Govardhan Puja – The Festival of Gratitude, Nature & Divine Protection

                                                     Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is a beautiful festival celebrated the day after Diwali. It reminds us to be thankful for nature’s blessings and to live with humility and devotion. The festival has deep roots in the story of Lord Krishna, who taught the importance of faith, nature, and selfless service.

Before going forward about the rituals performed on this occation it is important to know why we celebrates this day and what is the story behind it. 

Many years ago, the people of Vrindavan used to pray to Lord Indra, the god of rain, for good crops. Young Krishna questioned this and said that it was Govardhan Hill and nature that truly provided them with food, water, and shelter.

Hearing this, the villagers started worshipping Govardhan Hill instead of Indra. Feeling insulted, Indra sent heavy rains and thunderstorms to destroy the village. To protect his people, Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger and sheltered everyone beneath it for seven days.

When Indra realized Krishna’s divine power, he stopped the rain and apologized. Since then, people celebrate Govardhan Puja to thank Lord Krishna and nature for their protection and support.

During this time, he went without food, having skipped his usual eight meals a day. After the rains stopped, the villagers offered him a grand feast of 56 dishes (7 days x 8 meals) as a sign of their gratitude and devotion, so thats the concept of 56 Bhogs.

                                             

Now as our why is clear now its time to know how this celebration is carried out. Different parts of India celebrate Govardhan Puja in their own ways, but the core rituals remain the same:

1.    People make a small hill out of cow dung, mud, or clay, decorated with flowers and lamps. This represents the sacred Govardhan Hill.

2.    Families prepare a variety of vegetarian dishes, sometimes up to 56 (called Chhappan Bhog), and offer them to Lord Krishna as a symbol of love and gratitude.

3.    Devotees perform puja (worship) and walk around the small hill (parikrama) while chanting prayers and singing bhajans (devotional songs). 

4.    After that we pore the water in plants and fed cows and after that all members took prasadam.

Now many of you would say it just a story what will be the significance of it in todays world. Even today, Govardhan Puja holds a powerful message:

• It encourages us to protect nature and live sustainably.

• It reminds us to value our food and express gratitude.

• It teaches teamwork, humility, and faith in the face of challenges.

As our world faces environmental issues, Govardhan Puja reminds us that nature is divine and deserves respect.

Govardhan Puja is more than a story — it’s a lesson of gratitude, faith, and balance. By celebrating it, we remember that life is sustained not just by divine blessings but also by the nature that surrounds us. This festival is a beautiful reminder to care for the earth, help others, and stay humble no matter how successful we become.