Govardhan Puja is observed in honor of Lord Krishna and the sacred Govardhan Hill, which holds an extremely high position in the rituals of Hinduism. The festival takes place on the fifth day of Diwali celebrations, which typically occur the day after Diwali. The festival is relatively more prevalent in northern India.
Why Celebrate Govardhan Puja?
Story of Krishna Lifting Govardhan Hill:
According to Hindu mythology, this festival commemorates the day when Lord Krishna managed to hold up the Govardhan Hill on his little finger to save the villagers of Vrindavan from heavy rains and thunderstorms heaved at them by Lord Indra, the god of rain.
Being boastful, Lord Indra rained waters in torrents to dismember the village as the villagers had stopped worshipping over him. They convinced Krishna to worship nature especially the Govardhan Hill, which gave them everything they needed.
The act of hill lifting by Krishna represented protection of villagers and animals besides telling a message of humility and respect for nature.
Nature Worship
Govardhan Puja also emphasizes nature as the base, as it teaches people to treat nature and its resources with respect and worship. The festival is celebrated for Govardhan Hill, which is giving shelter, food, and water to each creature.
During the festival, a variety of food offerings known as Annakut are prepared. These are served at the base of the hill or in temples as a token of gratitude for nature’s bounty
Annakut Festival:
Another festival to celebrate Govardhan Puja is to express gratitude through the Annakut or “Mountain of Food.” Devotees cook massive amounts of vegetarian food and make an offering before Lord Krishna, which symbolizes a devoted and grateful offering.
This even symbolizes plenty, where resources are shared among people.
Ceremonies and Traditions:
Making a Model of Govardhan Hill: In most places people would make small models of Govardhan Hill using cow dung, mud, or other materials, which is later decorated with flowers and offerings.
Food Offering: Devotees prepare a great feast with different kinds of dishes, which is offered to Lord Krishna to signify the Annakut or food mountain.
Special prayers and Bhajans in temples and even at home are performed in respect of Lord Krishna and Govardhan Hill.
Symbolic Representation:
Humility Triumphs: The legends and meaning of this festival have said that humility and respect towards nature would conquer haughtiness and pride. The victory of Indra, who was a proud god, represents the important triumph of humble Lord Krishna.
Respect for Nature: Worship of Govardhan Hill represents dependence on nature as well as the environment for sustenance and survival.
Conclusion:
Govardhan Puja reminds people of how nature has to be respected and protected because God showers as much protection he can over his devotees, including Lord Krishna. Additionally, Govardhan Puja is an event on which man, animals, and nature are reminded to teach people about humility and gratitude.
