Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is a highly anticipated festival that is part of the Diwali celebrations. This festival is of great significance to the Hindu community as it is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Here, we will delve into the captivating story behind Govardhan Puja, its date and time in 2023, and how to perform this sacred puja at home.
The Govardhan puja story originates from the Hindu epic, the Bhagavata Purana. In the village of Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna spent his childhood, the residents would perform grand sacrifices to please Lord Indra, the god of rain. They believed that this worship would bring abundant rainfall and prosperity to their community. However, young Lord Krishna advised them to instead worship Govardhan Hill, which had provided them with fertile land and pastures for their cattle. The villagers took Krishna’s advice and organized a massive feast called Annakut, made up of various food items in the shape of a mountain. When Lord Indra sent torrential rains as a response to their lack of worship, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill with his little finger to offer shelter to the villagers and their cattle. This act of divine protection symbolizes the importance of nature and gratitude.
In 2023, Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 14, as part of the fourth day of Diwali. The Pratahkaal Muhurat for Govardhan puja on November 12th starts at 6:43 am and ends at 8:52 pm.
To perform Govardhan puja at home, it is important to first clean the house and decorate the place of worship with flowers, rangoli, and traditional motifs. A symbolic representation of the Govardhan Hill can be made using cow dung, clay, or other materials, and decorated with various food items as offerings. It is then customary to perform a special puja to Lord Ganesh, Lord Krishna, and Govardhan Hill in that order, offering flowers, incense, sweets, grains, fruits, and dairy products. Creating an Annakut, a mountain of food items, and lighting a diya (lamp) while singing devotional songs and hymns in praise of Lord Krishna are also essential parts of the puja. Upon completion, it is customary to share the Prasad with relatives, friends, and neighbors, and to organize a feast to celebrate the values of sharing and caring. Additionally, it is a day to recognize and reward manual employees who support agriculture and other village-based trades and to engage in acts of charity.
In conclusion, Govardhan Puja is a beautiful festival that reminds us the importance of expressing gratitude to Mother Nature and celebrating the gifts she provides. It is an opportunity to come together with reverence, love, gratitude, and happiness.
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