Govardhan Puja, also widely known as Annakut or Annakoot (meaning "a mountain of food"), is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated the day after the main Diwali puja. [1] It falls on the first day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Kartik. [1, 2] At its heart, the festival commemorates a celebrated episode from Lord Krishna's childhood, honoring his victory over the pride of Lord Indra and establishing a profound message about faith, devotion, and respect for the natural world that sustains life. [1, 2]
The Legend of Govardhan Hill
The story behind Govardhan Puja originates from sacred texts like the Bhagavata Purana and is centered on Lord Krishna's life in the pastoral village of Vrindavan. [1, 3] According to the legend, the villagers traditionally performed an elaborate annual worship ceremony for Lord Indra, the king of gods and the deity of rain and storms, to ensure a bountiful harvest. [1, 2]
A young Krishna questioned this custom. He argued that it was the Govardhan Hill, not a distant god, that directly sustained their livelihood by providing fodder for their cattle, clean air, water, and other natural resources. [1, 4] He convinced the villagers to redirect their worship and offerings to the mountain itself as a gesture of gratitude. [1, 2]
Enraged by this perceived insult and the loss of his offering, Indra unleashed his fury upon Vrindavan. He commanded the clouds to send down torrential, non-stop rains, intending to submerge the entire village. [1, 4] As the terrified villagers sought refuge, Lord Krishna performed a divine and miraculous feat. He single-handedly lifted the entire Govardhan Hill with just his little finger, holding it aloft like a giant umbrella. [1, 3] For seven days and nights, all the people and animals of Vrindavan took shelter under the mountain, protected from Indra's storm. [1, 4] Humbled and realizing Krishna's true identity as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Indra's pride was broken. He ceased the rains and offered his prayers to Krishna. [1, 3]
Rituals and Celebrations
Annakut: The Mountain of Food
The most significant ritual is the preparation of the 'Annakut', which translates to "a mountain of food." [1, 2] Devotees cook a vast array of vegetarian dishes—traditionally 56 distinct items, known as *Chappan Bhog*—and arrange them in a mound before the deity of Krishna. [1, 2, 4] This offering symbolizes the feast the villagers prepared for Krishna out of gratitude after he held the mountain for seven days without eating. [4]
Worship of the Hill
In homes and temples, devotees create a symbolic replica of Govardhan Hill, often made from cow dung, which is considered auspicious in pastoral traditions. [1, 2, 3] This effigy is then beautifully decorated with colors, flowers, and miniature figures of cows. [1, 2] Devotees worship this symbolic mountain and perform *parikrama* (circumambulation) around it while singing devotional hymns (*kirtans*). [1]
Significance of the Festival
Govardhan Puja carries deep philosophical messages that resonate even today. It teaches profound respect for the forces of nature, reminding humanity of its dependence on the environment for survival and the importance of being grateful for its blessings. [1] The festival powerfully reinforces the Hindu concept of *bhakti* (devotion), illustrating that God will protect devotees who place their complete faith in him, no matter the odds. [1]
In some regions, particularly Western India, this day is also celebrated as **Bali Pratipada** or **Padwa**. This tradition commemorates the legend of Lord Vishnu's Vamana (dwarf) avatar humbling the demon-king Bali. [2, 3] For many business communities, especially in Gujarat, this day also marks the beginning of the new financial year, making it a time for both spiritual and material renewal. [2, 3]