BhaktiLoopLord Krishna Annakut Festival / Govardhan Puja
Annakut, also known as Govardhan Puja, is celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali, the Pratipada (first day) of the bright fortnight of the Kartik month. This festival commemorates the incident where Lord Krishna, as a young boy, convinced the residents of Vrindavan to worship Govardhan Hill instead of Lord Indra. Enraged, Indra sent torrents of rain, but Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger, providing shelter to all. The 'Annakut' (literally 'mountain of food') is a grand offering of a vast array of vegetarian dishes, symbolizing the bounty of nature and the devotion of the devotees to Krishna as the protector and provider. It signifies the importance of worshipping nature and the Supreme Lord.
Purpose
To express gratitude to Lord Krishna for protecting devotees and to commemorate the Govardhan Lila (pastime) where Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavan from Lord Indra's wrath. It is also a celebration of nature, food, and the bond between humans and cows, seeking blessings for prosperity, well-being, and protection.
Key Rituals
- Govardhan Hill Replica Creation:** Devotees create a miniature replica of Govardhan Hill using cow dung (gobar) or sometimes grains and sweets. This replica is then decorated with flowers, lamps, and various edible items.
- Annakut Preparation:** A grand feast, typically consisting of 56 (chappan bhog) or 108 different vegetarian dishes – including sweets, savories, curries, rice dishes, and drinks – is meticulously prepared. This 'mountain of food' is the central offering.
- Gau Puja (Cow Worship):** Cows are adorned with garlands and offered special food as a mark of respect and gratitude for their invaluable contributions (milk, dung for fuel, etc.). Their hooves are washed, and tilak is applied.
- Puja and Aarti:** A formal puja (worship) is performed to Lord Krishna, often with His idol or picture placed beside the Govardhan Hill replica. Mantras are chanted, lamps are lit, incense is offered, and an aarti (waving of lamps) is performed.
- Parikrama (Circumambulation):** Devotees perform a circumambulation around the miniature Govardhan Hill, sometimes chanting mantras.
- Prasad Distribution:** After the puja, the Annakut offerings are distributed as mahaprasad (sanctified food) among family members, friends, and the community, signifying sharing and communal harmony.
Common Offerings
Annakut (Chappan Bhog): A wide variety of vegetarian dishes (sweets like ladoos, jalebis; savories like pakoras, puris; various vegetable curries, rice preparations, lentils, and drinks).
Flowers (especially marigolds, roses)
Tulsi leaves (Holy Basil)
Incense sticks (agarbatti)
Lamps (diyas) and camphor for aarti
Panchamrita (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar)
Fruits
Betel leaves and nuts
Water
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Meaning
I bow down to Lord Vasudeva (Krishna).
Benefits
A foundational mantra for Lord Krishna, offering general devotion, peace, and spiritual purification.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Govardhana Dhara Dheera Govinda Gopa Roopina, Gopesh Goparathanaaye Gopalaaye Namo Namah.
Meaning
O Govardhana-bearer, steady and brave, O Govinda, who appeared in the form of a cowherd, O Lord of the Gopis and protector of cows, Salutations to the Cowherd Lord.
Benefits
Specifically invokes Lord Krishna as the lifter of Govardhan, seeking protection, blessings for prosperity, and well-being.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.
Meaning
O Energy of the Lord, O Lord Krishna, O Energy of the Lord, O Lord Rama, please engage me in Your devotional service.
Benefits
The Maha-mantra for Kali Yuga, promoting spiritual awakening, purification of the mind, and connection with the Divine.
Auspicious Days
Kartik Shukla Pratipada (First day of the bright fortnight of the Kartik month)
The day immediately following Lakshmi Puja/Diwali (4th day of the 5-day Diwali festival)
Regional Variations
While primarily known as Annakut or Govardhan Puja across India, particularly significant in the Braj region (Vrindavan, Mathura), it's also celebrated with fervor in Gujarat (where it's a major festival for the Vaishnava Pushtimarg sect), Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. In some regions, especially in rural areas, there's a strong emphasis on farmer's prosperity and cow worship. The specific types and quantity of food items in the Annakut offering may vary regionally based on local produce and culinary traditions.
Related Pujas
Diwali (Annakut is part of the 5-day Diwali festival)
Bhai Dooj (Bhai Tika) - celebrated the day after Annakut
Gau Puja (Cow Worship) - integrated into Annakut celebrations