Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, Bali Pratipada, or Godhan Puja, is celebrated the day after Diwali. Rooted in devotion to Lord Krishna, it honours nature’s abundance and the sacred connection between humanity, land, and divine protection. In 2025, this cherished festival will once again illuminate homes, temples, and hearts across India with gratitude, community, and spiritual reverence.
Govardhan Puja 2025: Date & Muhurat
- Expected Date: 21 October 2025 (a day after Diwali)
- Lunar Basis: Kartika Shukla Pratipada Tithi
- Govardhan Puja Muhurat 2025: Will occur during Pratipada Tithi (exact timings to be confirmed closer to the date)
- Pratipada Tithi Begins 2025: Likely during late hours of Diwali night
- Bali Pratipada & Gujarati New Year 2025: The same day marks Bestu Varas, the Gujarati New Year, widely observed with Annakut offerings in Swaminarayan temples.
Mythological Essence: The Govardhan Story
The origins of Govardhan Puja lie in the beloved tale of Lord Krishna in Vrindavan. Observing villagers performing grand rituals for Lord Indra, Krishna encouraged them instead to offer gratitude to Govardhan Hill, which provided them with food, water, and shelter.
Angered, Indra unleashed torrential rains. To protect his devotees, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger for seven days and nights. Humbled, Indra bowed before Krishna, acknowledging his divine supremacy.
Core Message: True worship is gratitude towards nature and compassion for all living beings.
Govardhan Puja And Diwali
While Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama and the triumph of light, Govardhan Puja honors Lord Krishna’s act of protection and his message that devotion is shown through care for the land, animals, and community. It marks a fresh beginning after Diwali’s auspicious night.
Govardhan Puja Vidhi (Ritual Procedure)
Step-by-Step Rituals
- Creating Govardhan Parvat: A symbolic hill is made using cow dung, soil, or grains, representing Mount Govardhan.
- Decorations & Images: Idols of Lord Krishna, cows, and gopas are placed around the hill.
- Annakut Offering: A lavish spread of vegetarian dishes is prepared and offered.
- Aarti & Bhajans: Devotees sing “Govardhan Giridhari” and perform aarti with incense, lamps, and tulsi leaves.
- Circumambulation: Families walk around the symbolic hill, expressing surrender and gratitude.
Godhan Puja: Worship of Cows & Cattle
In rural India, Govardhan Puja is closely tied to Godhan Puja, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab.
- Cows and bulls are bathed, decorated, and fed.
- Farmers pray for fertile fields and prosperous harvests.
- Cow dung cakes are fashioned into Govardhan images for worship.
Symbolism: Cows represent nourishment, agriculture, and abundance — pillars of agrarian life.
Annakut: A Mountain of Offerings
“Annakut” means mountain of food. Devotees prepare dozens — sometimes hundreds — of dishes, including:
- Sweets: Laddoo, peda, malpua
- Snacks: Kachori, pakodi, poori
- Rice & Pulses: Khichdi, dal varieties
- Fruits & Dairy: Milk offerings, curd, butter
This culinary hill symbolizes gratitude for divine providence. After worship, the food is shared as Prasad, reinforcing community and sharing.
How to Make Govardhan Parvat at Home
| Material | Method |
| Cow Dung (Traditional) | Shape a hill, adorn with flowers, silver paper, and figurines |
| Food/Grains (Annakut Style) | Layer rice, halwa, sweets, lentils, creating a colourful food-mountain |
| Clay/Toys (For Kids) | Use clay, leaves, toy cows, and mini Krishna idols |
Include pathways, trees, ponds, and devotee figurines to depict Vrindavan’s sacred landscape.
Govardhan Parikrama: A Spiritual Journey
Govardhan Parikrama is a revered pilgrimage around the actual Govardhan Hill in Mathura, stretching approx. 21 km.
- Pilgrims chant “Radhe Radhe” and “Govinda” as they walk.
- Stops include Mansi Ganga, Kusum Sarovar, and Radha Kund.
- Some devotees even perform dandavat parikrama, bowing fully at each step.
Meaning: A complete surrender to divine protection and gratitude to nature.
Celebrations Across India
Mathura & Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh)
- Temples like Banke Bihari and Dwarkadhish showcase massive Annakut displays.
- Thousands flock for Govardhan Parikrama.
- Krishna Leelas and bhajans echo throughout Vrindavan.
Gujarat: Annakut & New Year
- Marks Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas).
- Swaminarayan Temples offer grand Annakut — sometimes 1000+ delicacies.
Maharashtra: Bali Pratipada
- Linked to King Bali’s return.
- Farmers worship tools, livestock, and fields.
Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab
- Godhan Puja with bull races, rural fairs, and folk songs.
Regional Names & Variations
| Region | Local Name |
| Uttar Pradesh, Bihar | Govardhan Puja/Annakut |
| Gujarat | Annakut/Bestu Varas |
| Maharashtra | Bali Pratipada |
| Haryana, Punjab | Godhan Puja |
| Rajasthan | Mewari Annakut |
Summing Up
Govardhan Puja is far more than a ritual — it is a profound reminder of our bond with nature, humility, and divine grace. In 2025, as families build small hills, prepare food offerings, and sing praises of Govardhan Giridhari, they reaffirm Lord Krishna’s eternal message:
“True worship lies not in pride, but in the protection of land, life, and love.”
