design

Use colored powders or flower petals to create a beautiful Rangoli design outside your home or in your puja room. This is a traditional way to welcome and honor Lord Krishna on Govardhan Puja.

ATTEND

Attend a community puja

Join a local temple or community group in their Govardhan Puja celebrations. This is a great way to meet new people and participate in traditional rituals and prayers.

DONATE

Donate food to the needy

On this day of gratitude and abundance, spread joy by donating food to those in need. This is a meaningful way to celebrate Govardhan Puja and give back to the community.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Govardhan Puja

It has a rich cultural significance

Govardhan Puja is steeped in mythology and has been celebrated for centuries. It symbolizes Lord Krishna's victory over Indra, the god of rain, and showcases the power of faith and devotion. Plus, it involves colorful decorations, lively music, and delicious food - making it a fun and festive event!

It's a day to honor and show gratitude to nature

Govardhan Puja is a Hindu festival that celebrates the importance of nature and its role in our lives. It is a reminder to take care of the environment, be grateful for its blessings, and live in harmony with all living beings.

It's a time for family and community bonding

Govardhan Puja is traditionally celebrated with families coming together to prepare special meals, offer prayers, and build Govardhan hills out of cow dung. This brings people closer and strengthens relationships in the community.