Introduction
Goverdhan Puja, sometimes referred to as Annakut Puja, is a festival honoring the omnipotent Lord Krishna. On November 5, 2021, Govardhan Puja will be held this year. This festival, which is observed on the day after Diwali, has a particular place in Hindu mythology.
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It commemorates the day Lord Krishna conquered Lord Indra by raising the Govardhan Parvat with just one finger, protecting the locals’ cattle and villages from the fury of nature.
The Importance of the Goverdhan Puja
In accordance with Hindu mythology and holy writings like the Bhagavata Purana, the Goverdhan puja celebrates the day when Lord Shri Krishna raised the Goverdhan Parvat to offer shelter from the heavy rains that Lord Indra had brought on in order to destroy the village of Vrindavan.
Food is an essential part of this puja because, on this special day, worshippers present Lord Krishna with a “mountain” of food as an offering. In addition, they burn candles, adorn the home, sing kirtans, and adore Lord Krishna.
The Goverdhan Puja Rituals
In many ways, the nation observes Govardhan Puja. It is observed as Bali Pratiba or Bali Padva in Maharashtra and South India. On this day, it is said that Lord Vishnu drove the demon, King Bali, to Patal Loka.
Devotees clean and adorn the place of worship, light lamps, and take an early shower on this day. Then the Lord Krishna statue is adorned in fresh clothes and jewels, given a milk bath, and served his favorite delicacies.
Prepared Food for Goverdhan Puja.
Food is an important part of this event because, in certain traditions, worshippers present a mountain of food to ask for Lord Krishna’s grace. Numerous fruits, vegetarian meals, and grains like wheat and rice are among the selections. In addition, people offer Sri Krishna sweets and other savory dishes.
On this occasion, a well-known vegetarian treat called “Annakut ki Sabzi” is cooked. Like Janamsahtmi, Chappan Bhog is cooked in some regions. Popular dishes like Kheer, Ladoo, Panjiri, Panchamrit, Sooji Halwa, Kaju Barfi, and Makhan-based treats are made and served to Lord Krishna as prasad.
Celebrations in Annakut Today.
Hindus see Annakut as a time to teach children religious and cultural values, beg God’s pardon, and show devotion to Him.
All 3,850 BAPS mandirs and centers around the world hold day-long celebrations of the Annakut festival each year.
Devotees of Swaminarayan prepare and present a wide range of vegetarian meals to Hindu gods, including Swaminarayan and Krishna, among others, throughout the festival.
The biggest event of the year is frequently the Annakut festival, held in BAPS mandirs.
On October 27, 2019 (Diwali), the BAPS Atladra Mandir in Gujarat broke the Guinness World Record for the biggest Annakut ever staged.
Goverdhan Puja Vidhi: How to Do It?
Celebrations of Goverdhan puja are rooted in tradition. On this day, the worshippers create mountains out of cow poo. People adorn the hill, which stands in for Mount Govardhan, with flowers and kumkum. The devotees go around the cow dung hills in “Parakrama” (rounds).
People pray to Goverdhan Parvat for their safety and well-being. Additionally, the Goverdhan Puja Vidhi depicts people bathing their cows or bulls. Additionally, they adorn them with garlands and saffron. An essential component of Govardhan Puja is Annakut Puja.
During this celebration, Chappan Bhog and Goverdhan Aarti are presented to Lord Krishna. The family and friends enjoy the “Annakut Prasad.
Reasons for Diwali Celebration, Goverdhan Puja
This Puja is based on the Hindu idea that Lord Krishna sought to humble Indra. Because of this, he shielded the Gokul residents from Indra by raising the Goverdhan mountain on his little finger.
Following this, it is said that Lord Krishna personally gave the command for 56 Bhog to worship Goverdhan Parvat on the day of Kartik Shukla Pratipada. Since then, Goverdhan Puja has been performed regularly, and the festival of Goverdhan Puja is observed annually.