Govardhan Puja: Why worshipping Krishna is delayed this year

Diwali brings days of colour, lights, and joy, but the timing for Govardhan Puja adds a unique twist this year! Traditionally, Govardhan Puja—the celebration honouring Lord Krishna’s incredible feat of lifting Govardhan Hill—follows the day right after Diwali. However, this year, Govardhan Puja is observed on November 2 because of amavasya tithi. As we are celebrating Diwali on October 31 and November 1, the muhurat for Govardhan Puja is a day later.

गौ, गोपी, ब्रजवासियों की रक्षा के लिए गोवर्धन पर्वत को अपनी कनिष्ठका पर धारण करने वाले भगवान “श्रीकृष्ण” आप सभी को सुख,समृद्धि, धन, धान्य से परिपूर्ण कर अपनी भक्ति प्रदान करें।

“गोबर्धन पूजा” एवं “अन्नकूट उत्सव” की आप सभी को अशेष शुभकामनाएं।#GovardhanPuja pic.twitter.com/hWxFHNQRgW

— ज्ञानेंद्र पंडित (@Modified24) November 8, 2018

The Hindu calendar’s Pratipada date, part of the Kartik month’s Shukla Paksha, marks when Govardhan Puja is observed. This is why, despite Diwali landing on October 31, Govardhan Puja falls on November 2 this year. This break from tradition adds a bit of anticipation and gives more time to prepare for the festivities!

The story behind Govardhan Puja

The tale behind Govardhan Puja is epic: Lord Krishna, questioning why the villagers of Braj worshipped Lord Indra, persuaded them to honor the Govardhan Hill instead, which sustained their cattle. Enraged, Indra unleashed a torrent of rain, hoping to punish them. In response, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill with a single finger, providing shelter to all the residents of Braj. The villagers, safe under Krishna’s protection, celebrated his valour and the power of nature, leaving Indra humbled.

Since then, Govardhan Puja has been celebrated, not just as an honour to Lord Krishna’s strength but as a reminder of humility and the reverence we owe to nature.

How we celebrate Govardhan Puja

On Govardhan Puja, people make a symbolic hill of cow dung representing Govardhan, decorate it, and perform rituals around it. Worship includes singing hymns and offering food, especially sweets. The most significant part of the puja, Annakut or the “Mountain of Food,” involves creating a massive feast, symbolizing abundance. This is first offered to Krishna and then shared as prasad among friends, family, and devotees.

What’s special about this year

The unusual timing this year is a rare alignment, making Govardhan Puja even more exciting. It’s like an extended celebration from Diwali, allowing devotees more time to carry forward the festive joy. So, while Diwali brightens up the world with lights, Govardhan Puja adds a day dedicated to Krishna’s love for his devotees and his unwavering protection.