Govardhan Pooja, also known as Annakut or Annakoot, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali, known as Kartik Shukla Pratipada. This festival is dedicated to Lord Krishna’s victory over Indra, the rain god, and his protection of the people of Vrindavan from a devastating storm by lifting the Govardhan Hill. In 2024, Govardhan Pooja will be celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion on November 1st.
Significance of Govardhan Pooja
Govardhan Pooja commemorates the story from the Bhagavata Purana where Lord Krishna encouraged the people of Vrindavan to worship Govardhan Hill instead of Indra. This act of devotion demonstrated the importance of respecting and living in harmony with nature. The festival also signifies the victory of humility and devotion over pride and arrogance.
Preparations for Govardhan Pooja
- Cleaning and Decoration: Clean the house and the surrounding areas. Decorate the pooja area with rangoli, flowers, and lights.
- Collecting Ingredients: Gather the necessary items for the pooja, including cow dung, fresh flowers, fruits, sweets, and various food items.
- Creating the Govardhan Hill: Make a small replica of the Govardhan Hill using cow dung. Decorate it with flowers, grains, and miniature clay figurines of Lord Krishna, cows, and other characters from the story.
Items Required for Govardhan Pooja
- Cow dung or clay for making the Govardhan Hill
- Fresh flowers and garlands
- Various food items for Annakut (mountain of food)
- Incense sticks and lamps
- Holy water (Ganga jal)
- Tulsi leaves
- Fruits and sweets
- Pooja thali (plate) with kumkum, turmeric, rice grains, and sandalwood paste
- Bell and conch shell
Step-by-Step Procedure for Govardhan Pooja
- Purification: Sprinkle holy water around the pooja area and the Govardhan Hill to purify the environment.
- Invocation (Aavahan): Place the idol or picture of Lord Krishna near the Govardhan Hill. Invoke Lord Krishna and other deities by chanting mantras and prayers.
- Offering Flowers and Garlands: Decorate the Govardhan Hill and the idol of Lord Krishna with fresh flowers and garlands.
- Annakut Preparation: Arrange a variety of food items in front of the Govardhan Hill, creating a mountain-like shape. This offering, known as Annakut, symbolizes abundance and gratitude for the bounties of nature.
- Lighting the Lamp and Incense Sticks: Light the lamp (diya) and incense sticks as a symbol of purity and devotion.
- Applying Tilak: Apply sandalwood paste, turmeric, and vermilion (kumkum) to the idol of Lord Krishna.
- Tulsi Offering: Offer Tulsi leaves to the deity, as they are considered sacred and dear to Lord Krishna.
- Aarti: Perform the aarti by waving the lit diya in a circular motion in front of the Govardhan Hill and the idol of Lord Krishna while singing the aarti song.
- Reciting Prayers and Mantras: Recite prayers and mantras dedicated to Lord Krishna, such as the Govardhan Ashtak or other devotional hymns.
- Offering Prasad: Distribute the offered food (prasad) among family members, friends, and neighbors, symbolizing sharing and community bonding.
Post-Pooja Celebrations
- Feasting and Sharing: Enjoy the variety of food prepared for Annakut with family and friends. Sharing the prasad strengthens communal harmony and fosters a sense of togetherness.
- Cultural Programs: Participate in cultural programs, dances, and bhajans (devotional songs) dedicated to Lord Krishna, enhancing the festive spirit.
The Environmental Message of Govardhan Pooja
Govardhan Pooja carries a profound environmental message. By worshiping Govardhan Hill and the elements of nature, devotees acknowledge the importance of living in harmony with the natural world. The festival encourages sustainable practices and respect for the environment, emphasizing that nature, when revered and protected, provides for all living beings.
Govardhan Pooja 2024
Govardhan Puja on Saturday, November 2, 2024
Govardhan Puja Pratahkala Muhurat – 06:34 AM to 08:46 AM
Duration – 02 Hours 12 Mins
Dyuta Krida on Saturday, November 2, 2024
Govardhan Puja Sayankala Muhurat – 03:23 PM to 05:35 PM
Duration – 02 Hours 12 Mins
Conclusion
Govardhan Pooja is a beautiful blend of devotion, cultural heritage, and environmental consciousness. As we celebrate this festival in 2024, let’s embrace the teachings of Lord Krishna and commit to protecting and nurturing our natural surroundings. May this Govardhan Pooja bring joy, prosperity, and harmony to all!