Govardhan Puja (Annakut) 2025

On many occasions, Govardhan Puja falls on the next day of Diwali and it is celebrated as the day when Lord Krishna defeated Lord Indra. Sometimes there may be a difference between Diwali and Govardhan Pooja. In religious texts, a celebration of Govardhan Puja is celebrated on the antiquity of the Kartik month. Depending on the starting time of Pratipada, the day of Govardhan Puja may fall on the Hindu calendar a day before the new moon day. For the Gujarati community, the festival is celebrated as its New Year's Day.

Literally translated from Sanskrit, 'Go' means cow and 'Vardhan' means our nutrition ', and it is not surprising that during the festival of Govardhan Puja, holy cow is worshipped in the Hindu community.

Stroy behind Govardhan Puja

According to Hindu mythology, the people of Gokul worshipped Lord Indra, also known as the god of rain. However, Lord Krishna asked the people to worship Anandkit Hill or Govardhan Mountains, which they thought was a more powerful God. Govardhan Parbat is often worshipped by devotees who seek nurturing and protection from harsh conditions in life. Parbat is also revered for providing food and shelter to its devotees when they need it.

After the advice of Lord Krishna, the people of Gokul started worshipping the Govardhan Hill in place of Lord Indra. On seeing this, Lord Indra became very angry and began to make heavy rain in Gokul. Lord Krishna intervened to save the people by lifting the Govardhan hill with his little finger and covering the people of Gokul under it. 

Govardhan Puja Vidhi

Since Annakut the festival is very close to the festival of Diwali, the rituals of both festivals are also closely linked. During the Annakut, like the festival of Diwali, the first three days are on the day of prayer, which is done to purify the money and invite more prosperity in the family. Devotees pray to Lord Krishna and express gratitude to God.

Often confused as having the same, Govardhan Puja and Annakut are really different. Govardhan Puja is a major ritual performed during the Annakut; I.e. Govardhan Puja is actually only one section of the Annakut festival throughout the day.

Govardhan Puja Vidhi or Rituals

There are many rituals for Govardhan Puja, which are practised by various communities. One such tradition is the idol of Lord (usually Lord Krishna). The idol is made from cow's dung, which is later placed with beautifully decorated mud dyes (called Diya) and candles. The devotees also pray to Lord Govardhan. Many families also make Rangoli (colourful powder, coloured sand and ornamental art made from flower petals) outside their homes.

The statues and idols of the deities also bath in milk, and beautiful new clothes are worn, which are decorated with precious stones and beads.

Annakut – Why Devotees prepare huge food on this day?

In Hindu families, elderly family members of Anukutt consider an auspicious time to teach the religious and cultural values ​​to the children, and sincerely express their dedication to God asking for forgiveness from God.

As part of the ceremony, people prepare a gala feast, which contains 56 types of food (referenced by local people as Chappan Bhog). It is first offered to Lord Krishna.

Govardhan Puja (Annakut) 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions (F&Q)

1. What is Govardhan Puja (Annakut)?

Govardhan Puja, also referred to as Annakut ("mountain of food"), is a Hindu festival observed on the day following Diwali. It celebrates Lord Krishna's heavenly act of uplifting the Govardhan Hill to save the inhabitants of Vrindavan from the deluges of rain unleashed by Lord Indra. Devotees create a huge offering of vegetarian cuisine (Annakut) as an expression of gratitude.

2. When is Govardhan Puja in 2025?

Govardhan Puja in 2025 will be celebrated on:
Thursday, October 23, 2025 (according to the Hindu lunar calendar, on Kartik Shukla Pratipada).

3. How is Govardhan Puja celebrated?

Annakut Preparation: Devotees prepare and offer different types of vegetarian food items (sweets, savories, fruits, etc.) stacked in tiers in the form of a mountain. Puja & Parikrama: Special prayers are held by temples, and devotees are doing Govardhan Parikrama (circumambulation) around a symbolic hill prepared either from cow dung or food.
Cow Worship: Cows are worshiped, as they represent Krishna's affection for Govardhan and his identity as Gopala (cow protector).

4. Why is Govardhan Puja important?

Commemorates nature worship (Govardhan Hill symbolizes nature's abundance).
Highlights humility and devotion over pride (as demonstrated by Krishna's triumph over Indra's pride).Encourages sharing among people through food offerings (Annakut).

5. Is Govardhan Puja identical to Bali Pratipada?

No, though they usually coincide on the same day.
Govardhan Puja is predominantly observed in North India, with emphasis on Krishna's miracle. Bali Pratipada or Padwa commemorates the return of King Bali to Earth and is observed in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and other areas.