History and Legend of Govardhan Pooja
Govardhan Puja is also known as the Annakut puja (or Padwa, Bali Pratipada, and Gujarati New Year), means worshiping the pile of grains (symbolizing the Govardhan mountain), which is celebrated to remember the victory of Lord Krishna over the arrogant Indra. It is considered that, at this day Lord Krishna had defeated the Lord of heaven, known as Indra. Lord Krishna told the people of the Vrindavan dham to worship the Nature because only the Nature is nurturing you. He taught people that worship the Govardhan Mountain (which brings rain to the earth) and stop worshiping Indra. Such type of message of the Lord Krishna to the people was generally to teach the people to take care of the nature.
Govardhan Pooja 2016
Govardhan Puja 2016 would be celebrated by the people at Monday, on 31st of October.
Govardhan Pooja 2015
Govardhan Puja 2015 was celebrated by the people at Thursday, on 12th of November.
Govardhan Pooja 2014
Govardhan Puja 2014 was celebrated by the people at Friday, on 24th of October.
Why Govardhan Pooja is Celebrated (Significance)
A great mountain of the food, called as the Govardhan Mountain, is adorned by the people at this occasion. It is considered that the Govardhan Mountain was lifted by the Lord Krishna in order to save the life of people from the arrogant Indra. Lord Indra was throwing thunder and a lot of rain over the earth and lord Krishna had saved the millions of life by lifting the Govardhan mountain on his little finger. From then, the Annakut pooja is performed with the immense passion and eagerness by the people in various states of India such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura, Vrindavan and Bihar.
How Govardhan Pooja is Celebrated (Celebration)
In some Indian states, Govardhan Puja is celebrated by making the hillocks of cow-dung which represents the Mount Govardhan. Then people decorate the hillocks by flowers and worship them. Devotees make rounds around the hillocks and pray to Lord Govardhan to save their life as always. At some places, it is celebrated as a part of the Diwali such as the Padva or Bali Pratipada to commemorate the King Bali. And at some places, it is enjoyed as a Gujarati New Year because the Vikram Samvat begins at this day.