About Govardhan Puja
Celebrated on the fourth day of the Diwali celebrations, Govardhan Puja is one of the very important days in the Diwali celebrations. It is also known as 'Padwa' or 'Varshapratiprada' in some parts of the country. This day is mainly celebrated in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
History of Govardhan Puja
According to the Hindu epic and legend, the "Vishnu Puraan", the people of Gokul, Mathura used to worship Lord Indra for providing them with rains. They believed that it was him who blessed them with the rains for their welfare.
But Lord Krishna explained to them that it was mount Govardhan (a small hillock situated at Braj, near Mathura) who caused the rain and not Lord Indra, so the mount should be worshipped and not Lord Indra. So the people followed Lord Krishna and started worshipping mount Govardhan.
This made Lord Indra really furious and as a result of his anger of not being worshipped, the people of Gokul had to face heavy rains. Lord Krishna came to the people's rescue and after prayers and offerings to the mount Govardhan, he lifted it as an umbrella on the little finger of his right hand in order to provide shelter to the people. Lord Krishna was called Giridhari or Govardhandhari only after this event.
Govardhan Puja Celebration
Annakoot
Govardhan is also known as 'Annakoot' which literally means 'Mountain of food'. It is a custom to prepare fifty six or one hundred and eight varieties of dishes to offer to Lord Krishna. This offering is referred to as 'Bhog'.
Especially in Mathura and Nathdwara, the deities in the temples are given a milk bath and are decorated with new shining clothes, dazzling gems such as diamonds, rubies and pearls. After which they are worshipped and offered the “bhog" which is arranged and presented in form of a mountain in front of the idols as per the customs.
Gudi Padwa
This day has a major significance in Hinduism. As per the customs and traditions, wives put 'Tilak' on the forehead of their husbands, garland them and pray for his long life. Also the husbands give a token of love (a gift) to their wives for their care, love and affection. There is a custom to invite newly married daughters with their husbands to feast and are presented with gifts and sweets.
Padwa
The day following 'Amavasya', which is the fourth day of the Diwali celebrations also marks the day when King Bali came out of the 'Patal lok' which is the nether land. Also this is the day when he would start ruling the 'Bhoo lok', which was given to him as a boon by Lord Vishnu. Hence this day is famously known as 'Bali Padyami'. .
When is Govardhan Puja?
| 2011 | 27 October, Thursday |
| 2012 | 14 November, Wednesday |
| 2013 | 4 November, Monday |
| 2014 | 24 October, Friday |
| 2015 | 12 November, Thursday |
| 2016 | 31 October, Monday |
| 2017 | 20 October, Friday |
| 2018 | 8 November, Thursday |
| 2019 | 28 October, Monday |
| 2020 | 15 November, Sunday |
Last Updated on : January 7, 2019
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