Why Govardhan Puja is Celebrated After Diwali ?

Govardhan Puja, celebrated the day after Diwali, holds significant cultural and spiritual importance in North India. Also known as Annakoot Puja, this festival is rooted in the legends of Lord Krishna and signifies the victory of humility and devotion over pride. During Govardhan Puja, devotees make offerings to the mountain deity, Govardhan Parvat, in a display of gratitude for the abundance of nature. This celebration not only emphasizes the reverence of nature but also strengthens the bonds of community and family.

Significance of Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja originated in the Dwapar Yuga and is linked to Lord Krishna’s divine intervention to protect the people of Gokul from Lord Indra’s wrath. The festival commemorates the legend of Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain to shelter his devotees, marking a reminder of humility, protection, and environmental respect. Here’s an in-depth look at the reasons why Govardhan Puja is celebrated after Diwali:

• Divine Protection by Lord Krishna: As per Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna raised the Govardhan hill on his little finger to protect the villagers of Gokul from the heavy rains sent by Indra, the god of rain. This act is a symbol of divine protection and Krishna’s love for his devotees.
• Defying Pride: The religious narrative explains that Lord Krishna wanted to break Indra’s pride. By uplifting the mountain, Krishna taught that human devotion and humility hold more power than arrogance, setting an example for future generations.
• Honoring Nature’s Bounty: Govardhan Puja is celebrated to pay respects to Govardhan Parvat, symbolizing a form of nature worship. Devotees offer prayers to Govardhan Nathji by creating small models of the mountain with cow dung, flowers, and lamps in their courtyards.
• Annakoot Festival Tradition: On Kartik Shukla Pratipada, a lavish feast called Annakoot, comprising 56 different food items (Chappan Bhog), is prepared and offered to Lord Krishna. This offering signifies gratitude for the bountiful harvest and food resources.

Also Read: Govardhan Puja Mantra in English, Hindi, Sanskrit

Rituals of Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja has a unique set of rituals that are significant to its celebration. Each step in the process reflects devotion, gratitude, and the importance of nature:

• Cow Dung Figures: Devotees create a representation of Govardhan Parvat using cow dung in the courtyard of their homes. This symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and reverence for the land.
• Offering of Chappan Bhog (56 Delicacies): A variety of food items, collectively known as Chappan Bhog, are offered to Lord Krishna to commemorate the Annakoot tradition. This offering signifies thankfulness for nature’s abundance.
• Circumambulation of Govardhan: Devotees perform a ritual circumambulation (Parikrama) around the representation of Govardhan Parvat, expressing their respect and reverence for nature and Lord Krishna.

Also Read : How to Make Govardhan Puja at Home

Spiritual and Cultural Importance

Govardhan Puja strengthens the cultural and spiritual bonds in the community, as families and neighbors come together to celebrate the festival. The festival underscores the values of humility, nature’s significance, and the importance of protecting and cherishing our environment.