India Lifestyle

Govardhan, Annakut Puja: Date and significance of the puja

Govardhan, Annakut Puja: Date and significance of the puja

Govardhan Puja or Annakut is one of very important ritual linked with Diwali celebration. It is celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali festival. Govardhan Pooja falls according to the calendar and celebrated during Diwali. This year it will be on 20th October, followed by Bhai Dooj on 21st October. On Govardhan Puja (Annakut)day the offering of gratitude towards Lord krishna is given. Govardhan Puja is performed in many variants, some ritual involves making small mounds of cow dung or with clay mud mount. These mounts are decorated with flowers and later worshiped with participle to walk around them while praying to Lord Govardhan.

This ritual is in the honour of Lord Krishna and identified as day where Lord Krishna protected his villagers from thunderstorm by lifting the Govardhan Hill on his finger continues seven days. The preparation of lavish food consisting of 56 items is done by the devotees to please Krishna. This is also called the ‘Chappan Bhog’.

Hindu scriptures it is said that people of Vrindavan followed the practice to please lord Indra so he bless them with timely rainfall and good harvest. This custom was then questioned by Lord Krishna who found this practice was harsh. As lord krishna convinced the entire village to stop the ritual, the Lord Indra got angry with it. He sent down the torrential rain and thunderstorm out of anger on region of Vrindavan.

When Lord Krishna came to know that Vrindavan got hit by rain and storm, Krishna saved the villagers by standing stood for seven days continuously covering entire region by holding mountain on his finger saving everyone from torrential rage, until Lord Indra realised his mistake. So at the end of the seventh day the villagers made 56 dishes for Lord Krishna. out of gratitude. They made 56 dishes, calculating eight dishes for each of seven days over the sacrifice Lord Krishna made to save the entire village.

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Karu Cheema

In the depth of the world seeking opinions and lot more, I found my passion in these thoughts, The world is simple word bringing us profound touch locked in the world of words. Was born with soulful passion of becoming a writer, having seek this career is best side of me. I am looking forward to light up this world through the words that can touch everyone's mindfulness.