In the Hindu culture, every festival or occasion is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. Diwali is among the festivals which is celebrated on a grand level, throughout the country. This festival is celebrated for 5 days straight and the last day is devoted to the Govardhan Puja. Moreover, Govardhan Puja also known as the Annakoot Puja, represents the triumph of Lord Krishna over God Indra. 

On this Auspicious day, the devotees worship Lord Krishna along with the Govardhan Parvat. Read the blog to know in detail about the significance and date of Govardhan Puja 2024.

Date and Tithi Of Govardhan Puja 2024

The Govardhan Puja is mostly celebrated on the 4th or 5th day of the festival of Diwali. Have a look at the important dates of Govardhan Puja 2024. 

Significance of Govardhan Puja 2024

Govardhan Puja holds great significance in the Hindu religion. On this day, people worship Lord Krishna, the cow, and Govardhan Mountain. This Puja is done to show gratitude and appreciation to Lord Krishna and Mother Nature. In return, Lord Krishna blesses his devotees with an abundance of happiness and prosperity. 

Govardhan Puja is marked as the triumph of Lord Krishna over Lord Indra. Lord Krishna is said to have raised Govardhan Parvart on his little finger for 7 days straight in order to save villagers from the anger showered in the form of rain by Lord Indra. Since then, Lord Krishna is also known as Girirdhari and Govardhandhari.

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Govardhan Puja Katha

According to Vishnu Puran, God Krishna is said to ask his mother Yashoda Ma why everyone worships and prays to Lord Indra. In answer to this, Yashodaji explains to his son that villagers worship Indradev for rain to feed animals, plant seeds, or harvest grains from farmed fields. As a result, Kanha wanted more from Maa Yashoda and suggested instead that they worship and pray at Govardhan Mountain, as it can help the villagers get enough rain. By telling the villagers to use the food they used to offer to God Indra to feed themselves, Lord Krishna ended the villagers' practice of offering large quantities of food to God Indra.

Lord Indra is said to be extremely aggressive. Lord Indra got furious when the people stopped worshiping him, so he decided to take revenge on them by bringing heavy rains. The situation made everyone feel threatened and frightened. Krishna quickly took the villagers to Govardhan Parvat, he then lifted the pervert on his tiny little finger after observing the villagers' suffering and cries for help. Along with their pets, the villagers sought shelter under the mountain Govardhan. A mountain was lifted by Lord Krishna for seven days straight, and despite extremely bad weather, no harm came to the villagers. It soon became clear to God Indra that the boy was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. As soon as he realized his mistake, he apologized to the Lord. Lord Indra's ego was shattered by Shri Krishna in this way, proving that he was the source of all strength. Thus, Govardhan Puja is just a way to show gratitude to Lord Krishna. 

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Chappan Bhog and Annakut Puja

On the day of Govardhan Puja, devotees go to visit the pilgrim, Govardhan Mountain, located in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Further, a chappan bhog including 56 items is prepared to offer the Lord Krishna. These 56 items are basically different types of delicacies, savories, and sweets. After the Puja, the bhog is distributed among the devotees. 

Govardhan Puja 2024 Vidhi

On the day of Govardhan Puja, the devotees wake up early and take a bath. Then, light incense sticks and light diyas in the temple. Further, people make Govardhan through cow dung and then offer prayer and flowers to it. On this day, a 56 Bhog is prepared and offered to the idol which is later served to the devotees in the form of Prasad. The Puja is concluded by chanting mantras and singing devotional songs and Aartis. 

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Final Thoughts

This blog discussed the significance and tithi of Govardhan Puja 2024. This year the Govardhan Puja will be observed on 02nd November 2024. People prepare 56 types of Bhog to offer to Lord Krishna. There are various rituals that are done on this day. An expert Astrologer can always help you to know about the rituals. Apart from this, Govardhan Puja is also known as Annakoot Puja.