Govardhan Puja 2023, also known as Annakut or Annakut Puja, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. It falls on the fourth day of the 5 Days of Diwali, which is the second day of the bright half of Kartik month. This festival holds immense cultural and spiritual importance and is observed by Hindus as a day of gratitude towards nature, specifically the yields of cattle and livestock. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of Govardhan Puja, its date in 2023, and the associated puja timings.
Also Read: Diwali 2023: Date, History & Why Do We Celebrate
History of Govardhan Puja
- The history of Govardhan Puja is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, specifically in the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana. The most famous story associated with this festival is that of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra, the god of rain and thunderstorms.
- According to the Bhagavata Purana, the residents of Vrindavan used to worship Lord Indra, believing that he was responsible for providing them with the rains they needed for their livelihood. However, Lord Krishna, who was a young boy at that time, convinced the villagers to stop worshipping Lord Indra and instead worship the Govardhan Hill, which was believed to be a manifestation of Lord Krishna himself.
- This decision angered Lord Indra, who unleashed torrential rains and storms upon Vrindavan to punish the villagers for not worshiping him. In response, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill with the little finger of his left hand to provide shelter to the people and cattle of Vrindavan. He held the hill aloft for seven days and nights, protecting from the rain and storms. Lord Indra eventually realized his mistake and stopped the rainfall.
- This event signifies the victory of devotion, righteousness, and humility over pride and ego. Govardhan Puja is celebrated to commemorate this divine act of Lord Krishna and to express gratitude to nature, as it is believed that the Govardhan Hill represents the natural environment and all the resources it provides.
Govardhan Puja 2023 Date
Govardhan Puja 2023 is celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali, which is known as the second day of the bright half of Kartik month. In 2023, Govardhan Puja falls on November 14th. It is essential to know the exact date of Govardhan Puja as it allows devotees to prepare for the celebration and observe the rituals with devotion.
The date of Govardhan Puja 2023 is determined according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This means that the date may vary each year according to the Gregorian calendar. Devotees and communities begin their preparations well in advance to ensure the smooth and vibrant celebration of this festival.
Govardhan Puja Timings
The timings for Govardhan Puja 2023 are essential for those who wish to observe this auspicious day with devotion and reverence. The Govardhan Puja muhurat or Pratipada Tithi begins from 02:56 PM on 13th November and ends on 02:36 PM 14th November or auspicious timing for is as follows:
Govardhan Puja Pratahkal Muhurat
- Morning Muhurat (प्रात:काल): 06:43 AM to 08:52 AM
- Duration: 2 hours 9 minutes
Govardhan Puja Sayankal Muhurat
- Evening Muhurat (सायंकाल): 02:56 PM to 04:59 PM
- Duration: 2 hours 35 minutes
It is advisable to perform the Govardhan Puja 2023 during these auspicious timings to receive the maximum spiritual benefits and blessings from Lord Krishna. Devotees can begin their preparations well in advance to ensure that they are ready to perform the rituals at the designated times.
Govardhan Puja
Here are the essential Govardhan Puja 2023 rituals:
1. Pratahkal Govardhan Puja: This is the morning ritual, which begins after sunrise and usually takes place between sunrise. Devotees clean and decorate the place of worship with flowers and rangoli. A small hillock made of cow dung or clay is also prepared to symbolize the Govardhan Hill. After performing the morning aarti, various food items, and sweets are offered to the deity.
2. Sandhya Govardhan Puja: The evening puja, also known as Sandhya Puja, takes place around sunset. Devotees prepare a large hill of cow dung or clay to represent the Govardhan Hill. They offer a wide variety of food items, grains, fruits, and sweets in a display known as ‘Annakut.’ The deity is worshipped with devotional songs and bhajans.
3. Govardhan Parikrama: After the evening puja, devotees participate in the Govardhan Parikrama, which involves circumambulating the hill or the deity to seek blessings and express their gratitude. The Parikrama can be performed individually or as part of a community procession.
4. Annakut Darshan: The Annakut, a display of various food items, grains, and sweets, is kept overnight for darshan (viewing) and distributed to devotees the next day.
5. Bhajan and Kirtan: Throughout the day, bhajans (devotional songs) and kirtans (singing of hymns) are an integral part of the celebration. Devotees sing praises of Lord Krishna and share stories of his divine actions.
6. Goverdhan Puja Prasad Distribution: One of the highlights of the festival is the distribution of prasad (blessed food) to family and friends. It is believed that consuming the prasad brings good luck and prosperity.
Conclusion
Govardhan Puja 2023 is a unique festival that combines spirituality, devotion, and gratitude towards nature. The story of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and the consequences of ego. The celebration of this festival includes elaborate rituals, puja, bhajans, and community involvement, making it a joyous and communal experience.
Govardhan Puja 2023 will be observed on November 14th, and devotees will eagerly participate in the morning and evening pujas, perform Govardhan Parikrama, and distribute Annakut prasad. This celebration not only strengthens the spiritual connection of devotees but also emphasizes the need to protect and respect the environment and its resources. As we celebrate Govardhan Puja, let us also remember our responsibility to care for the natural world that sustains us.
Why Govardhan Puja is celebrated after Diwali?
Govardhan Puja 2023 is celebrated the day after Diwali because it commemorates a specific incident involving Lord Krishna that occurred shortly after the Diwali festival. As per Hindu mythology, this incident took place in the village of Vrindavan right after the people of the village had observed Diwali. The story of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill and the subsequent celebration of Govardhan Puja is a part of this narrative.
What is the reason behind Govardhan Puja?
Govardhan Puja 2023 is celebrated to commemorate the act of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill with his little finger to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra’s destructive rains. The reason behind this puja is to acknowledge Lord Krishna’s divine intervention and selfless act of protecting the villagers. It serves as a reminder of the power of faith, devotion, and the importance of selfless acts in Hindu culture.
How to celebrate Govardhan Puja?
To celebrate Govardhan Puja 2023, devotees prepare a replica of the Govardhan Hill from cow dung or clay and decorate it with flowers, leaves, and other offerings. The hill is then worshipped with great devotion, accompanied by the singing of bhajans (devotional songs) and the recitation of prayers dedicated to Lord Krishna. Devotees also prepare a wide variety of vegetarian dishes and sweets, known as the Annakut, which is offered to the deity as a symbol of gratitude.
Govardhan Puja Vidhi and Annakut?
The Vidhi or procedure for Govardhan Puja 2023 involves placing the replica of the Govardhan Hill on a clean surface, offering flowers, leaves, and other offerings, and performing aarti (a ceremonial prayer) with incense and lamps. The Annakut, a mound of various vegetarian dishes, is arranged around the hill, symbolizing the bountiful food and blessings provided by Lord Krishna. Devotees then offer prayers, sing devotional songs, and seek Lord Krishna’s blessings for protection, prosperity, and well-being.
Govardhan Puja is celebrated in which state?
Govardhan Puja 2023 is celebrated throughout India, and it is not limited to a specific state. It is a prominent festival observed by Hindus across the country, particularly in the northern and western regions. While the level of celebration and rituals may vary from one region to another, the essence and significance of Govardhan Puja remain consistent.
Who is Govardhan in Lord Krishna?
In Hindu mythology and the Bhagavata Purana, Govardhan is not a person but a sacred hill located in the region of Vrindavan. It is the setting for the legendary story of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan from the heavy rains and floods brought about by the wrath of Lord Indra. In this story, Govardhan symbolizes the natural environment and the shelter provided by Lord Krishna to the people. Lord Krishna is the central figure in this story, and his miraculous act of lifting the Govardhan Hill signifies his divine power and protection.
