Govardhan Puja | Legend and Significance - Regional Variations - Puja and Aarti - Govardhan Parikrama - Cow Worship - Key Traditions and Customs of Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja: Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut Puja, is a Hindu festival celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali, the festival of lights. It typically falls on the first lunar day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Kartika. Govardhan Puja is primarily observed in North India, especially in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan. Legend and Significance: The festival has its roots in Hindu mythology and is associated with the legend of Lord Krishna. According to the legend: In the village of Gokul, people used to worship Lord Indra, the god of rain, and offer elaborate sacrifices to seek his blessings for bountiful harvests. However, Lord Krishna advised the villagers to worship Govardhan Parvat (mountain) instead, emphasizing the importance of nature over grand rituals. In defiance of Lord Indra's wrath, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Parvat on his little finger to provide shelter to the villagers from the torrential rains. This act sy...