Feature by Yashasvi Anika Tandon
Govardhan pooja is a festival celebrated, mainly, in North India just a day after Diwali.
It is known by many names such as Annakoot (mountain of food), Padwa (name based on the Tithi or date on which the festival falls), Jamghat, etc. The festival falls on Mahapratipada or Padwa Tithi in the Shukla Paksha (waning moon phase) of the Hindu month of Kartik.
Origin
Govardhan Puja is mainly dedicated to Lord Krishna, when he lifted the Govardhan hill on his little finger to save his fellow villagers from Lord Indra’s anger.
The Govardhan Hill or Girriraj can be found in Uttar Pradesh, 21kms away from Radha Kund.
The story goes that once, Lord Indra was very angry with the villagers. To punish them, he sent incessant (non-stop) rain. To save the villagers, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill on his little finger, and the villagers took refuge under the hill.
Celebration in Different Parts of India
Govardhan puja is mostly celebrated in Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
In Haryana, small hillocks of cow dung are made to represent the Govardhan Hill. They are decorated with flowers, kumkum, and rice. People offer Parikrama (revolutions) around the hillocks. They also decorate cows and bulls with garlands and worship them.
In other places, this day is celebrated as Annakut, where people make a mountain of food consisting of a multitude of dishes, sweets, vegetables, and fruits.
A special kind of vegetable called ‘Gudbud’ (or Gajabaja), among other names, is prepared. It is an exotic dish comprising of many vegetables and spices!!
Gujarat celebrates this day as Bestu Baras, because it is the first day of the Vikram Samvat as per the Gujarati calendar.
Padwa is celebrated in Maharashtra, where men gift presents as a custom to other family members.
In some parts of India, Govardhan Puja is celebrated as Vishwakama Day too! People worship their vehicles, machines, and tools.
Jamghat is an activity that is held on this day in Lucknow, where people fly kites and enjoy themselves. Kite flying competitions are held as well. Jamghat was started during the reign of the Nawabs.
How do you celebrate Government puja?
We would love to know!