When the glow of Diwali fades, Govardhan Puja 2026 appears with its warmth, humility, and profound sense of gratitude. Another name for the festival is Annakut, this festival celebrates the bond between mankind, nature, and divinity. Mark your diary, Govardhan Puja is on November 9th, and it will surely make your heart full of faith.
Do you celebrate it in your family after Diwali 2026? Are you aware of the rituals and special story behind celebrating it? No, don’t worry, we will let you know everything about it.
Let’s know more about it.
The Story behind Govardhan Puja 2026
Do you know why do we celebrate Govardhan Pooja?
Long, long ago, in the village of Vrindavan, people used to worship Lord Indra, the god of rain. The villagers wanted blessings for their fields with a good yield. But Krishna, a young and wise deity, not only questioned but also reversed the practice. He told the people that it was not Indra, but the Govardhan Hill. The mountain is their real deity. Also, they got the support from nature through the fertile soil, grass for the cows, and life to the village.
The villagers trusted Krishna’s words and decided to offer their tribute to the hill. Lord Indra got angry. So, he sent a storm of rain to destroy Vrindavan Dham. Krishna then took the entire Govardhan Hill on the little finger of his left hand. He kept it up as an umbrella over the people and their cattle for seven days and nights.
When Indra came to know about Krishna’s divine strength, he bowed down and ceased the storm. Vrindavan’s people celebrated this miracle by cooking 56 dishes, the Chappan Bhog as an offering of thanksgiving. Today, that festival goes on as Annakut Govardhan Puja, a testament to faith, modesty, and nature’s favor.
Read More: How to celebrate Diwali? Rituals and special Lakshmi Puja bhog
Rituals of Annakut 2025 Govardhan Pooja
Let’s know Govardhan puja vidhi to get deep into it.
1. Annakut – The Mountain of Food
Annakut is the most amazing part of Govardhan Puja, it is also known, “Mountain of food.” The devotees prepare plenty of vegetarian food, curries, sweets, cereals, and snacks. and they make a heap to depict the Govardhan Hill. This offering is called 56 Bhogs that are made for Lord Krishna as a sign of thanksgiving. Lord krishna protected the entire village, so they honor him for his protection and blessings.
2. Creating the Govardhan Parvat
People usually make the Govardhan Hill using cow dung or food. They decorate it by using different flowers, colors, and tiny statues of Krishna, cows, and villagers. This humble act brings the sacred narrative to life, making each home a mini Vrindavan.
3. Cow Worship (Godhan Puja)
On this day, cows are not only bathed but also decorated with flowers and worshiped. It is because of their invaluable contribution towards rural living. This practice is a tribute to their heavenly role in helping mankind, a portrayal of love, and gratitude.
4. Parikrama and Aarti
Lovers of God walk in the parikrama (circumambulation) of the symbolic hill. Some lucky people visit Vrindavan on Govardhan pooja to do the parikrama of the actual Govardhan Hill. People sing Bhajans, do aarti, and the air resounds with joy, devotion, and deep spiritual connection.
The Importance of Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja 2026 is not just a festival, it’s a lesson in life packaged in rituals.
- Gratitude for Nature: The festival makes us remember to appreciate the world that supports us.
- Humility over Pride: The story of Krishna teaches us that humility is something that pride, like Indra, can never match.
- Divine and Protected: Even in the most difficult situations, a person’s loyalty and commitment give him divine protection.
- Gujarati New Year: Let me share another interesting thing about this day. In Gujarat, this day is celebrated as “Gujarati New Year”. They consider it as New Year, and there is a huge celebration for the same.
A Unique Celebration Among the Bhil Tribe
In Madhya Pradesh’s Jhabua district, the Bhil tribe observes Govardhan Puja as Gaay Gauhari. The cows are decorated, and in an extraordinary ritual, people even lie down and allow cows to walk over them. This is a gesture of surrender and gratitude. The Bhils regard cows as their relatives. This ceremony is a testament to their immense consideration and friendly ties with nature.
More About Govardhan Puja 2026
Govardhan Puja is a celebration that not only connects mankind to God but also to nature in a spectacular way. It is a feast of God’s presence in nature, made possible by the Lord Krishna’s grace. From sharing the comforting Annakut prasad to the moment of aarti, this festival is about faith and the Lord’s power.
So, while you light your diyas and offer prayers, don’t forget that your truest wealth isn’t in pretending it. It’s in the humility that conveys the gratitude to the world that we live in.
Also Read: 29 Happy Diwali Wishes to share with your Family and friends
FAQs
Q: Why do we use cow dung to make the model of Govardhan Hill?
A: Cow dung is considered pure and holy in Hinduism. It is used for the hill formation because it is pure. This is a way to express respect for nature, simplicity, and divine connection among humans, animals, and the earth.
Q: What is the difference between Annakut and Govardhan Puja?
A: These two festivals take place at the same time of the year. Annakut is the food offering to Krishna, and Govardhan Puja celebrates Krishna’s protection, faith, and humility.
Q: What is the basis for Govardhan Puja being celebrated after Diwali?
A: Govardhan Puja is celebrated after Diwali in memory of Lord Krishna’s great act of lifting the Govardhan Hill. Lord Krishna protected the residents of Vrindavan from Lord Indra’s wrath.
Q: Why is there an offering of 56 dishes (Chappan Bhog)?
A: Chappan Bhog is an expression of thanks given by the villagers to Lord Krishna. It is said that Krishna used to take 8 meals a day. He did not eat anything for 7 days to keep them safe. The villagers offered him 56 dishes as an act of love and gratitude.
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