The glow of Diwali may fade, but the morning that follows brings a softer, more spiritual light. That morning is Govardhan Puja, a day of gratitude and faith when devotees remember how Lord Krishna lifted a mountain to protect his people and taught the world that true worship lies in honouring nature. In 2025, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 22, a day that carries deep meaning for families across India. It is also called Annakut Puja, the day of offering a mountain of food to Lord Krishna as a gesture of thanks for abundance, protection, and nourishment.

Govardhan Puja 2025 Date, Time and Muhurat

These are the auspicious timings for this sacred celebration:

Govardhan Puja Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Morning Muhurat: 6:26 am to 8:42 am

Evening Muhurat: 3:29 pm to 5:44 pm

Pratipada Tithi Begins: 5:54 pm on October 21, 2025

Pratipada Tithi Ends: 8:16 pm on October 22, 2025

Both the morning and evening periods are considered perfect for performing Annakut Puja, offering prayers to Lord Krishna, and expressing gratitude for the blessings of nature.

The Story Behind Govardhan Puja

The story of Govardhan Puja is one of courage, compassion, and divine protection. Long ago, the people of Vrindavan worshipped Lord Indra, the god of rain, believing he was responsible for their good harvests. A young Krishna asked them why they did not instead honour Govardhan Hill, the very mountain that gave them fertile soil, grass for their cows, and clean water to drink. The villagers agreed and held a grand celebration to thank the hill.

Angered by this, Indra unleashed a violent storm upon Vrindavan. For seven days and nights, rain poured endlessly. Seeing the people’s fear, Krishna calmly lifted the Govardhan Hill with his little finger and held it like an umbrella, shielding everyone and their cattle beneath it. When Indra realised his mistake, he stopped the storm and bowed before Krishna. That moment became eternal. Govardhan Puja is celebrated every year to remember Krishna’s message of humility and gratitude: that we must honour what truly sustains us.

Rituals and Traditions of Govardhan Puja 2025

Across India, families celebrate this day in their own beautiful ways, but the essence remains the same: devotion, gratitude, and togetherness.

1. Making the Sacred Govardhan Hill: The main ritual of the day involves creating a small Govardhan Hill using cow dung, mud, or clay. The hill is decorated with flowers, leaves, and grains. Small figures of cows, Krishna, and villagers are placed around it. This hill represents nature’s generosity and Krishna’s divine protection.

2. Preparing the Annakut: The word Annakut means ‘mountain of food.’ Devotees prepare a grand variety of vegetarian dishes, often more than fifty-six, called Chappan Bhog. These dishes are offered to Lord Krishna as a symbol of gratitude for the year’s harvest and for his constant protection. The sight of this food arrangement in homes and temples is truly heartwarming: it feels like an offering of love itself.

3. Performing the Puja: During the morning and evening Muhurat, devotees offer flowers, sweets, water, and incense before Lord Krishna and the symbolic hill. Many chant devotional songs and Krishna bhajans. In temples, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, the Annakut is displayed in grand form, and devotees line up to witness and receive prasad. You can also listen to and chant the [Om Jai Jagdish Hare](Om Jai Jagdish Har) or Gayatri Mantra on AstroSure.ai for calmness, focus, and spiritual clarity before your puja.

4. Sharing the Prasad: After the puja, the food becomes Annakut prasad, and everyone in the family and community shares it with joy. This act of sharing represents unity and the idea that blessings multiply when distributed with love.

5. Dyuta Krida: Some communities observe Dyuta Krida, a symbolic game of chance. It reminds people that life’s ups and downs are temporary, and faith keeps us grounded through it all.

Govardhan Puja Across India

The beauty of Govardhan Puja is that while its heart lies in Vrindavan, its spirit touches every corner of India. In North India, especially Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, people sing songs celebrating Lord Krishna and perform the Govardhan Parikrama, a sacred walk around the actual hill in Mathura that covers more than 20 kilometres.

In Gujarat, this day often coincides with the Gujarati New Year (Bestu Varas). Families perform Chopda Pujan, where they open new account books and pray to Goddess Lakshmi for a successful financial year. In Maharashtra, the same day is observed as Bali Pratipada or Bali Padva, marking the victory of Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar over King Bali. It is also a celebration of loyalty, humility, and divine promise.

Spiritual Benefits of Celebrating Govardhan Puja

The deeper meaning of Govardhan Puja goes far beyond rituals. It is a festival that teaches us to slow down, appreciate what we have, and trust the divine order of life. Here are some of its spiritual benefits:

• Harmony with Nature: Worshipping the hill reminds us of the sacred bond between humans and the environment.

• Abundance and Prosperity: Offering the Annakut strengthens the flow of prosperity in one’s life.

• Protection and Peace: Devotion to Lord Krishna on this day is said to remove fear and negativity.

• Community and Gratitude: Sharing food and joy brings people together and creates lasting harmony.

This is a day that reminds us that faith is not just about prayers, but about kindness and respect for every life-giving force around us.

The Message of Govardhan Puja 2025

Govardhan Puja is more than a day on the calendar. It is a reminder that humility is strength and gratitude is the purest form of worship. When Lord Krishna lifted the mountain, he did not just protect a village; he gave humanity a lesson that still matters today. As you celebrate Govardhan Puja this year, take a moment to thank the divine, the earth beneath your feet, and the food on your plate. Let this day be about appreciation, simplicity, and peace.

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