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Govardhan Puja has great significance in Hindu Culture. In this article we look into its history, traditions and celebration date in 2023. Let’s learn more about the festival.

Govardhan Puja 2023 Date and Time

In 2023 Govardhan Puja will  be celebrated on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. This festival occurs on  the first lunar day of the Kartik month which is right after Diwali. 

The Pratahkala Muhurat for  the Govardhan Puja 2023 takes place between 6:43 am and 8:52 am. The Pratipada  Tithi will start at 14:56 on November 13, 2023 and end at 14:36 on  November 14, 2023.

Because it is based on  the Hindu lunar calendar the celebration date changes every year. However, it is always held the day after Diwali, the most significant  Hindu festival.

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Understanding the Meaning of Govardhan Puja – About Govardhan Pooja

Govardhan Pooja is  a significant Hindu festival that is also known as Annakut, which means “a mountain of food.” Its name  comes from the Sanskrit words “go” which means “cow” and “vardhan” which means “nourishment” or “nurturing”. 

Worshipping Lord Krishna, telling stories about how  he lifted Govardhan Hill and offering the god a variety of tasty treats are  the most important parts of  this celebration.

Exploring the Rich History Behind Govardhan Puja

Being aware of  the history behind this festival is important for getting the most out of  the event. Many of the traditions that are held during this  holiday come from the holy books of Hinduism. The town of Vrindavan is thought to  be the site of an important event in  the life of Lord Krishna that is remembered here.

A very  old Hindu book called the Bhagavata Purana says that  the people who lived in Vrindavan worshipped Lord Indra the god of rain by giving him offerings. But Lord Krishna told them  that instead of praising him, they should worship Govardhan Hill which would  give them everything they needed. 

Based on  this advice the locals chose to honour Govardhan Hill by having a big feast as  part of a ritual. This act  of loyalty made Lord Indra very angry so he  sent a huge storm and rainstorm as a way to get back at them. 

In answer, Lord Krishna moved  the Govardhan Hill away from the people living there with his very small finger. This kept them safe from  the disaster. Since this happened the  Govardhan Puja was created as  a way to honour the holy act that Lord Krishna did  by saving his followers.

Also read: Diwali 2023: When, Why, And How Is It Celebrated

Govardhan Puja Rituals

In order to properly celebrate Govardhan Puja one must take part in  a number of rituals each of which  has its own meaning. 

• Devotees make a big feast that  looks like Govardhan Hill. Each dish looks like  a different part of the mountain. As a gift to Lord Krishna the food is skillfully stacked in  a way that looks like a pyramid, which is  thought to represent a mountain.

• One of  the most important parts of Govardhan Pooja is going around the Govardhan Hill from north to south. Cow dung is used to make small hills and an  idol or picture of Lord Krishna is placed on  top of each one. Later they walk around these hills and  sing devotional songs as they do so.

• This event has something called the Annakut darshan that is one of  the most amazing things to see. At this time families serve  a wide range of delicious foods Prayers and thanks are  given to Lord Krishna by those who worship him  for protecting them and giving them a generous harvest.

The Significance of Govardhan Puja

In Hinduism, the Govardhan Pooja is  a very important holy event. It reminds us of  how important the natural world is, how important it is to act in ways that are good for  the earth and how important it  is to protect nature 

As part of the celebration the idea that God is  not only in high places but also in  the natural things that keep life going is emphasized.

Another thing is that  the Govardhan Puja shows how strong faith and devotion can  be when things go wrong 

Lord Krishna’s raising of Govardhan Hill is  a sign that he will protect, care for and always be there for his followers. This makes people who follow Lord Krishna feel  safe and builds their trust.

In short, Govardhan Pooja, which is also called Annakut is  an important festival that honours the amazing thing that Lord Krishna did  to protect his followers by moving the Govardhan Hill. You can also call Govardhan Pooja by  the name Annakut 

On this day, people show their loyalty, gratitude and honour to  the god by offering a big feast as  a sacrifice. Many important ideas are spread at  the event, such as having unwavering faith, caring about the environment and recognizing the presence of God in  Nature. 

Frequesntly Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When is Govardhan Puja in 2023?

It will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Q2: What are the rituals performed on Govardhan Puja?

The common rituals include:

• Taking an early bath in the morning and then wearing fresh and clean clothes.

• Cleaning the puja area and setting up a small altar with a picture or idol of Lord Krishna and Mount Govardhan.

• Lighting diyas (oil lamps) and incense sticks.

• Offering flowers, fruits and sweets to Lord Krishna and Mount Govardhan.

• Reciting prayers and mantras in praise of Lord Krishna.

• Performing aarti before the deity.

• Distributing prasad (food offerings) to friends and family.

Q3: What are the popular food items prepared on Govardhan Puja?

• Chappan Bhog (56 varieties of vegetarian food)

• Puri

• Aloo sabzi

• Kheer

• Ladoo

• Halwa

• Jalebi

• Papad

• Pickles

• Fruits

• Sweets

Q3: What are the different names of Govardhan Puja?

• Annakut

• Annakoot

• Giriraj Puja

• Govardhan Parikrama

• Indrabhadra

• Govardhana Puja

• Goverdhan Puja

Q4: How to decorate Govardhan Puja thali?

• Flowers

• Fruits

• Sweets

• Diyas

• Incense sticks

• Mango leaves

• Auspicious symbols, such as the Om symbol or the swastika

Q5: How to perform Govardhan Puja at home?

To perform Govardhan Pooja at home, you will need the following items:

• A picture or idol of Lord Krishna

• A picture or idol of Mount Govardhan

• Diyas

• Incense sticks

• Flowers

• Fruits

• Sweets

• A thali to arrange the offerings on

Instructions:

• Clean the puja area and set up a small altar.

• Place the pictures or idols of Lord Krishna and Mount Govardhan on the altar.

• Light the diyas and incense sticks.

• Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to Lord Krishna and Mount Govardhan.

• Recite prayers and mantras in praise of Lord Krishna.

• Perform aarti.

• Distribute prasad to friends and family.

Q6: How to celebrate Govardhan Puja with kids?

• Tell them the story of Govardhan Pooja.

• Help them to decorate a Govardhan Puja thali.

• Teach them how to sing a Govardhan Pooja aarti.

• Encourage them to make their own offerings to Lord Krishna.

• Take them to a local temple to participate in the Govardhan Pooja celebrations.