Govardhan Puja, a festival rooted in deep spiritual and cultural significance, was celebrated across India on Wednesday with devotion and enthusiasm. The festival, observed a day after Diwali, honours Lord Krishna’s act of lifting the Govardhan mountain to protect the people of Vrindavan from torrential rains sent by Lord Indra.
From Rajasthan to Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra to West Bengal, devotees performed traditional rituals, offered prayers, and prepared the symbolic ‘Annakut’, a mountain of food representing gratitude and abundance.
In Rajasthan’s Bundi district, the celebration coincided with the second day of the grand Deepotsav. Homes were adorned with lamps and floral decorations as families sculpted Govardhan idols from cow dung, offering fruits, puris, papdis, milk, and curd. Women prayed for happiness, peace, and prosperity, while devotees performed parikrama (circumambulation) around the sacred idol, seeking blessings for protection and abundance.
The festival in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, was marked by strong community participation. Women in traditional attire created idols of ‘Govardhan Maharaj’ and offered prayers amid devotional songs. Locals believe the puja strengthens sibling bonds and ensures the long life of brothers, giving the festival a sentiment similar to Raksha Bandhan.
In Mecheda, West Bengal, the ISKCON temple hosted an elaborate Annakut Mahotsav attended by hundreds of devotees. The event included cow worship, devotional singing, and offerings to Lord Krishna. West Bengal Opposition leader Subhendu Adhikari participated in the rituals, highlighting the inclusive and communal spirit of the occasion.
Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, also witnessed large gatherings at the Radha Krishna Mandir, where a grand idol of Lord Govardhan crafted from cow dung was adorned with 56 traditional offerings. The rituals continued through the day as devotees prayed for prosperity and family well-being.
In Beawar, Rajasthan, the cowherd community carried forward a thousand-year-old tradition. Women prepared puri and kheer, while men performed the main puja. One distinctive ritual saw unmarried young men attempting to pick up puris using only their mouths, a gesture believed to bring good fortune in finding a life partner. The festival concluded ceremonially on Dev Uthani Ekadashi with a ritual involving a bull, marking the end of Diwali festivities and the start of the wedding season.
Meanwhile, in Tonk, Rajasthan, women crafted replicas of Govardhan using cow dung and prayed for family prosperity, upholding customs passed down through generations.
The celebrations extended to Pune, Maharashtra, where thousands gathered at the historic Sarasbaug complex for the annual Govardhan Pahat Diwali event. The early morning festivities featured cultural performances, devotional songs, and folk dances. The Pune Police managed the crowd and security, ensuring smooth proceedings as the city welcomed the festival with warmth and splendour.
Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, continues to remind devotees of humility, gratitude, and the need to live in harmony with nature — echoing Lord Krishna’s timeless message of faith and protection.
