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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!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>3000 B.C.</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origin of Krishna Worship</div><div class='timeline-text'>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.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>500 B.C.</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Earliest Scriptures</div><div class='timeline-text'>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.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1500s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Krishna Devotion Spreads</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Bhakti movement of the 1500s spread devotion to Lord Krishna across India, making celebrations like Govardhan Puja more prevalent.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1830s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Literary References</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 1830s, Indian literary works began to depict the Govardhan Puja festival with its elaborate feasts and devout rituals.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1947</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Post-Independence Escalation</div><div class='timeline-text'>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.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>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.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate a Govardhan Hill</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Prepare traditional dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Cook up some traditional dishes such as khichdi, kheer, and chappan bhog to offer as prasad (offering) to Lord Krishna on this auspicious day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a Rangoli design</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a community puja</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate food to the needy</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a day to honor and show gratitude to nature</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a time for family and community bonding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It has a rich cultural significance</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Govardhan Puja Marks the End of Diwali Celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>Govardhan Puja is the fourth day of Diwali festivities and represents the culmination of the festival of lights, marking a time of shared happiness and abundance.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are regional variations in Govardhan Puja Celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>The festival is not homogeneous across India. Different regions have unique rituals. Gujarat, for instance, celebrates it as Bali Pratipada, honoring King Bali's golden reign while it's observed as New Year in some parts.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Govardhan Puja is Celebrated to Honor Farm Animals</h3><p class='facts-content'>In rural and agricultural communities, this festival also honors cattle and other farm animals, acknowledging their key role in agriculture and dairy production.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Govardhan Puja Involves Making Miniature Mountains</h3><p class='facts-content'>Emulating Lord Krishna's lifting of Mount Govardhan, devotees often build small mounds of cow dung or clay, known as 'Anna-koot', representing the mountain which is then adorned and worshipped.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The festival draws huge crowds in Mathura and Vrindavan</h3><p class='facts-content'>Mathura and Vrindavan,considered the birthplace and playground of Lord Krishna,respectively, see grand celebrations and massive gatherings of devotees that come together to mark the festival and participate in the rituals.</p></div></div>
Govardhan Puja is celebrated on November 15 every year. In 2024 Govardhan Puja will occur on a Friday.
2023
Nov 15
Wednesday
2024
Nov 15
Friday
2025
Nov 15
Saturday
2026
Nov 15
Sunday
2027
Nov 15
Monday
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