Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut or Anna Koot, is an important festival of the Hindus that falls on the day following Diwali. According to Hindu mythology, it was on this very day that Lord Krishna saved people from the anger of Indra, God of rains and storms, by lifting up the Govardhan mountain. This festival shows the triumph of faith, devotion, and humility over arrogance and showcases the importance that should be accorded to the preservation and respect of everything that surrounds us in nature.
The festival is celebrated almost in every part of the country, especially in such states as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Bihar. Devotees perform rituals, offer prayers, and prepare meals throughout the country to please Lord Krishna and show their gratitude for nature’s blessings.
The Mythological Story of Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja finds its roots in one famous story in Lord Krishna’s life, as mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana. The people of Vrindavan used to please Lord Indra-the king of Gods-for timely rain and good yield. One day, Lord Krishna, as a small boy, approached the villagers and questioned their tradition of worshipping Indra. He told them that instead they should worship the Govardhan Hill that gave them all the means of living-food, shelter, and resources-to survive. Krishna told them that they should be grateful to nature, which is behind everybody’s survival.
Convinced by the wisdom of Krishna, the villagers decided to worship Govardhan Hill instead of Indra. Indra became very angry and, in his pride of power, brought a fierce storm upon the people in order to teach them a lesson. Krishna decided to protect his devotees and lifted the great hill of Govardhan on his little finger, sheltering the people and their cattle for seven days. At this, Indra was wholly humbled because he realized Krishna’s divine power and the futility of his anger.
The lifting of the hill is considered a miracle by God, and Govardhan Puja is celebrated to remember this great event. This conveys the love Krishna has for his devotees and his message of harmonious living in nature.
Rituals and Traditions
The rituals of Govardhan Puja are the same, with minor changes in different regions. The day starts with the preparation of all kinds of vegetarian dishes in great variety, which is offered to Lord Krishna in the form of annakut, meaning “mountain of food.” The Annakut offering symbolizes the bounty of nature and the people’s gratitude for the food and resources provided by the Earth.
Preparation of Govardhan Mountain: Devotees in many homes and temples make small Govardhan Hill out of cow dung, mud, or any other natural substance. This hill is decorated with flowers, leaves, and small idols of Lord Krishna, cows, and other figures representing the villagers of Vrindavan.
Puja: Food, sweets, fruits, and flowers are offered during the puja to the hill while devotees do aarti and chant hymns. The rice, lentils, sweets, and savories offered are heaped in the shape of a mountain showing the varieties.
Parikrama: Parikrama of the Govardhan Hill is one of the major rituals of the Govardhan Puja. Devotees walk around the hill, singing hymns in praise of Lord Krishna and his protection and teachings. In places like Mathura and Vrindavan, home to the real Govardhan Hill, thousands of devotees take part in a Parikrama around the actual hill.
Cow Care: In Hinduism, cows are considered sacred, and Krishna protected the cows during the storm; therefore, cow care forms an essential part of the festival. Most people feed cows with fresh grass and other offerings as part of their devotion to Lord Krishna.
Prasad distribution: Food offered to the deity during the puja is later distributed as prasad among family members, friends, and within the community.
Spiritual and Environmental importance: Govardhan Puja essentially holds a deeper spiritual meaning, as it teaches humility, faith, and devotion among the followers. It also reminds people to be thankful for and not take for granted the things that nature has bestowed on them.
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