BhaktiLoopGovardhan Puja
Celebrates Lord Krishna's victory over Indra by lifting the Govardhan Hill, protecting the villagers of Vrindavan from the torrential rains sent by Indra. It emphasizes the importance of nature and community over selfish pride. Celebrates Lord Krishna's victory over Indra by lifting the Govardhan Hill, protecting the villagers of Vrindavan from torrential rains. It emphasizes devotion, the importance of nature, and the offering of gratitude through food and community spirit.
Key Rituals & Practices
Building miniature Govardhan hills from cow dung, clay, or other materials.
Performing puja (worship) to Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill.
Preparing and offering 'Annakut' (a mountain of various vegetarian dishes) to the deity.
Circumambulating the Govardhan hill (or its miniature representation).
Worshipping cows (Go Puja) and cattle, decorating them with garlands and vermillion.
Devotional singing (bhajans) and chanting.
Building miniature Govardhan Hills from cow dung, mud, or other materials, often decorated with flowers and sweets.
Performing Govardhan Puja, worshipping the symbolic hill and Lord Krishna.
Preparing and offering an 'Annakut' (a mountain of diverse vegetarian food items) to Lord Krishna, symbolizing the bounty of nature.
Circumambulating the sacred Govardhan Hill (Parikrama) for those in the Braj region (Mathura, Vrindavan).
Worship of cows (Go Puja) as they are considered sacred and integral to Krishna's life and the rural economy.
Community feasting and sharing of the Annakut prasad (blessed food).
Associated Deities
Hindu Calendar Details
Hindu Month
Kartik
Paksha
Shukla Paksha
Tithi
Pratipada
Regional Relevance & Variations
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Historical & Mythological Context
According to the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Krishna, as a young boy, convinced the cowherds of Vrindavan to worship Govardhan Hill and cows instead of Lord Indra. Enraged, Indra sent heavy rains to flood Vrindavan. Krishna then lifted the Govardhan Hill with his little finger, providing shelter to all the villagers and their cattle for seven days and nights, thus breaking Indra's pride. The festival commemorates the famous incident from the Srimad Bhagavatam where Lord Krishna, as a young boy in Vrindavan, dissuaded the villagers from worshipping Lord Indra. Instead, he encouraged them to worship Govardhan Hill and the cows, which provided them with their livelihood. Enraged, Indra sent torrential rains to flood Vrindavan. Krishna then lifted the entire Govardhan Hill on his little finger for seven days and seven nights, providing shelter to all the villagers and their cattle, thus humbling Indra and teaching the importance of worshipping nature and one's sustenance.
Alternative Names
Gregorian Date
Varies annually, typically late October or early November (the day after Diwali)