Last update:October 28, 2024, 2:01 p.m. IST

This important festival marks the first day of the lunar month of Kartik according to the Hindu calendar.

The festival will take place on November 2 this year.

Diwali, the festival of light, is here. It is one of the most awaited festivals, celebrated with pomp and enthusiasm. The five-day Diwali celebrations begin with Dhanteras and culminate with Bhai Dooj. Govardhan Puja is also part of the five-day festivities, usually celebrated a day after Diwali. This important festival marks the first day of the lunar month of Kartik, according to the Hindu calendar. The tradition of Govardhan Puja the day after Diwali has been going on for centuries. Govardhan Puja is performed every year on the Pratipada date of the Shukla Paksha month of the Kartik month. During this festival, Govardhan Hill is made from cow dung outside the house and is worshiped by devotees. Cow worship also has a special significance on Govardhan Puja.

In many states of India, Govardhan Puja is also called Annakut. On this day, Annakoot Prasad is prepared in homes. During the festival, an idol of Govardhan is also made from cow dung in every house and devotees pray with the entire family.

This year, the festival will be celebrated on November 2, as Kartik Amavasya will last until November 1. It is celebrated on Kartik Shukla Paksha Pratipada Tithi. In such a situation, Pratipada Tithi starts on November 1 at 6:16 p.m. At the same time, this date will end on November 2 at 8:21 p.m. According to Drik Panchang, the Govardhan Puja Pratahkala Muhurat takes place from 6:38 am to 8:53 am, while the Sayakala Muhurat takes place from 3:36 pm to 5:51 pm on November 2.

The celebration of Govardhan Puja is based on the mythology mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana. It is a religious belief that Lord Krishna told the people of Vrindavan to worship Govardhan mountain instead of offering prasad to Indradev, the rain god. When Indradev came to know about this, he became angry and started pouring torrential rains on Vrindavan. Then Lord Krishna saved the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of rain god Indra. He lifted the entire Govardhan hill with his little finger and provided shelter to people and animals. Since then, the festival is celebrated as Annakut to offer prayer on Govardhan hill.