When is Govardhan Puja 2025? Know Its Importance

In the glorious tradition of India, the fourth day of the five-day Diwali festival is celebrated as Govardhan Puja or Annakut Mahotsav. This day is a celebration of our deep gratitude towards nature, food, and livestock. Just as Diwali signifies the journey from darkness to light, Govardhan Puja is a festival dedicated to nature and livestock.

When is Govardhan Puja 2025?

In 2025, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on October 22. The Pratipada Tithi (first day of the lunar fortnight) will begin on October 21 at 5:54 PM and end on October 22 at 8:16 PM. As per Sanatan tradition, the Udaya Tithi (date at sunrise) holds significance, and the puja is performed in the morning.

The auspicious muhurat for the puja will be from 6:30 AM to 8:47 AM. On this day, devotees create a Govardhan hill using cow dung and perform worship of Lord Krishna, cows, and the Govardhan hill.

Significance of Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja holds profound spiritual and cultural significance. This festival teaches us to express gratitude towards nature, food, and cows. Lord Krishna conveyed the message that a true person is one who protects all living beings. The Annakut Mahotsav, celebrated on this day, reminds us of the importance of food, and serving cows is considered an integral part of dharma.

Govardhan Puja also teaches us that humility and the destruction of ego make life meaningful. This festival is a reminder of our responsibility towards the environment and society. Govardhan Puja is a sacred symbol of the unbreakable bond between humans and nature.

Mythological Story of Govardhan Puja

In Vrindavan, the villagers used to worship Indra, the god of rain, to ensure timely rainfall and good harvests. However, in his childhood, Lord Krishna explained to the people of Braj that rainfall is a gift of nature, not a result of Indra’s arrogance. When the villagers stopped worshipping Indra and began worshipping the Govardhan hill, Indra became furious.

He unleashed torrential rains on Braj, causing the village to face the threat of flooding. Lord Krishna then lifted the Govardhan hill on his little finger, sheltering the entire village. For seven days, the people of Braj took refuge under the hill, and Indra’s pride was shattered.

Govardhan Puja Rituals

The primary purpose of Govardhan Puja is to express gratitude towards nature and food and to show devotion to Lord Krishna. Follow these steps to perform the puja:

• Bathing and Purification: Wake up early in the morning, bathe, and clean the house and courtyard thoroughly.
• Creating the Govardhan Symbol: In the courtyard or puja area, create a representation of the Govardhan hill using cow dung or clay. Decorate it with rangoli, flowers, and lamps.
• Annakut and 56 Bhog: Prepare various dishes, especially Annakut (rice, sweets, vegetables, puris, kheer, etc.), and offer them to Lord Krishna. The tradition of offering 56 bhog is also part of this day.
• Cow Worship: Bathe the cows and calves, adorn them with flowers, feed them jaggery and grass, and worship them.
• Aarti and Distribution of Bhog: Perform the aarti of the Govardhan hill, Lord Krishna, and the cows. Distribute the offered bhog as prasad among everyone.
• Govardhan Parikrama: Where possible, circumambulating the Govardhan hill is considered highly auspicious. Millions of devotees visit Brajbhumi on this day to perform the Govardhan parikrama.

Things to Avoid on This Day

• Do not insult anyone or engage in arguments or disputes.
• Do not pluck Tulsi leaves on this day.
• Avoid wearing black or blue clothes during the puja.
• Do not keep the main door or windows closed for a long time.
• Stay away from meat, alcohol, or other tamasic substances.
• Do not cut trees or plants, as this day is dedicated to expressing gratitude towards nature.
• Avoid wasting food, as this day symbolizes the importance of Annakut and the value of food.

Govardhan Puja also carries the message of environmental conservation. Lord Krishna taught us that we should worship nature, as it sustains our lives. By protecting mountains, rivers, and livestock, we can truly worship God. This Govardhan Puja, let us not only follow traditional rituals but also pledge to honor food, serve cows, and protect nature. This is the true essence of this festival and the real identity of our culture.