Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is a popular festival that forms part of the five-day Diwali celebrations. This festival is dedicated to Lord Krishna and holds deep spiritual significance for the Hindu community worldwide. Today, we will delve into the story behind Govardhan Puja, the date and time of the celebration in 2023, and how to perform the puja at home.
The story of Govardhan Puja is rooted in the Hindu epic, the Bhagavata Purana. The residents of the village of Vrindavan regularly performed grand sacrifices to appease Lord Indra, the god of rain, believing that this worship would bring abundant rainfall and prosperity to their community. However, young Lord Krishna suggested that they instead worship Govardhan Hill, which provided them with fertile land and grazing pastures for their cattle.
The villagers accepted Krishna’s advice and organized a massive feast of various food items, forming a mountain-like offering known as Annakut. When Lord Indra realized that the villagers had stopped worshipping him, he sent torrential rains to flood Vrindavan. In response, Lord Krishna lifted the entire Govardhan Hill with his little finger to provide shelter to the villagers and their cattle. This act of divine protection is the central theme of Govardhan Puja, symbolizing the importance of nature and gratitude.
In 2023, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 14. To perform the puja at home, one should start by cleaning the house and decorating the place of worship with flowers, rangoli, and traditional motifs. A symbolic representation of the Govardhan Hill is usually made and decorated with various food items as offerings.
During the puja, one should perform a special worship to Lord Ganesh, Lord Krishna, and Govardhan Hill, offering flowers, incense, and a variety of sweets, grains, fruits, and dairy products. An Annakut, a mountain of food items, should also be created to symbolize gratitude towards nature’s bounties. Diyas should be lit, an arati performed, and devotional songs and hymns sung in praise of Lord Krishna.
Following the puja, the Prasad should be shared with relatives, friends, and neighbors. Often, a sumptuous feast is organized, and charity is done for the less fortunate. Manual employees who support agriculture and other village-based trades are also recognized and rewarded on this day.
Govardhan Puja is a festival that serves as a reminder to express gratitude to Mother Nature and celebrate the gifts of the earth. It encourages reverence, love, gratitude, and happiness, making it a truly special and meaningful celebration.
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