Govardhan Puja (Annakut Puja) or Bali Pratipada is a Hindu festival that is usually held a day after the main Diwali in the month of Kartik. Depending on the lunar cycles, there is sometimes a one-day gap between Diwali and Govardhan Puja.
The festival is significant in the Braj region of India. Govardhan Puja is celebrated as the day Lord Krishna defeated the God Indra to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of the rain god Indra.
As per Hindu mythology, when celebrating autumn, cow herders used to pay their respects to Indra, the God of rain and storm who gave them water for their livelihood. Krishna, however, begged to differ, saying that they should worship the mountain as it provided them with natural resources for life, such as grass eaten by their cattle.
People in Gokul followed Krishna’s advice as he was very respected for his knowledge and power.
Furious at their changing devotion, Indra then brought thunderstorms and heavy rain to the city. Krishna saved the people using his little finger to lift Mount Govardhan, under which they took shelter from the rain. As they were unaffected by the storm, Indra later accepted defeat.
Govardhan Puja involves various rituals and traditions. People celebrate by making a hillock made of cow dung as a symbol of Govardhan and decorating it with flowers, grains etc. Lord Krishna is worshipped on the day to seek blessings, protection and prosperity.
Devotees celebrate Govardhan Puja by preparing a large variety of vegetarian food such as wheat, rice, curry of gram flour and leafy vegetables in order to offer them to Lord Krishna.
Customs of Govardhan Puja in Nepal
Govardhan Puja is the fourth day of Tihar, when oxen are worshipped. The Newar community celebrates Mha Puja in the evening.
