• Source:JND

Govardhan Puja 2023: Two days following Diwali, the holy Hindu festival of Govardhan Puja is observed. With its deep cultural and spiritual significance, this festival expresses gratitude for nature's rewards, particularly the yields of cattle and other livestock. Govardhan Puja falls on Monday, November 14, this year. The origins of Govardhan Puja lie in the tradition of Lord Krishna, who, by raising Govardhan hill on his finger sheltered the animals, birds, and people of Braj from the fury of Lord Indra. During Govardhan Puja, when Lord Krishna and Giriraj are worshipped, this deed of heavenly protection is commemorated on this day. 

Goverdhan Puja 2023 Date And Shubh Muhurat 

- Goverdhan Puja 2023 Shubh Muhurat - 14th November 2023

- Pratipada Tithi Begins - 13th November, 02:56 PM

- Pratipada Tithi Ends - 15th November, 02:36 PM

Lord Krishna lifted the Goverdhan Parvat on his little finger. (Image Source: ISKCON Chowpatty)

Goverdhan Puja 2023 Significance And Rituals 

This event holds immense significance for Hindus. On this day, devotees worship the cow, Govardhan Parvat, and Lord Shri Krishna. Worshipping the Govardhan hill and Lord Krishna's favourite cows on this day is believed to bestow blessings from the Hindu deity. 

Thousands of pilgrims flock to Govardhan Mountain in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, to offer prayers during Annakut Puja. Chhappan Bhoga prasad is prepared for Lord Krishna. The 56 distinct culinary items that make up Chappan Bhog are essentially treats, sweets, or savoury dishes. Some offer Chappan Bhog prasad to other worshippers and sing Govardhan Puja bhajan after worshipping Lord Krishna.

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Goverdhan Puja 2023 Story 

According to Hindu legends, Lord Krishna once urged people to worship the Govardhan mountain rather than Lord Indra with their prayers. He thought that Govardhan Mountain, which fed the cows, ought to be worshipped rather than Lord Indra, who brought us rain. He informed his mother Yashoda that the rain we receive is the duty of Lord Indra. In response, Lord Indra became enraged and unleashed so much rain that the vicinity of Vrindavan experienced floods. Yet with the touch of a single finger, Lord Krishna raised the Govardhan mountain, providing everyone beneath it with safety from floods. Lord Indra was taken aback by this and halted the rain. Ever since Govardhan Puja is observed one day following Diwali.