Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut Puja, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated the day after Diwali. It is a day of devotion, gratitude, and reverence to Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill, symbolizing harmony between humans and nature.
In 2025, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on Wednesday, 22 October 2025. The festival beautifully reminds us that nature, food, and faith are deeply connected — and that true worship lies in caring for creation itself.
Govardhan Puja 2025 Date and Shubh Muhurat
- Date: Wednesday, 22 October 2025
- Tithi: Shukla Paksha Pratipada of the Kartik month
- Govardhan Puja Morning Muhurat: 6:26 AM – 8:42 AM
- Govardhan Puja Evening Muhurat: 3:29 PM – 5:44 PM
Note: The tithi and timings may slightly vary depending on your local Panchang (Hindu calendar).
The Legend Behind Govardhan Puja
According to Hindu mythology, the people of Gokul used to worship Lord Indra, the god of rain, to seek blessings for good harvests.
However, young Lord Krishna urged the villagers to instead worship Govardhan Hill — the very hill that provided them with grass for cattle, herbs, and shelter.
This angered Indra, who sent heavy rains and thunderstorms to punish the villagers. To protect them, Lord Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan Hill on his little finger and sheltered the people and animals beneath it for seven days.
Humbled by Krishna’s power, Indra stopped the storm and sought forgiveness. Since then, devotees celebrate Govardhan Puja to honour Krishna’s protection, love for nature, and divine guidance.
Significance of Govardhan Puja
- Gratitude to Nature: It’s a celebration of the Earth’s abundance and a reminder to respect and protect nature.
- Symbol of Faith: It represents the triumph of devotion and faith over ego and arrogance.
- Cultural Unity: Families come together to prepare food, decorate homes, and share blessings with their community.
- Spiritual Cleansing: The day encourages humility, service, and surrender to God’s will.
Govardhan Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Ritual Guide)
1. Morning Preparations
- Wake up early and take a holy bath.
- Clean the house and the puja area.
- Decorate the courtyard or puja room with flowers and rangoli.
- Light diyas (lamps) to invite positivity and divine energy.
2. Making the Govardhan Hill
- Create a small mound of cow dung or mud, symbolizing Govardhan Hill.
- Decorate it with flowers, rice, turmeric, kumkum, and leaves.
- Place small idols or pictures of Lord Krishna, cows, and peacocks around the mound.
3. Performing the Puja
- Offer water, flowers, incense, sweets, and fruits to the Govardhan mound.
- Chant Govardhan Parvat or Krishna mantras and sing devotional songs (bhajans).
- Perform parikrama (circumambulation) around the mound — usually three or seven times.
- Recite prayers like “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” and offer heartfelt gratitude.
4. Preparing and Offering Annakut
- The highlight of the day is the Annakut (Mountain of Food) — a grand offering of multiple dishes.
- Traditionally, 56 varieties of food (known as Chappan Bhog) are prepared and offered to Lord Krishna.
- The dishes can include sweets, fruits, rice, dal, vegetables, puris, and regional delicacies.
- After the offering, the food is distributed as Prasad among family and devotees.
5. Cows and Nature Worship
- Cows hold a sacred place in this celebration. Devotees bathe, decorate, and feed cows as part of the ritual.
- Some also feed birds and animals, symbolizing harmony between all living beings.
- It’s a beautiful reminder that nature itself is divine.
6. Evening Aarti and Celebration
- In the evening, perform aarti of Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill.
- Sing bhajans, light diyas, and share the prasad with everyone.
- Families often gather together for storytelling and festive feasts.
Essential Puja Samagri (Items Required)
- Cow dung or clay for making Govardhan Hill
- Flowers and garlands
- Tulsi leaves, rice, turmeric, vermilion
- Incense sticks, diya, and lamp oil
- Fruits, sweets, cooked food (Annakut)
- Idol or image of Lord Krishna
- Cow feed and garlands
- Bhajan and aarti book or playlist
Regional Celebrations
- In Braj (Mathura & Vrindavan): Devotees perform the Govardhan Parikrama around the actual hill — a sacred journey of faith and devotion.
- In Gujarat: The day also marks the Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas), making it doubly auspicious.
- In Maharashtra, The festival is observed as Bali Pratipada, celebrating King Bali’s return to Earth.
- Across North India, Temples and homes are beautifully decorated, and Annakut offerings are made to deities.
Ways to Make Govardhan Puja 2025 More Meaningful
Feed the Needy: Share Annakut prasad or meals with those in need to spread the festival’s true essence.
Keep it Eco-Friendly: Use clay diyas, natural colours, and biodegradable items for decoration.
Teach the Legend to Children: Share the story of Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to inspire values of courage and faith.
Involve the Whole Family: Let everyone contribute — from preparing dishes to decorating the puja area.
Practice Gratitude: This day is thank giving day to nature, parents, teachers, and community members for their support.
Govardhan Puja is a festival of faith, food, and gratitude. It reminds us that true worship lies not just in rituals, but in acknowledging nature’s blessings and showing kindness to all living beings.
As you celebrate Govardhan Puja 2025, fill your home with lights, love, and laughter. May Lord Krishna bless you with prosperity, protection, and eternal happiness.
