Govardhana Puja

Govardhana Puja

Govardhana Puja, also known as Annakut Festival, is celebrated in the sacred month of Kartika (October–November), just after Diwali and often coinciding with the Gujarati New Year. In 2025, Govardhana Puja will be observed on Wednesday, 22 October 2025 at Hare Krishna Mandir with grand devotion and festivities.

This festival commemorates the divine pastime of Lord Sri Krishna lifting Govardhana Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavana from the wrath of Indra, the king of heaven.

The Story of Govardhana Lila

When Lord Krishna saw the residents of Vrindavana preparing for the Indra‑yajna, He advised them to worship Govardhana Hill instead, honoring the land, cows, and nature that sustain life. Angered, Indra sent torrential rains to flood Vrindavana.

Krishna, with His little finger, lifted Govardhana Hill like an umbrella, sheltering all the villagers and animals for seven days. Realizing his mistake, Indra begged for forgiveness. This pastime, described in the Tenth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, teaches that a devotee surrendered to Krishna needs no other protection.

Govardhana Puja 2025 Celebrations atHare Krishna Mandir

Following the tradition of Vrindavana’s residents, devotees atHare Krishna Mandir will prepare varieties of food offerings — grains, ghee, sweets, and milk preparations — arranged in the shape of a small hill symbolizing Govardhana. This Annakut is offered to the Lord and later distributed as prasadam to all visitors.

The day’s schedule will include:

• Darshan Aarti & Annakut Darshan in the morning

• Go Puja at theRadha Madhava Goshala

• Govardhana Puja Katha narrating the pastime

• Pallaki Utsava and Shayan Aarti in the evening

You can view the completefestival calendar and join the celebrations vialive darshan.

Rituals and Significance

• Annakut Offering: Hundreds of food preparations stacked like a hill and offered to Krishna.

• Go Puja: Worship of cows, dear to Lord Krishna.

• Kirtan & Bhajans: Devotional singing glorifying Govardhana Lila.

• Prasadam Distribution: Sharing the blessed food with all attendees.

Govardhana Puja is not only a celebration of Krishna’s protection but also a reminder to live in harmony with nature and depend on the Lord for all needs.

Connection with Diwali and New Year

Govardhana Puja is celebrated the day after Diwali and often marks the Gujarati New Year. This makes it a time of renewal, gratitude, and devotion. Many devotees begin the New Year by offering seva during Govardhana Puja, seeking blessings for prosperity and spiritual growth.

Join Us for Govardhana Puja 2025

We invite you to be part of Govardhana Puja & Annakut Festival 2025 atHare Krishna Mandir. Whether you attend in person or join online, experience the joy of devotion, the beauty of Kartika month, and the spiritual energy that follows Diwali.