- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:21 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
One day after Diwali, people celebrate Govardhan Puja to honour Lord Krishna and his miraculous actions, particularly the lifting of Govardhan Hill to protect the people and cows of Gokul from the torrential rain that was sent by Indra, the king of gods. In 2025, Goverdhan Puja will be celebrated on 22 October. This festival honours Krishna's devotion to his followers and emphasises the value of protecting cows and the environment. In Uttar Pradesh's Braj region, Govardhan Hill is revered by millions of followers and has great spiritual significance.
On this day, people perform rituals, offer food to cows, and build small hillocks of cow dung to symbolise Govardhan. Beyond its significance in culture and religion, the tales of Krishna and Govardhan promote qualities in us, such as bravery, devotion, and caring for the environment. Although many people know Krishna's playful and divine nature, most are unaware of some amazing facts regarding his relationship with Govardhan Hill.
This article uncovers 35 intriguing facts and questions about Lord Krishna and Govardhan Puja that will deepen your understanding of this divine celebration.
General Facts About Govardhan Puja
1. What is Govardhan Puja?
Answer: It is a festival celebrating Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect Gokul from heavy rains.
2. When is Govardhan Puja celebrated?
Answer: It is observed the day after Diwali, usually in October or November.
3. Why do people worship Govardhan Hill?
Answer: To honour Lord Krishna’s miracle and seek protection and blessings.
4. Where is Govardhan Hill located?
Answer: In the Braj region near Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India, on an 8-kilometre-long hill, in the area of Goverdhan and Radha Kund, 21 kilometres from Vrindavan.
5. What is the significance of offering food during Govardhan Puja?
Answer: It symbolises gratitude to Krishna and sustenance provided by nature.
6. Do people build small hillocks of cow dung during the festival?
Answer: Yes, it represents Govardhan Hill and devotion to Lord Krishna.
Lord Krishna’s Connection with Govardhan Hill
7. Why did Krishna lift Govardhan Hill?
Answer: To protect villagers and cows from heavy rains sent by Indra.
8. How long did Krishna hold the hill?
Answer: According to legend, Krishna held it for seven days and nights.
9. Who did Krishna protect under Govardhan Hill?
Answer: All the people, cows, and animals of Gokul.
10. What does Krishna’s act symbolise?
Answer: It symbolises courage, devotion, and divine protection.
11. Is Govardhan Hill still worshipped today?
Answer: Yes, devotees consider it sacred and offer prayers and rituals.
12. Does the hill have spiritual powers?
Answer: It is believed to bless devotees with prosperity, health and protection.
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Rituals and Celebrations of Govardhan Puja
13. What is the main ritual of Govardhan Puja?
Answer: Creating a small hillock of cow dung and offering food, flowers, and prayers.
14. Why do people feed cows on this day?
Answer: Cows are sacred in Hinduism, and Krishna is a cowherd; feeding them is auspicious.
15. Is Annakut offered on Govardhan Puja?
Answer: Yes, a large variety of food is prepared and offered to Lord Krishna.
16. Are there processions during the festival?
Answer: In some regions, devotees carry images of Krishna around the hillock.
17. Do children participate in Govardhan Puja?
Answer: Yes, they help build hillocks and offer food.
18. Is there singing or dancing on Govardhan Puja?
Answer: Devotional songs and dances celebrating Krishna’s leelas are common.
Mythological Facts About Krishna and Govardhan
19. Who was Indra, who sent torrential rains?
Answer: Indra is the king of the gods who sent torrential rains on Gokul.
20. Why did Indra get angry with the villagers?
Answer: He was upset because villagers stopped worshipping him and started honouring Govardhan.
21. How did Krishna teach a lesson to Indra?
Answer: By lifting Govardhan Hill, he showed his divine power and protection.
22. Is the story of Krishna lifting Govardhan in the scriptures?
Answer: Yes, it is mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana and other texts.
23. Does Govardhan Puja teach any moral lessons?
Answer: Yes, it teaches devotion, humility, and respect for nature.
24. Are animals involved in the festival?
Answer: Cows and other domestic animals are fed and worshipped.
Fun and Lesser-Known Facts about Goverdhan hills
25. Is Govardhan Hill considered alive?
Yes, devotees believe the hill has a divine consciousness because Krishna once lifted it to protect Gokul.
26. Does Govardhan Hill have a special shape?
Answer: Yes, legend says the hill is shaped like a cow, symbolising Krishna’s love for cows.
27. What famous miracle did Krishna perform at Govardhan Hill?
Answer: Krishna lifted the hill with his little finger to shield villagers and cows from torrential rains sent by Indra.
28. Why do people visit Govardhan Hill?
Answer: It is a major pilgrimage site, especially during Govardhan Puja, attracting devotees from India and abroad.
29. What is the significance of Parikrama around Govardhan Hill?
Answer: Walking around the hill (about 21 km) is believed to bring spiritual blessings and remove sins.
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30. Are there temples on Govardhan Hill?
Answer: Yes, the hill has several small shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna and other deities.
31. What is Annakut, and how is it celebrated at Govardhan Hill?
Answer: Devotees prepare a mountain of food to offer to Krishna at the base of the hill during the festival.
32. Does Govardhan Hill have a connection to nature?
Answer: Yes, it symbolises respect for nature and reminds people to protect the environment.
33. Are Krishna’s childhood stories linked to Govardhan Hill?
Answer: Yes, many of Krishna’s playful acts (leelas) in Vrindavan are associated with this hill.
34. Is Govardhan Hill mentioned in ancient scriptures?
Answer: Yes, texts like the Bhagavata Purana describe Krishna’s miraculous lifting of Govardhan Hill.