Govardhan Puja 2024:
Govardhan Puja is called Annakut as well. This Hindu festival usually occurs in the lunisolar month of Karthik and falls in between October and November on the Gregorian calendar. The celebration embodies the victory of light over darkness; hence it is of great importance to the Braj region of India. In accordance with this day’s traditions, Lord Krishna spared the wrath of Indra, the rain god who had been angry with people living in Vrindavan. On November 2nd this year, worshippers will celebrate a mountain that represents abundance by gorging on a variety of foods. Besides recognizing this divine achievement, this event also signifies nature’s triumph and emphasizes environmental preservation.
Annakut: The Food Mountain
The term “annakut,” which translates to “a mountain of food,” is a vibrant means through which to express abundance and gratitude. Devotees prepare and offer various types of vegetarian dishes to the deity to give thanks for the bountiful harvests they have received. Usually, grains, fruits, vegetables are given with sweets that represent earth’s bounty.
Moreover, since family members and friends come together to make food for it, Annakut signifies love and togetherness among its associates. This collective effort reinforces cultural traditions related to sharing as well as caring while strengthening individual bonds with other people in society.
Govardhan Puja Schedule for 2024
November 2, 2024, is the date of Govardhan Puja in 2024. Early morning Puja Muhurat: 06:14–08:33. Pratipada Muhurat starts on November 1 from 06:16 PM and ends on November 2 from 08:21 PM .
Govardhan Puja’s Significance
The symbolic contributions uphold the virtues of simplicity and ecological responsibility while expressing thanks for the abundance of the earth.Govardhan Puja is a wonderful event that recognizes the concept of togetherness, sharing, and acknowledging the riches of Mother Nature. It goes beyond and above tradition to cultivate environmental responsibility among its people thus valuing earthly resources. Most importantly, the idea of celebrating this event is rooted in how people should relate to nature.
Why is the Govardhan Puja celebrated after Diwali?
On the day of Govardhan Puja, people commemorate the value of the natural world, the virtue of simplicity, and the strength of devotion.It is a celebration of harmony, the neighborhood, and Lord Krishna’s heavenly grace. It promotes a sense of responsibility for the world around us as devotees construct the symbolic Govardhan Hill with their own food, serving as a reminder to preserve and respect the environment. Govardhan Puja’s schedule, which falls after Diwali, has significant implications. As a result of this, the period of simplicity and modesty is in contrast to the magnificence of Diwali itself. This also serves to remind everyone that while pcelebrations are essential they must always be accompanied by gratitude and a sense of respect for nature – just as Lord Krishna demonstrated when He lifted Govardhan Hill.
Govardhan Puja’s History:
The mythological story from the Bhagavata Purana is the foundation of this festival. The common legend goes that Lord Krishna encouraged the inhabitants of Vrindavan to worship Govardhan Hill rather than present sacrifices to Indra, the rain god. Upon hearing about this, Indra lost his temper and descended upon Vrindavan with a torrent of rain. Lord Krishna lifted the whole Govardhan Hill with his little finger in order to protect the locals, giving both humans and animals a place to live.
This incident serves as a symbol to people of how they should live in peace with nature, have strong faith and commitment. Govardhan Puja occurs the day after Diwali when devotees use food to recreate Govardhan Hill.
Govardhan Puja Rituals:
During Govardhan Puja, a series of rituals take place. People express their love for Govardhan Hill by creating a small mound using cow dung and decorating it with flowers, grains and other decorative materials. On this day, people pray to Lord Krishna so as to seek blessings, protection and prosperity. There is a grand meal consisting of 56 different varieties of vegetarian dishes that represent the 56 bhog (offering) made for Lord Krishna as Annakut. Parikrama is another important ritual performed during Govardhan Puja. Govardhan puja reinforces an individual’s belief in divine protection as well as the importance of living peacefully with the environment. Besides, this time calls on us to learn from lives of kindness and mercy exhibited by God Krishna through his life span.All in all, Govardhan is a grand event celebrated in India. This festival not only involves praying to Lord Krishna, but also gives significance to the need to coexist with nature and the belief in divine protection. Moreover, it is a time dedicated to learning from Lord Krishna’s life and acts of love.
Going Around, or Parikrama of Govardhan Hill
After presenting offerings and showing off Annakut, devotees perform one important rite that is called circumambulation and prayer. This refers to walking round Mount Govardhan, or something similar to it as a way of honoring Lord Krishna with devotion.
The “Parikrama”, or circumambulation is made with high reverence and traditionally involves chanting of mantras and prayers.
As soon as the Parikrama is over, the post-ceremony customs begin. Offering gifts like flowers and sweets is one such custom for thanking and blessing visitors. Next comes dancing, music as well as other cultural activities that enhance the excitement around the occasion. Commonly, people end their day by sharing food together, thus creating an atmosphere filled with happiness and oneness.
Celebrations of Govardhan Puja in Various Indian Regions:
There are regional variations in the titles given to Govardhan Puja across the nation. There are various names for it, including “Gujarati New Year,” “Annakut Puja,” “Padwa,” and “Bali Pratipada.”
Haryana:
It is customary in Haryana to construct mountains made of cow dung to symbolize Mount Govardhan. These hills are then lavishly flower-decorated, blessed with kumkum and akshat, and undergo Parikrama. On this auspicious day of Govardhan, some people even adore and beautify their bulls and cows, as well as adorn themselves with garlands.
Maharashtra:
In Maharashtra, the same day is known as Bali Pratipada or Bali Padva. On this day, people celebrate the defeat of King Bali by Vamana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and Bali’s subsequent flight to Patal Lok. On this day, Asura King Bali is said to visit the Prithvi Lok from the Patala Lok as a result of a blessing bestowed by Lord Vamana.
Know more about astrology: acharyaganesh.com
Gujarat:
Govardhan Puja Day usually falls on the same day as Gujarati New Year’s Day, which falls on Shukla Paksha Pratipada in the month of Kartik. The celebration of Govardhan Puja may take place one day ahead of the Gujarati New Year, contingent upon the beginning time of Pratipada Tithi.
Govardhan Puja is recognised as “Padwa” in several western parts of India, as compared to the more well-known Gudi Padwa. Wives give their husbands garlands, put “Tilak” on their foreheads, and perform an aarti on this day to wish them a long and prosperous life.The husbands then pamper their spouses with costly gifts as a gesture of their appreciation and devotion.As a result, the Gudi Padwa celebration honors the marriage of selfless love and dedication between a husband and wife.
In many regions of India, people celebrate this day as “Vishwakarma Day,” honoring their tools, automobiles, firearms, and machinery.
For interesting reels, follow us on Instagram
Govardhan Puja Mantras for 2024
During the Govardhan Puja, people chant “ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय” (Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya) in order to ask Lord Krishna’s blessings.Devotees believe that reciting this mantra will bring prosperity, peace and protection from harm. Recitation of the mantra increases one’s gratitude for nature’s bounty and strengthens one’s connection with the divine.
For interesting astrology related videos, subscribe us on Youtube
