Govardhan Puja 2024: Celebrated as Annakut Puja, Govardhan Puja takes place the day after Diwali. This year, Diwali falls on October 31, making Govardhan Puja’s date Saturday, November 2. This festival honors Lord Krishna’s victory over Lord Indra, the rain god. As we prepare for this special occasion, here’s everything you should know about the significance and celebration of Govardhan Puja.
Govardhan Puja 2024
Govardhan Puja, a Hindu festival celebrated after Diwali and before Bhai Dooj, honors Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill. Known as Annakoot Puja, it is also called Bali Pratipada or Bali Padwa in Maharashtra.
On this day, devotees prepare special offerings made from grains like wheat and rice, along with gram flour curry and leafy vegetables, presenting them to Lord Krishna as a mark of devotion.
Celebrated on the Pratipada tithi of the Kartik month, Govardhan Puja usually takes place the day after Diwali. However, the exact date can vary with the timing of Pratipada Tithi. In 2024, according to Drik Panchang, Govardhan Puja will be observed on November 2.
Govardhan Puja 2024 Date and Timings
Govardhan Puja 2024 will be celebrated on November 2. As per Drik Panchang, Pratipada Tithi begins at 6:16 PM on November 1 and concludes at 8:21 PM on November 2. The Pratahkala Muhurat for performing Govardhan Puja is from 6:14 AM to 8:33 AM on November 2, while the Sayankala Muhurat is from 3:33 PM to 5:53 PM the same day.
Govardhan Puja 2024 Story
Lord Krishna spent his early years in Braj, where locals traditionally worshipped Lord Indra, the rain god, to welcome the autumn season. However, Krishna advised them to worship the supreme deity instead, as only one true god should be revered. When the villagers followed Krishna’s counsel, an enraged Lord Indra unleashed a severe storm and heavy rains over Braj.
To protect his people, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill with his little finger, creating a shelter for everyone. After seven days of relentless rain, Indra admitted defeat. Today, Govardhan Puja celebrates Krishna’s bravery and this legendary event.
Govardhan Puja 2024 Significance
The offerings made during Govardhan Puja symbolize gratitude for nature’s abundance and emphasize values of humility and caring for the environment.
Beyond its mythological roots, Govardhan Puja celebrates community, sharing, and appreciation for Earth’s resources. It encourages people to value nature’s gifts and take responsibility for preserving the environment. At its core, Govardhan Puja reflects the teachings of interconnectedness and deep respect for the natural world.
Govardhan Puja 2024 Rituals
To perform Govardhan Puja, devotees are encouraged to shape a symbolic Mount Govardhan using cow dung in their courtyard. They then light a lamp and make offerings, which include rice, kheer, batashe, water, milk, paan, saffron, and flowers, dedicated to Lord Govardhan. After setting up all the puja items, devotees pray to Lord Krishna for blessings.
An essential part of the ritual is the Chappan Bhog, a lavish offering of 56 food items, including sweets, incense, flowers, fresh garlands, roli, rice, and cow dung cakes. Devotees also prepare Panchamrit, a mixture of honey, curd, and sugar, as part of the ritual.
The items needed for Govardhan Puja include wheat, rice, Panchamrit, Annakutta sabzi made with various vegetables, and gram flour curry with leafy greens. These offerings are first presented to Lord Krishna, and the Panchamrit is then distributed as prasad among the devotees.
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Govardhan Puja 2024 FAQs
Q.1. When is Govardhan Puja celebrated in 2024?
Ans. Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on November 2, 2024, the day after Diwali.
Q.2. What is the significance of Govardhan Puja?
Ans. Govardhan Puja commemorates Lord Krishna’s protection of the people of Braj by lifting Govardhan Hill to shield them from Lord Indra’s storms.
Q.3. What items are used for the Govardhan Puja rituals?
Ans. Devotees offer rice, kheer, batashe, milk, flowers, and Panchamrit. Chappan Bhog, a spread of 56 items, is also prepared as part of the celebration.
Q.4. What is Chappan Bhog, and why is it special?
Ans. Chappan Bhog is a grand offering of 56 dishes made for Lord Krishna, symbolizing gratitude and devotion during Govardhan Puja.
Q.5. What does Govardhan Puja teach us?
Ans. Govardhan Puja emphasizes gratitude for nature’s abundance, environmental responsibility, and the values of community and interconnectedness.
